Is Nattokinase Good for Kidneys?

Is Nattokinase Good for Kidneys? A Balanced Look at the Available Evidence

Nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme extracted from natto, a fermented soybean product traditionally consumed in Japan. It has been investigated primarily for its fibrinolytic properties, which involve breaking down fibrin in blood clots, and for potential effects on cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure. Is nattokinase good for kidneys?

Interest in its impact on kidney health arises from its broader circulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as questions about its safety profile. This article examines the scientific literature on nattokinase and kidneys, focusing on safety data and any reported effects, while emphasizing that research remains limited, particularly in humans.

Understanding Nattokinase and Its Primary Mechanisms

Nattokinase functions as a fibrinolytic agent, helping to degrade fibrin, a key component of blood clots. This activity supports improved blood flow and has been studied in the context of cardiovascular health. While its main applications relate to circulation, any potential influence on organs like the kidneys would likely stem from indirect mechanisms, such as effects on blood pressure or inflammation, which are known risk factors for renal issues. However, direct studies specifically targeting kidney outcomes are sparse.

Nattokinase and Natto: Key Differences Explained

Nattokinase vs natto, related yet distinct. Natto is a traditional Japanese fermented soybean dish produced using Bacillus subtilis, featuring a sticky texture, strong aroma, and broad nutritional profile. A typical serving provides approximately 1500 FU of nattokinase along with protein, fiber, probiotics, and high levels of vitamin K2. Nattokinase supplements isolate this fibrinolytic enzyme in standardized doses, offering an odorless, convenient option focused on the enzyme alone without consuming the fermented food. Natto delivers a whole-food approach, while nattokinase supplements emphasize targeted delivery. Considerations include personal taste preferences and potential interactions, such as vitamin K2 in natto with certain medications.

The Importance of Kidneys and Factors Affecting Their Function

Kidneys filter blood, regulate electrolytes, and help control blood pressure through systems like the renin-angiotensin pathway. Conditions such as hypertension and poor circulation can contribute to renal stress over time. Supplements that influence these factors are sometimes evaluated for possible supportive roles, but evidence must be assessed carefully without overstating benefits. So let's dive deeper into our question: is nattokinase good for kidneys?

Safety Assessments of Nattokinase in Relation to Kidney Function

Multiple studies have evaluated nattokinase for potential adverse effects, including on renal parameters. High doses of nattokinase showed no adverse effects on kidney function. For example, a comprehensive assessment found no histopathological abnormalities in kidneys and only minor, non-adverse changes in urinary parameters like sodium and creatinine at elevated doses. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was determined to be 1000 mg/kg-day in rats, the highest dose tested, with no indication of kidney damage.

Human studies have similarly shown no evidence of kidney toxicity. Clinical trials monitoring parameters such as blood creatinine and urea have shown values remaining within normal ranges, with no significant changes attributable to nattokinase. Reviews of randomized controlled trials on nattokinase for cardiovascular risk factors have noted no notable adverse events related to renal function.

Animal Studies Exploring Effects on Renal Markers

Some preclinical research has examined nattokinase in models of induced stress or damage. In one study using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, high-dose nattokinase was associated with reduced glycogen deposition in renal tubules and lower circulating advanced glycation end products (AGEs), though it did not affect blood glucose levels. These observations were dose-dependent, with low doses showing no such effects. The authors suggested this might relate to inhibiting AGE formation under hyperglycemia, but emphasized the need for further clarification on mechanisms.

Another animal model involving gamma-irradiated rats treated with isoproterenol (simulating cardiac stress) reported improvements in certain renal biomarkers, such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), aldosterone, and angiotensin II, when nattokinase was administered. These changes were interpreted as potential mitigation of renal stress in that specific context, but the study focused primarily on myocardial protection.

Additionally, research in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models has indicated that nattokinase may protect against acute kidney injury through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, reducing markers like oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators.

These animal findings provide preliminary insights but are not directly translatable to human kidney health without further confirmation.

Indirect Links Through Cardiovascular Effects

Hypertension is a major contributor to chronic kidney disease progression. Some human trials have associated nattokinase consumption with reductions in blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, which could theoretically reduce renal stress over time. However, these effects are primarily cardiovascular, and no direct renal protection has been established in clinical settings.

Selecting a Nattokinase Supplement: Factors to Consider

How to find the best nattokinase supplement? When selecting a nattokinase supplement, key considerations include a dose of at least 10,800 FU per serving, the presence of vitamin K2 (MK-7) for potential vascular support, and additional ingredients such as oat beta glucan for cholesterol and inflammation-related aspects. Powdered forms are sometimes preferred over capsules for better absorption and flexible dosing. Third-party testing is recommended to verify purity, potency, and label accuracy. Many products on the market provide lower doses (typically 1,000–4,000 FU), may contain fillers, or lack independent verification.

General Safety Considerations and Recommendations

Overall, available studies indicate that nattokinase is generally well-tolerated, with no reported kidney toxicity in healthy individuals or in the contexts examined. Clinical and toxicological data support a favorable safety profile regarding renal function at typical doses of a nattokinase supplement. That said, individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions, those on anticoagulants, or anyone considering supplementation should consult a healthcare professional, as interactions or individual factors could influence outcomes. 

Looking Ahead: The Need for More Research

While safety data are reassuring and some animal models suggest interesting effects on renal markers under specific conditions, robust human clinical trials directly assessing nattokinase's impact on kidney function or disease progression are lacking. Future studies could help clarify any potential roles in renal health.In summary, current evidence does not indicate that nattokinase harms kidneys and points to a good safety profile in this regard. Any potential supportive effects remain exploratory and indirect, primarily linked to cardiovascular benefits. Always seek personalized medical guidance before using supplements.

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Sources

1. Toxicological assessment of nattokinase derived from Bacillus subtilis var. natto

2. Nattokinase Supplementation and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

3. Effect of nattokinase on the pathological conditions in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

4. Nattokinase Mitigates Myocardial Damage and Renal Dysfunction in γ-Irradiated Rats Treated with Isoproterenol

5. Breaking the vicious loop between inflammation, oxidative stress and coagulation, a novel anti-thrombus insight of nattokinase by inhibiting LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress

6. Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants