As an update to my original article about using Nattokinase to reduce atherosclerosis and lower cholesterol, I would like to discuss my recent lab results to test my current cholesterol levels and triglycerides levels compared to 7.5 months ago. Here is a link to the original article on treating atherosclerosis and reducing cholesterol and triglycerides:
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/high-dose-nattokinase-for-atherosclerosis.html
My previous test was done on April 18th, 2023, and my recent test was done on November 29th, 2023. Here are my previous results compared to my current results, as well as a comparison to the study results on like parameters:
| Parameter | April 2023 | November 2023 | Study Results / One Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cholesterol | 213 | 181 (15% decline) | |
| 2. | Triglycerides | 125 | 66 (47% decline) | - 15.7% |
| 3. | HDL Cholesterol | 59 | 71 (20% increase) | + 15.8% |
| 4. | LDL Cholesterol | 129 | 97 (25% decrease) | - 18.1% |
| 5. | VLDL Cholesterol | 25 | 13 (47% decrease) | |
| 6. | Non-HDL Cholesterol | 154 | 110 (29% decrease) |
The above results show that all six parameters are now in the normal range and show a statistically significant improvement of all six parameters. Now, I would like to discuss what I did differently from April 2023 to November 2023 to achieve these results.
The three supplements I mentioned in the article as beneficial for fighting atherosclerosis were nattokinase, vitamin K2M7, and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE). I am currently taking all three.
In April, I was taking just the GSPE (1,200mg per day. I added 800 mg of ubiquinol per day in July. I added 400 mcg of vitamin K2M7 in August. After reading a bit more about ubiquinol/CoQ10 in relation to cholesterol levels, based on multiple studies, it is clear that ubiquinol only has no significant effect on reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. So, based on those studies, I would say that ubiquinol was only a small factor in these improved results and I am taking ubiquinol for another purpose unrelated to cholesterol or atherosclerosis.
This leaves the GSPE, Vitamin K2M7 and nattokinase as the likely reasons for these improvements. I mentioned in the article that I thought the GSPE and nattokinase would potentially have synergy together because they have different methods of action. The original study itself, showed that VK2M7 and nattokinase do have synergy together.
The following meta-analysis of multiple RCTs suggests that CoQ10/Ubiquinol has no effect on LDL cholesterol or triglycerides:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6176512/
Here is a relevant quote from the meta-analysis of RCTs :
We found no significant effects of CoQ10 supplementation on LDL-cholesterol (SMD -0.37; 95% CI, − 0.87, 0.13, P = 0.14), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels (SMD -1.12; 95% CI, − 2.84, 0.61, P = 0.20) and triglycerides levels (SMD 0.01; 95% CI, − 0.22, 0.24, P = 0.94).
I think it is very important to add the fact that I only started taking the high-dose nattokinase about six weeks before I had this latest blood draw. I think that adds further to the idea that GSPE, VK2M7, and nattokinase have synergy together when it comes to lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and reducing atherosclerosis. I also used a slightly smaller dose of nattokinase than what was used in the study. I used 10,000 FU / day of Nattokinase. The study used 10,800 FU/day of nattokinase.
| Month | Supplement | Dosage | Impact on Cholesterol |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | GSPE | 1,200 mg/day | Potential synergy |
| July | Ubiquinol | 800 mg/day | Minor or no effect on LDL and triglycerides |
| August | Vitamin K2M7 | 400 mcg/day | Potential synergy with nattokinase |
| Mid-October | Nattokinase | 10,000 fu/day | Potential synergy with GSPE and Vitamin K2M7 |
Going back to the original study, the study was 12 months long, and the results reported in the study occurred over those 12 months. My results occurred from mid-April until late November of 2023, or approximately 7.5 months. My results were superior to the study results in a significantly shorter period of time.
Obviously, these parameters will vary from person to person, but I think overall, my results add confirmation to the study results as well as a suggestion that GSPE, nattokinase and VK2M7 likely have synergy together in terms of improving the six parameters that I listed above and even more importantly, altering the course of the atherosclerosis trend as opposed to just slowing it down, as statins are noted to only slow the trend. These supplements also avoid the known significant side effects of statins and likely have other health benefits instead of unwanted side effects based on available studies.
I would also like to highlight the VLDL cholesterol level, which is often overlooked as well as the importance of this parameter in terms of atherosclerosis. Here is a link to an article discussing the VLDL cholesterol from the Cleveland Clinic :
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24540-vldl-cholesterol
Here is a very relevant quote from the article:
VLDL cholesterol is a “bad” form of cholesterol because, in excess, it causes plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in your arteries. A normal VLDL level is below 30 mg/dL. Your healthcare provider can measure your VLDL cholesterol through a simple blood test. If your VLDL is high, lifestyle changes and medication can help.
It is healthful to have some VLDL cholesterol, but too much is definitely not good for us. The healthful range for VLDL cholesterol is less than 30 mg/dl.
As an important reminder, atherosclerosis is the main underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD is the number one cause of death in the world, accounting for 32% of deaths worldwide each year. The following article highlights the relationship between atherosclerosis and CVD: CVD/Atherosclerosis
Here is an important quote from the article:
'Atherosclerosis is the main underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is a disease in which plaques that are made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances build up in the walls of arteries.
My next doctor's appointment is next week, and my doctor will discuss my cholesterol/lipid results with me. Hopefully, he will be impressed with my current results. If anything notable comes from that appointment, I will add it to this article.
Art
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Nattokinase:
Earth Clinic searched Amazon to find capsules with the highest FU (Fibrinolytic Units) content. While most capsules contain 2,000 FU or less, we discovered that some are available with higher dosages.
Grape Seed Extract:
Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract: Bronson Grape Seed Extract 400 mg - Antioxidant & Immune Support - Standardized Extract with 95% Proanthocyanidins- Non GMO, 180 Vegetarian Capsules
Vitamin K2 MK-7:
MK-7: Vitamin K2 (MK-7) 200mcg, 240 Virgin Coconut Oil Softgels | Premium Menaquinone-7 Form, Easily Absorbed Vitamin K Supplement – Bone, Joint, & Immune Support
Vitamin K-2: Solgar Vitamin K2 MK7 100mcg Vegetable Capsules Supports Bone Health Natural Whole Food Source from Natto Extract. $15.41
MK-7: Jarrow Formulas MK-7 90 mcg - Bioactive Form of Vitamin K2 - 60 Servings (Softgels) - For Bone & Cardiovascular Health. $17.30
