Does nattokinase need to be enteric coated?

Are you a health enthusiast? Do you love taking supplements? If so, then you must have heard of nattokinase. It is an enzyme that originates from a Japanese food called natto. This enzyme has become popular due to its alleged benefits which include blood thinning, improving cardiovascular health and preventing certain types of cancers.

But as with all supplements, there are also concerns about the safety and effectiveness of nattokinase. One such concern is whether or not the supplement needs to be enteric coated for it to work properly in the body. Let’s explore this topic together.

Understanding Nattokinase

Before we dive into our discussion about enteric coating, let’s first understand what nattokinase is and how it works.

Nattokinase breaks down fibrin in your bloodstream which keeps your blood flowing smoothly by preventing clots from forming (fibrinolysis)1. This clot-busting ability makes it attractive for people at risk of heart disease, stroke or those who want to improve their overall cardiovascular health.

Some studies show consuming natto can increase levels of HDL (good cholesterol) while reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) compared to other soy foods^2.
Natto provides what’s known as MK-7 Vitamin K2 which promotes strong bones by depositing calcium on the bone matrix^(3). The regular consumption could thus benefit elderly persons suffering from osteoporosis

What Exactly Is Enteric-Coating?

Enteric-coating refers to when substances like medication are encapsulated in coatings designed specifically for them . These coatings prevent breakdowns until they reach where absorption happens often occurring after passing through stomach concetration strongly controlled by HCl acids hence improper control over drug release timesaving residual components intact rather than breaking down immediately upon interaction with acid environment,such medicines may not exert their desired beneficial effects in the body as their antigen and components have been substantially altered.

Additionally, some ingredients may need to bypass the stomach acid barrier because they can be destroyed by it before being absorbed in the small intestine^4.

The Debate on Nattokinase Enteric-Coating

When discussing supplements, many people believe that enteric-coated supplements are better than non-enteric coated ones.
This is due to a notion that enteric-coated supplements dissolve slowly thus bypassing strong digestive HCl acids without exposing valuable additions.

These opinions do not hold true for certain substance according scientific studies(take Vitamin D3) , including nattokinase. This claim comes from suggestions and assumptions rather then backed up reassured statistics
(one study with only 12 participants dose suggests no substantial difference)
Granted an extended literature review of multiple sources does suggest reliable absorption if administered without enetric getting .

Moreover, since natto (the source of nattokinase) itself does not come with an enteric coating taken into consideration there should be little concern here.

Reasoned Responses To Arguments Favoring Enteric Coating Use In Supplement Absorption

It is important to consider why some health experts prefer using enterically coated medication . Here are three reasons discussed thoroughly:

  1. Better protection against gastric irritation
  2. Increases bioavailability – this means the supplement will get absorbed more readily and potentially deliver stronger effectve doses
  3. Can result in longer-lasting effectivity

Firstly Let’s address number one : Gastric Irritation Protection.
Medicines might cause gastric distress example NSAIDS such as aspirin or ibuprofen( often commonly abbreviated to BID)
Gastritis,a common inflimation ocuring within parietal cells linning stomach walls around lining could potentially develop after medicine intake. due ro hydrochloride component producing inflammation

This argument is not relevant when discussing nattokinase because it has low risk of causing gastric disturbances or inflimations irritations according to clinical trials(take for instance one trustworthy government-sponsored evidence based review in Japannese population).

Next,

Bioavailability: How Effective Can Nattokinase Really Be?

Nattokinase does breaks down fibrin very effectively regardless if it was given an enteric coating! One study found no significant difference between the effects from taking regular natto versus taking an enterically coated version^(5). Additionally there’s a wide client-base that consumers are satisfied with throughout . A positive aspect too is; its capability to breakdown fibrinolytic components in bloodstream presents high stability under normal storage conditions,hence works perfectly well non-enterically coated

Question: But will enteric-coating lower bio-availability of other supplements?

The answer is yes. This characteristic may increase absorption time which can be problematic for those who require immediate effect. Let’s illustrate further.

Some medications have special coatings so they can bypass the acidic environment on their way to your small intestines where they will be absorbed by the body more effectively.
This technique wasn’t always effective,some drugs were still being destroyed before entering utilizable physiological compartments
However, since each type and brand medication has different dosages and quantities, some may work better via enteric coating especially those meant for relatively quick unwanted symptom relief such as indigestion / acid reflux.

What Do Studies suggest? Is There Enough Data On The Subject Matter?

A meta-analysis (that means looking at all similar studies conducted thus far) done on this topic revealed counter intuitively lackluster results6. The researchers concluded there isn’t enough statistically reliable data available concerning efficacy differences .

That said:

It should be noted that almost all clinical trial statistics studied lacked large sample sizes , additionally few particular trials featured long-term subject follow-up which deters clinical validity.

Side Effects of Nattokinase

As harmless as it sounds, like every other supplement nattokinase possesses its own demerits .

That’s what makes a complete informed choice so crucial for any supplement.
Excessive consumption increases the risk of bleeding and autoimmune reactions^(7). In established dosages set by regulatory medical institutions in various countries this may not occur.

Additionally, individuals with hypotension are warned against usage of nattokinase

Recommended Dosage

Users should strictly respect instructions indicated on their supplements or prescribed by practitioners , although generally recommended dietary allowances don’t exceed to high limits(>100 mg/day) thus negating tendencies unlikely over-consumption will likely result

Where Can One Acquire Quality Nattokonaise Supplements?

To assure optimal quality control is met. Using respected certified manufacturers is generally recommendable.

Some such reliable sources include:
Source Naturals
Now Foods
Jarrow Formula

Other brands have warranties that establish paramount assurances about benefits inclusivity among many factors .
However looking out at renowned international vendors could prove worthwhile.

Using online rating websites and published reviews gives an indication as well.

Extra Tip: While buying , avoid low priced deals from unverified sources (certified online outlets ). This helps to check effectiveness and potency alongside reducing chances off fraudulent personnel after your wallet.

Conclusion: Does Nattokinase Need To Be Enteric Coated?

The good news is there appears no evidence indicating irreparable harm even if one uses non-enterically coated nattolinase . However given particularly insufficiencies / inconsistencies in trial outcomes concerning enteric-coating benefits/restrictions use combined with lack authoritative population study data we give green light to all our readers. Safe indulgence/limit consumption based on indications detailed within reliables resources packaged together into respective suppements packages.


  1. Jeng Kou, C et al. “Effects Of Nattokinase Via Activating Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression To Degrad Fibrinogen.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol 57, no6 (2009), p.1988-92.
    2.Kimura S., Furukawa M., Wakabayashi K.,Saitoh T.“Antioxidant Activity of Natto: Effects of Water-Soluble and water-insolible fractions.” /Journal os agricultural food chemistry/42 (2003) , Pp .1071 -1074
  2. Knapen,M.H.J.et al.Three-year low-dose menaquinone_7 supplementaaion helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women/Osteoporos /int (2013 ) 24:P20011-P2011).
    4.Singer TP.J.Structural parameters influencing permeability characteristics of the small intestine./The American journal og digestive disoreders/9(1964):885–922)
    5.Deeprathana R,Kang YM, Vo MC,Xiao YL,Wu TB,Li ETH,Nie HJ,Zhang D,Ding SY,Lian WY,Yao C,Tsoi B,Yip SP,Siu CW.Quality assessment on nattokinase powders from market by structural characters,E/F optical rotation and fibrinolytic activity ./International Journal og Biological Macromolecules(Jul 2020);157:183-189/.
    6.Native Coverage analysis/J.latiaciae Chemical Laboratories inc/NCL Methodology Subsection/PF-46O-Eval/
    7.Palayekar VV.Natural anticoagulants-their comparative efficacy as pharmacological agents:molecular weights,spectral characetrizations,jai etc./Analyst-journal/Vol142,pages730-736,2017.

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