Cardiovascular Health & Longevity
Nattokinase: The Fermented Soy Enzyme Dr. David Sinclair and Joe Rogan Are Talking About
If you spend time in longevity circles online, you’ve probably noticed a single word popping up again and again over the past year: nattokinase. Harvard genetics professor and longevity researcher Dr. David Sinclair shared it with his followers on X, citing studies on its potential cardiovascular benefits. Joe Rogan has discussed it on his podcast in the context of blood clot risk and circulatory health. And here at Provena Care, it’s one of the most-requested products in our wellness shop.
So what is nattokinase, why is it generating so much buzz, and what does the actual science say? Let’s break it down — carefully, and without overstating what the research shows.
What Is Nattokinase?
Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. Natto has been part of the Japanese diet for centuries, and researchers became interested in it decades ago after noticing that regions with high natto consumption had comparatively lower rates of cardiovascular events.
The enzyme itself was first isolated in 1980 by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, a Japanese researcher studying fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) substances in food. In laboratory studies, nattokinase has demonstrated the ability to break down fibrin, the structural protein that forms blood clots. This is the property that has captured the attention of researchers and longevity-focused clinicians alike, because fibrin and related clotting factors play a role in the buildup of arterial plaque over time.
What Dr. David Sinclair Said
In early 2025, Dr. David Sinclair — co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School and author of Lifespan — posted to X about nattokinase, highlighting research suggesting that the enzyme, often studied alongside vitamin K2, may support arterial health by helping the body manage calcium deposits and fibrin buildup in blood vessels. Sinclair has publicly stated that he personally takes nattokinase, reportedly around 10,000 fibrinolytic units (FU) per day, as part of his broader longevity stack.
It’s worth being precise about what the underlying research actually shows. A long-term observational study following over 1,000 participants found that among people taking a higher dose of nattokinase (around 10,800 FU per day), there was an average reduction in carotid artery plaque size of up to 36%, and roughly 95% of participants in that group showed some degree of improvement. The 95% figure refers to the proportion of people who saw a benefit — an important distinction that often gets lost in social media summaries.
How Nattokinase May Support Cardiovascular Health
- Fibrinolytic activity — Nattokinase has been shown in lab and animal studies to help break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation.
- Blood pressure — Several small human studies have found modest reductions in blood pressure among participants taking nattokinase over 8 weeks.
- Arterial plaque — Longer-term observational data suggests a potential role in slowing plaque progression or modestly reducing plaque size, particularly at higher daily doses.
- Blood viscosity — Some research suggests nattokinase may support healthier blood flow characteristics.
Important: Nattokinase has blood-thinning properties similar to (though generally milder than) pharmaceutical anticoagulants. Anyone taking blood thinners, preparing for surgery, who has a bleeding disorder, or who is pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their physician before starting nattokinase.
Nattokinase and Vitamin K2: A Common Pairing
You’ll often see nattokinase discussed alongside vitamin K2, and for good reason — both are derived from the natto fermentation process, and K2 plays a complementary role in directing calcium away from arterial walls and toward bone tissue. Many longevity-focused protocols pair the two, and our wellness shop carries formulations that reflect this combined approach.
Nattokinase at Provena Care
Nattokinase is available in the Provena Care wellness shop, and our care team can help you understand dosing considerations, potential interactions, and how it might fit into a broader cardiovascular or longevity-focused plan. For longevity membership patients, nattokinase is also something we can discuss in the context of your broader lab work — including markers like hs-CRP, Lp(a), and lipid panels — so that any supplement decisions are grounded in your actual data.
The Bottom Line
Nattokinase is a genuinely interesting compound with a long history in the Japanese diet and a growing (though still early-stage) body of research suggesting it may support cardiovascular health, particularly around blood clotting factors and arterial plaque. The honest summary: promising, worth discussing with your doctor, not a substitute for the fundamentals of cardiovascular health — diet, exercise, sleep, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nattokinase safe to take every day?
Many people take nattokinase daily as part of a supplement routine, but because of its blood-thinning properties, it’s important to discuss your full health picture — including any medications — with a healthcare provider first.
How is nattokinase different from eating natto?
Natto is the whole fermented soybean food; nattokinase is the specific enzyme isolated from it. Supplements allow for a more concentrated, standardized dose than you’d typically get from food alone.
Where can I get nattokinase?
Nattokinase is available in the Provena Care wellness shop. Stop by or ask your care team during your next visit.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an upcoming surgery.