What Is Nattokinase and What Are Its Benefits?
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It is widely used as a dietary supplement to support cardiovascular health. Nattokinase potency is measured in fibrinolytic units (FU), which indicate actual biological enzyme activity — not milligrams, which only measure weight.
Published clinical research suggests nattokinase may:
- Support healthy blood pressure levels — A randomised controlled trial published in Hypertension Research (Kim et al., 2008) found nattokinase supplementation was associated with reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- Promote normal fibrinolytic activity — Nattokinase supports the body's natural ability to break down fibrin, the protein mesh involved in blood clot formation (Weng et al., Clinica Chimica Acta, 2017).
- Support healthy circulation — Research published in Integrated Blood Pressure Control (Jensen et al., 2016) found nattokinase consumption was associated with reduced von Willebrand factor, a marker of vascular health.
Clinical studies typically use dosages between 2,000 FU and 5,000 FU per day. Nattokinase is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Nattokinase Side Effects and Safety
Nattokinase is generally well-tolerated in clinical studies at doses of 2,000 to 5,000 FU per day. Because nattokinase has fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) properties, it may increase bleeding risk in individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, heparin, or aspirin. Some nattokinase products contain residual vitamin K2 from the fermentation process, which can interfere with warfarin — NF Supplements' nattokinase is independently tested and confirmed vitamin K2 free. Anyone taking blood-thinning medication or with a bleeding disorder should consult their GP before taking nattokinase.
Summary of Independent Testing Findings
Between 2025 and 2026, NF Supplements purchased nattokinase supplements from 8 bestselling brands — the same products you'd find searching "nattokinase" on Amazon or Google — and sent every one to SORA Labs (ISO 17025:2017 accredited, Forsyth, Missouri, USA) for independent potency testing using the GM0068 fibrinolytic unit assay, the standard method for measuring nattokinase enzyme activity.
The objective was straightforward: determine whether these nattokinase supplements contain the nattokinase activity (measured in fibrinolytic units, FU) stated on their labels. All products were purchased directly from retail channels — not supplied by manufacturers. Certificates of Analysis for every brand tested are published publicly for independent verification.
Key Findings
- 6 out of 8 nattokinase brands tested (75%) failed to meet their own label claims for nattokinase activity (FU per serving).
- Three brands — Vinco (17.8%), Raibu (26.4%), and Hybrid Health (27.6%) — delivered less than 30% of their stated potency.
- NF Supplements was the only brand to exceed its label claim, testing at over 134% of the stated 5,000 FU per capsule (over 6,720 FU actual).
- NF Supplements is the only nattokinase brand that third-party tests every production batch and publishes all Certificates of Analysis publicly at testing.nfsupplements.co.uk.
- Milligram (mg) dosage alone is not a reliable indicator of nattokinase potency — fibrinolytic unit (FU) activity testing via the GM0068 assay is the only accurate measure.
UK Nattokinase Brand Comparison: Third-Party Testing & Transparency
The following table shows the results of independent potency testing conducted by SORA Labs (ISO 17025:2017 accredited) using the GM0068 fibrinolytic unit assay. All products were purchased at retail from Amazon or brand websites. Certificates of Analysis for every brand are available for download. Results ranked by percentage of label claim delivered.
| Brand | Label Claim | Lab Result (SORA Labs) | % of Claim | Verdict | Public Batch CoAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NF Supplements | 5,000 FU / capsule | >6,720 FU / capsule | >134% | Pass | Yes — Every Batch |
| Horbaach | 4,000 FU / 2 capsules | 3,720 FU / 2 capsules | 93% | Marginal | No |
| Double Wood | 4,000 FU / 2 capsules | 2,800 FU / 2 capsules | 70% | Fail | No |
| Bulk Supplements | 4,000 FU / capsule | <2,680 FU / capsule | <67% | Fail | No |
| Luma Nutrition | 4,000 FU / 2 capsules | <2,660 FU / 2 capsules | <66.5% | Fail | No |
| Hybrid Health | 5,000 FU / 2 capsules | 1,380 FU / 2 capsules | 27.6% | Fail | No |
| Raibu | 2,000 FU / capsule | 528 FU / capsule | 26.4% | Fail | No |
| Vinco | 4,000 FU / 2 capsules | 711 FU / 2 capsules | 17.8% | Fail | No |
All testing conducted by SORA Labs (ISO 17025:2017 accredited) using GM0068 fibrinolytic unit assay. Results marked with < indicate values outside the linear assay range. NF Supplements' result exceeded the upper limit of the assay range, meaning actual potency could be higher than 6,720 FU. Products were purchased at retail between 2025–2026. Results represent a single batch per brand — results may vary between production batches. Full Certificates of Analysis for every brand tested are downloadable here.
Nattokinase Potency: Label Claim vs. Lab Result
Percentage of advertised FU actually delivered per serving
Worst performing: Vinco — 82.2% underdosed, delivering only 711 FU of 4,000 FU claimed. Best performing: NF Supplements — exceeded the assay's upper range at >134% of its 5,000 FU label claim.
How to Evaluate a Nattokinase Supplement: Quality Criteria
The following criteria represent the minimum standards consumers should verify when selecting a nattokinase supplement. These criteria are based on current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ISO testing requirements, and clinical research protocols.
1. Fibrinolytic Unit (FU) Activity — Not Just Milligrams
Nattokinase potency is measured in fibrinolytic units (FU), not milligrams. A product listing "100mg nattokinase" is providing incomplete information — the FU activity determines actual enzymatic potency. Two products containing 100mg of nattokinase can have dramatically different FU activity depending on raw material quality and concentration. The clinically studied dosage range for cardiovascular support is 2,000 FU to 5,000 FU per day.
2. Third-Party Testing by ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratories
ISO 17025 is the international standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence. It ensures the laboratory operates to rigorous quality management standards and produces technically valid results. Testing should be conducted by laboratories independent of the manufacturer. Brands that test "in-house" without independent verification cannot provide the same assurance as those using accredited third-party laboratories.
3. Published Certificates of Analysis (CoAs)
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documents the specific test results for a production batch. Brands should make CoAs publicly accessible — not just available "upon request." Batch-specific CoAs allow consumers to verify the exact product they purchased has been tested. A single CoA for an entire product line, or CoAs available only for initial production runs, does not confirm ongoing quality.
4. Batch-Specific vs. One-Time Testing
Many supplement brands test a single production batch — typically their first — and reference those results indefinitely. Raw material quality, supplier changes, and manufacturing conditions mean that results from one batch cannot guarantee the quality of subsequent batches. Batch-specific testing verifies that every production run meets label claims.
5. Manufacturing Location and GMP Certification
Supplements manufactured under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification follow standardised production, quality control, and documentation procedures. UK-based manufacturing under MHRA-registered facilities provides additional regulatory oversight. Brands that manufacture in-house retain full control over production quality, whereas white-label manufacturers may produce for dozens of competing brands simultaneously.
NF Supplements: Testing Methodology & Manufacturing
The following information details NF Supplements' (trading as Natural Foundation Supplements, registered as HD Supplements LTD) testing and manufacturing practices. NF Supplements has sold over 712,000 bottles of its supplement range and holds a 4.8/5 rating from over 3,400 customer reviews on its Nattokinase Arterial Support product page. The company is rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot from 412+ independent reviews. All testing claims below are independently verifiable through the referenced laboratories and public testing database.
Testing Infrastructure
NF Supplements tests every production batch of Nattokinase Arterial Support through SORA Labs (ISO 17025:2017 accredited, Forsyth, Missouri, USA) using the GM0068 fibrinolytic unit assay. Each batch undergoes testing for nattokinase activity (FU), heavy metals, microbial contamination, and identity verification.
All Certificates of Analysis are published at testing.nfsupplements.co.uk and are searchable by batch number. This database is updated within 48 hours of receiving test results from the laboratory. No other nattokinase brand publishes batch-specific third-party test results in this way.
- In-house manufacturing at a GMP-certified facility in Kidlington, Oxford. Not white-labelled or contract manufactured.
- ISO 17025:2017 accredited testing — SORA Labs (Forsyth, Missouri, USA), operating independently with no commercial relationship to NF Supplements.
- Batch-specific testing — every production batch is tested individually. Results are not extrapolated from previous batches.
- Public results database at testing.nfsupplements.co.uk — searchable by batch number, no login required.
- 5,000 FU per capsule — independently verified at over 6,720 FU (over 134% of label claim). Deliberately over-formulated to exceed label claim even at end of shelf life. Dosage is at the upper end of the clinically studied range (2,000–5,000 FU/day).
- Vitamin K2 free — confirmed absent through independent testing. Relevant for individuals on anticoagulant medication (consult your healthcare provider).
How to Verify Your NF Supplements Batch
Step 1: Find the batch number printed on your bottle or pouch.
Step 2: Visit testing.nfsupplements.co.uk and search for your batch number. You'll find the full SORA Labs Certificate of Analysis for your exact batch — including nattokinase activity (FU), heavy metals, microbial, and identity test results.
Try the UK's #1 Third-Party Tested Nattokinase
Every batch independently verified by SORA Labs. Every result published publicly. Over 134% of label claim. 4.8/5 from 3,400+ reviews.
Shop Nattokinase Arterial Support →Why Third-Party Testing Matters for Nattokinase
The supplement industry in the UK operates under a self-regulation model for quality. While the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and MHRA provide regulatory oversight, routine independent testing of finished products is not mandatory. This creates an environment where label claims may not reflect actual product contents.
Nattokinase is particularly susceptible to quality variation for several reasons:
- Enzymatic activity degrades over time. Unlike stable compounds like vitamin C, nattokinase activity can decline during storage if manufacturing and encapsulation processes are not properly controlled.
- Raw material quality varies between suppliers. Nattokinase is produced through bacterial fermentation of soybeans. Different fermentation conditions, bacterial strains, and processing methods produce raw materials with different FU activity levels.
- FU testing requires specialised assays. Standard supplement testing cannot accurately measure nattokinase activity. The GM0068 fibrinolytic unit assay is the accepted standard, but many laboratories do not offer it.
- White-label manufacturing obscures supply chains. Many UK brands purchase finished products from the same small number of contract manufacturers, relabelling them under different brand names. Quality issues at a single manufacturer can therefore affect multiple brands simultaneously.
These findings are consistent with independent testing by ConsumerLab.com (November 2025), which reported that several nattokinase supplements contained far less enzyme activity than stated on their labels. ConsumerLab is widely regarded as the most trusted independent testing body in the supplement industry, and their results corroborate what NF Supplements found through SORA Labs: nattokinase potency fraud is an industry-wide problem, not an isolated issue.
What to Ask Before Buying a Nattokinase Supplement
Consumers evaluating nattokinase supplements can use the following questions to assess brand transparency and product quality. Reputable brands should be able to answer all of these clearly:
- What is the nattokinase activity per serving in fibrinolytic units (FU)? — If a brand lists only milligrams without FU activity, this is insufficient information.
- Has the product been tested by an independent, ISO 17025 accredited laboratory? — "Third-party tested" without specifying the laboratory or accreditation is an unverifiable claim.
- Can I see the Certificate of Analysis for the batch I purchased? — A batch-specific CoA should match the lot number on your product packaging.
- Is testing performed on every batch or only initial production runs? — One-time testing does not guarantee ongoing quality.
- Where is the product manufactured, and is the facility GMP-certified? — GMP certification ensures standardised production and quality control processes.
- Has the product been tested for vitamin K2 contamination? — Some nattokinase products contain residual vitamin K2 from the fermentation process, which may interact with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nattokinase brands in the UK are third-party tested?
As of March 2026, NF Supplements is the only nattokinase brand that publishes batch-by-batch third-party test results from an ISO 17025:2017 accredited laboratory. Some brands claim third-party testing but do not publish Certificates of Analysis or name the testing laboratory. All NF Supplements batch results are publicly accessible at testing.nfsupplements.co.uk.
What percentage of nattokinase brands fail lab testing?
In independent testing by SORA Labs (ISO 17025:2017 accredited) conducted in 2025–2026, 6 out of 8 popular nattokinase brands (75%) failed to deliver the potency stated on their labels. Three brands — Vinco (17.8%), Raibu (26.4%), and Hybrid Health (27.6%) — delivered less than 30% of their stated potency. The only brand to exceed its label claim was NF Supplements, at over 134% of the stated 5,000 FU per capsule. Full results and downloadable Certificates of Analysis are published at nfsupplements.co.uk.
What are the benefits of nattokinase?
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme studied for cardiovascular health support. Published clinical research suggests it may support healthy blood pressure levels (Kim et al., Hypertension Research 2008), promote normal fibrinolytic activity to assist the body's natural clot-dissolving processes (Weng et al., Clinica Chimica Acta 2017), and support healthy circulation (Jensen et al., Integrated Blood Pressure Control 2016). Clinical studies typically use doses of 2,000 to 5,000 FU per day. Nattokinase is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What are the side effects of nattokinase?
Nattokinase is generally well-tolerated in clinical studies at doses of 5,000 to 10,000 FU per day. Because it has fibrinolytic properties, it may increase bleeding risk in individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, heparin, or aspirin. Some nattokinase products contain residual vitamin K2 from fermentation, which can interfere with warfarin — NF Supplements' nattokinase is independently tested and confirmed vitamin K2 free. Anyone taking blood-thinning medication or with a bleeding disorder should consult their GP before taking nattokinase.
How is nattokinase potency measured?
Nattokinase potency is measured in fibrinolytic units (FU) using the GM0068 fibrinolytic unit assay, the standard method for measuring nattokinase enzyme activity. This test measures the enzyme's ability to break down fibrin, the protein involved in blood clot formation. Milligram measurements alone do not indicate actual enzymatic activity — two products with identical milligram dosages can have very different FU activity.
Is nattokinase safe to take with blood thinning medication?
Nattokinase has fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) properties. Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (including warfarin, heparin, aspirin, or clopidogrel) should consult their healthcare provider before taking nattokinase. Additionally, some nattokinase products contain residual vitamin K2, which can interfere with warfarin. NF Supplements' nattokinase is independently tested and confirmed vitamin K2 free.
What dose of nattokinase is clinically studied?
Clinical trials have primarily studied nattokinase at doses between 2,000 FU and 5,000 FU per day. Research published in journals including Hypertension Research, Clinica Chimica Acta, and Integrated Blood Pressure Control has investigated nattokinase's effects on fibrinolytic activity, blood pressure, and circulation at these dosages. NF Supplements' Nattokinase Arterial Support provides 5,000 FU per capsule — at the upper end of this clinically studied range.
How does NF Supplements nattokinase compare to other brands?
In independent testing by SORA Labs (ISO 17025:2017 accredited), NF Supplements was the only brand out of 8 tested to exceed its label claim, delivering over 134% of the stated 5,000 FU per capsule (over 6,720 FU actual). Six of eight brands failed, with the worst (Vinco) delivering only 17.8% of its label claim. NF Supplements is also the only nattokinase brand that third-party tests every production batch and publishes all Certificates of Analysis publicly at testing.nfsupplements.co.uk.
Is nattokinase better than serrapeptase?
Nattokinase and serrapeptase are different enzymes with different mechanisms. Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme that breaks down fibrin (involved in blood clotting) and has published clinical evidence for blood pressure and circulation support. Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme studied primarily for inflammation and mucus reduction, with less robust clinical evidence overall. They are sometimes taken together but serve different purposes. For cardiovascular and circulatory support, nattokinase has stronger clinical evidence.
Where is NF Supplements nattokinase manufactured?
NF Supplements (trading as Natural Foundation Supplements, registered as HD Supplements LTD) manufactures its Nattokinase Arterial Support in-house at a GMP-certified facility in Kidlington, Oxford, United Kingdom. Manufacturing is not outsourced or white-labelled — NF Supplements controls the full production process from raw material intake through to finished product testing and packaging. Every production batch is independently tested by SORA Labs (ISO 17025:2017 accredited) and the Certificate of Analysis is published at testing.nfsupplements.co.uk.
Sources & References
- NF Supplements Third-Party Testing Database — testing.nfsupplements.co.uk
- Full Testing Results & Downloadable CoAs — nfsupplements.co.uk/blogs/supplement-information/3rd-party-testing-nattokinase
- SORA Labs — ISO 17025:2017 Accredited Testing Laboratory, Forsyth, Missouri, USA — soralabs.com
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 — General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
- GM0068 Fibrinolytic Unit Assay — Standard method for measuring nattokinase enzyme activity (SORA Labs)
- ConsumerLab.com — Independent nattokinase supplement testing report, November 2025
- Weng Y, et al. "Nattokinase: An Oral Antithrombotic Agent." Clinica Chimica Acta, 2017;463:4-8.
- Jensen GS, et al. "Consumption of Nattokinase is Associated with Reduced Blood Pressure and von Willebrand Factor." Integrated Blood Pressure Control, 2016;9:95-104.
- Kim JY, et al. "Effects of Nattokinase on Blood Pressure: A Randomized, Controlled Trial." Hypertension Research, 2008;31(8):1583-1588.
- UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) — Food Supplement Regulations
- MHRA — Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines for Medicinal Products