EC Nutrition

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in women. Throughout the lifespan, women experience distinct changes in lipid metabolism, endothelial function, inflammation, and coagulation factors/clotting. Cardiovascular risk rises sharply during midlife and the menopausal transition. These biological shifts contribute to increased susceptibility to hypertension, atherothrombosis, and microvascular dysfunction. These sex-specific biological changes underscore the need for adjunctive strategies that target cardiovascular pathways uniquely relevant to women. Nattokinase (NSK) is a fibrinolytic serine protease derived from the fermentation of soybeans. Emerging mechanistic and clinical evidence indicates that NSK-SD® supports cardiovascular health through multiple pathways, including enhanced fibrinolysis, modulation of coagulation factors, inhibition of platelet aggregation, improvements in endothelial function, reductions in blood pressure, and attenuation of inflammatory signalling. Human studies further suggest beneficial effects on lipid profiles, vascular function, and microcirculation. This review evaluates the potential role of NSK in women’s vascular health across the lifespan. NSK may represent a complementary strategy targeting thrombosis, vascular dysfunction, and cardiometabolic risk in women with increased cardiovascular risk. Well-designed, women-focused clinical trials are needed to define optimal dosing, safety, and long-term efficacy.

 Keywords: Nattokinase; Women; Supplement

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