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Benefits of Natto / Vitamin K2 (for Arteries)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Arterial calcification prevention — Knapen et al. (2015) found that 180mcg MK-7 daily for 3 years significantly improved arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) in healthy postmenopausal women compared to placebo.
  • Cardiovascular mortality reduction — the Rotterdam Study (Geleijnse et al., 2004, n=4,807) found that high dietary vitamin K2 intake was associated with a 57% reduction in coronary heart disease mortality over 7-10 years.
  • Fibrinolytic activity — Kurosawa et al. (2015) demonstrated that nattokinase (2000 FU/day) reduced fibrinogen levels and factor VIII activity, supporting healthy clot breakdown in a randomized trial.
  • Calcium metabolism — K2 activates matrix Gla protein (MGP) and osteocalcin, creating a dual mechanism that removes calcium from arterial walls and deposits it in bone matrix.

What the Research Says

The cardiovascular role of vitamin K2 has been established through epidemiological and interventional studies. Geleijnse et al. (2004) reported the landmark Rotterdam Study finding that high K2 intake reduced coronary heart disease mortality by 57%. Knapen et al. (2015) provided interventional evidence that MK-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness over 3 years. For nattokinase, Kurosawa et al. (2015) demonstrated fibrinolytic and anticoagulant effects in a well-designed RCT. The key distinction is that K2 addresses calcification (long-term structural protection) while nattokinase addresses clot dynamics (blood flow). Both components are complementary for comprehensive arterial health.

Related Conditions

Heart Health
Full Natto / Vitamin K2 (for Arteries) Guide

References

  1. (). Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women. A double-blind randomised clinical trial. Thrombosis and Haemostasis. DOI
  2. (). Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. Journal of Nutrition. DOI
  3. (). A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles. Scientific Reports. DOI