Nattokinase is one of the most unusual nutritional discoveries of the past 30 years. A fibrinolytic enzyme derived from natto — the traditional Japanese fermented soybean food — it was identified by researcher Dr Hiroyuki Sumi in 1980 after he observed that natto dissolved a blood clot in a laboratory fibrin plate far more rapidly than any other compound he had tested. Japanese populations with the highest natto consumption also have some of the lowest cardiovascular mortality rates in the world. CardioVital delivers 2000 FU of nattokinase per capsule alongside ten botanical and nutritional actives for a comprehensive cardiovascular wellness formula.
Why Nattokinase Is Different From Other Cardiovascular Supplements
Most cardiovascular supplements work through nutritional pathways: omega-3 EPA for triglycerides, CoQ10 for mitochondrial energy, magnesium for blood pressure. Nattokinase operates as a fibrinolytic enzyme — it supports the body's natural processes that regulate blood viscosity and clot dissolution. It is not a pharmaceutical and doesn't carry pharmaceutical health claims, but the traditional use in Japanese medicine is backed by a growing body of research.
Research published in Scientific Reports found nattokinase demonstrates significant fibrinolytic activity, supporting its traditional use in Japanese fermented food medicine. At 2000 FU per capsule — a meaningful enzyme activity dose — CardioVital delivers nattokinase at the level studied in research rather than a token inclusion.
Why Competitors Fall Short
Nutravita Nattokinase — single ingredient, not halal. One of the UK's most popular nattokinase products, Nutravita delivers a single-ingredient capsule with no botanical support, no vitamin D or selenium immune backing, and no halal certification. CardioVital adds ten additional actives including black seed, sea moss, green tea, dandelion, NAC and fennel alongside the nattokinase base.
Now Foods Nattokinase — imported, no botanicals, not halal. US-manufactured, no UK-specific halal certification, and a single-enzyme product without the multi-botanical wellness formula that CardioVital provides.
Standard cardiovascular supplements — nattokinase not included. Most cardiovascular supplements focus on omega-3, CoQ10 or plant sterols — none of which include nattokinase. CardioVital is the only formula in the BioBodyBoost range specifically built around this traditional enzyme, complemented by immune-supporting vitamins and broad botanical actives.
What's in Every Capsule
The nattokinase enzyme:
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Nattokinase — 100mg / 2000 FU · fibrinolytic enzyme from fermented soya · standardised to 2000 Fibrinolytic Units of enzyme activity per capsule · the traditional cardiovascular enzyme from Japanese natto cuisine
Botanical complex:
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Black seed extract — 250mg · Nigella sativa · one of the most extensively studied traditional botanicals for immune and metabolic support
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Carrageen sea moss extract — 250mg · nutrient-dense marine botanical · 92 trace minerals · traditional Irish and Caribbean medicinal use
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Green tea extract — 150mg · rich in EGCG catechins · antioxidant activity · supports metabolic and cardiovascular health
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Dandelion root extract — 50mg · traditional diuretic and liver support botanical
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N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) — 40mg · glutathione precursor · cellular antioxidant defence
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Coriander leaf extract — 30mg · traditional digestive and detoxification botanical
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Fennel seed extract — 30mg · digestive support · traditional carminative
EU-authorised health claims:
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Vitamin D3 (vegan) — 5.5µg / 110% NRV · contributes to normal function of the immune system (EU authorised)
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Selenium — 55µg / 100% NRV · contributes to normal function of the immune system (EU authorised)
60 capsules — 60-day supply at 1 capsule daily. Vegan HPMC capsules. Halal approved. Kosher. Contains soy (nattokinase is derived from fermented soybean).
Every capsule is: ✓ Halal approved · ✓ Kosher · ✓ Vegan · ✓ Gluten-free · ✓ Dairy-free · ✓ UK GMP made · ⚠️ Contains soy
CardioVital vs the Competition
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CardioVital BioBodyBoost · £18.89
|
Nutravita Nattokinase ~£16.99
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Now Foods Nattokinase ~£18
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Swanson Nattokinase ~£15
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| Nattokinase FU activity |
2000 FU ✓ |
2000 FU |
2000 FU |
100mg only ✗ |
| Multi-botanical complex |
✓ 10 actives |
Nattokinase only ✗ |
Nattokinase only ✗ |
Nattokinase only ✗ |
| EU-authorised immune claims |
✓ Vit D + Se |
✗ None |
✗ None |
✗ None |
| Halal certified |
✓ Yes |
✗ No |
✗ No |
✗ No |
| Vegan D3 included |
✓ Yes |
✗ No |
✗ No |
✗ No |
| UK GMP made |
✓ Yes |
Not stated |
US |
US |
Based on publicly available product information. Prices approximate. Always verify current specs on manufacturer websites.
How to Take It
Take 1 capsule daily with food and water. Morning with breakfast is recommended. Nattokinase is best taken with meals. If you are taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), consult your GP before use — nattokinase has fibrinolytic properties that may interact with these medications.
For comprehensive cardiovascular and immune wellness, pair with OmegaBalance — EPA and DHA omega-3s support cardiovascular function alongside nattokinase's enzyme activity. For additional immune backing, ImmuneBoost adds vitamin C, zinc, elderberry and probiotics to CardioVital's vitamin D and selenium immune foundation.
Is This You?
- You're interested in nattokinase and want a formula with meaningful enzyme activity (2000 FU) rather than a token mg dose
- You want nattokinase with a botanical support complex, not a bare single-ingredient capsule
- You need a halal certified nattokinase supplement — Nutravita, Now Foods and Swanson are not halal certified
- You follow a traditional or cultural interest in fermented food medicine and want nattokinase in a UK-manufactured certified formula
- You want black seed, sea moss, NAC and green tea alongside the enzyme in a comprehensive daily wellness capsule
Explore the full Immunity UK and Halal Vitamins UK collections.
Questions We Get Asked
What is nattokinase?
Nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis var. natto during the fermentation of soybeans. It was isolated in 1980 by Dr Hiroyuki Sumi at the University of Chicago, who discovered it had potent fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) activity in laboratory tests. It's the enzyme responsible for the viscous, stretchy texture of natto — a traditional Japanese fermented food eaten daily by millions. CardioVital standardises to 2000 FU of fibrinolytic enzyme activity per capsule.
What does FU mean?
FU stands for Fibrinolytic Units — a standardised measure of nattokinase enzyme activity. It measures how effectively the enzyme dissolves fibrin (the protein that forms blood clots) in a laboratory assay. Higher FU doesn't always mean a better product — what matters is that the FU value is standardised, tested, and consistent. CardioVital's 2000 FU matches the activity level used in most published research on nattokinase.
Is this safe to take alongside medications?
Consult your GP before use if you take anticoagulants (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban) or antiplatelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel). Nattokinase has fibrinolytic properties that may interact with these drugs. For people not on blood-thinning medications, nattokinase has a strong traditional safety profile from centuries of dietary consumption as natto. Consult a healthcare professional if you have a cardiovascular condition or upcoming surgery.
Does this contain soy?
Yes — nattokinase is derived from fermented soybean. Soy is one of the UK's 14 major food allergens. CardioVital is not suitable for people with soy allergies. People with mild soy sensitivity may tolerate nattokinase derived from highly processed fermented soy differently from whole soy foods — but if you have a confirmed soy allergy, avoid this product.
What is NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)?
N-Acetyl Cysteine is an amino acid derivative and direct precursor to glutathione — the body's most important endogenous antioxidant. It supports cellular detoxification pathways and has a strong research base for respiratory and liver health. At 40mg per capsule in CardioVital, it contributes to the antioxidant protective layer of the formula alongside selenium and green tea EGCG.
Food supplements should not replace a varied diet or healthy lifestyle. Contains soy. Consult your GP before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, or managing a cardiovascular condition.