Why source from Japan
Sourced from Nationwide (production hubs in Osaka, Kyoto, Oita) with year-round Japanese supply, consistent quality, and traceability to the prefecture of origin.
Key spec
Serine protease from Bacillus subtilis var. natto source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (concentrated powder).
Typical end-product
Cardiovascular-positioned supplements (capsules) — Smooth blood flow under FFC where notified.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 100 g – 10 kg (concentrated powder)
- Typical lead time
- 4-6 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Nationwide (production hubs in Osaka, Kyoto, Oita)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Price range
- 140,000-180,000 JPY/kg
- Japan regulatory status
- FFC-accepted for smooth blood flow
- Japanese name
- ナットウキナーゼ
- Romaji
- Natto Kinase
About this ingredient
Fibrinolytic enzyme discovered in 1980 by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, derived from Bacillus subtilis natto fermentation of soybeans.
Regulatory status
| Japan | FFC-accepted for smooth blood flow |
|---|---|
| EU | Food supplement; novel food assessment may apply |
| United States | Dietary supplement under DSHEA |
FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What MOQ is typical for high-activity nattokinase concentrate?
Typical MOQs range from 100 g (for R&D) to 10 kg (production), with bulk lots available on request.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What activity level is required for the JNKA mark?
JNKA-certified products require at least 2,000 FU per recommended daily dose, alongside vitamin K2 removal and other quality criteria.
Q. Why is vitamin K2 removed from many commercial preparations?
Vitamin K2 removal addresses formulation compatibility with consumers on warfarin-type anticoagulants, which interact with vitamin K. Suppliers offer K2-reduced grades; clinical precaution remains advised.
Q. Can nattokinase be sold as a dietary supplement in the US?
Nattokinase is sold in the US dietary supplement channel under DSHEA. Manufacturers and importers remain responsible for safety substantiation and labeling compliance.
Sources
Q. What documents should buyers request from a Japanese nattokinase supplier?
Standard requests include: COA with FU activity, JNKA certification status, vitamin K2 content, allergen statement (soy), GMO/non-GMO statement on substrate, and fermentation strain documentation.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Use cases
Cardiovascular-positioned supplements (capsules)
- Positioning
- Smooth blood flow under FFC where notified
- Typical usage level
- ≥2,000 FU per daily dose for JNKA-certified products
- Formulation notes
- Enteric coating common; protect from heat and humidity
FFC functional foods
- Positioning
- Smooth blood flow positioning
- Formulation notes
- Endpoint wording must mirror individual FFC notification
Export supplements (US/EU/Asia)
- Positioning
- Cardiovascular wellness — non-disease, non-drug claims only
- Formulation notes
- Verify EU novel-food status of the specific extract; localize labeling
Sources
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
If you need to avoid soy
Nattokinase may contain soy. These ingredients offer comparable functions without it:
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
γ-アミノ酪酸
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 10–50 kg.
soy-free· shares 3 categories
Yamabudō (Japanese Wild Grape)
山ぶどう
Anthocyanin 1,500–4,000 mg/L juice; resveratrol 5–25 mg/100g fruit; total polyphenol 800–2,500 mg/L.
soy-free· shares 3 categories
Soba (Buckwheat) Extract
そばエキス
Rutin content typically 0.5–3% in tartary buckwheat extracts; 0.05–0.2% in common buckwheat extracts.
soy-free· shares 3 categories
More cost-efficient options
Nattokinase is positioned in the standard tier. These ingredients offer similar functions at lower cost:
Easier EU regulatory path
Nattokinase faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in EU. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Yamabudō (Japanese Wild Grape)
山ぶどう
Anthocyanin 1,500–4,000 mg/L juice; resveratrol 5–25 mg/100g fruit; total polyphenol 800–2,500 mg/L.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Soba (Buckwheat) Extract
そばエキス
Rutin content typically 0.5–3% in tartary buckwheat extracts; 0.05–0.2% in common buckwheat extracts.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Ume (Japanese Plum) Extract
梅エキス
Citric acid 6–12% (concentrate); muramic acid traces; total organic acid 8–18% in bainiku-ekisu.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co., Ltd.
株式会社日本生物.科学研究所
Osaka, OsakaEnglish supportExport experienceJHFA (Japan Health Food Association)Japan Nattokinase Association (JNKA) standardsNSK-SD (20,000 FU/g) and NSK-FD (13,000 FU/g); world pioneer
Pharma Foods International Co., Ltd.
株式会社ファーマフーズ
Nishikyo, KyotoEst. 1997English supportExport experienceBroad functional food portfolio including nattokinase
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Last updated: 2026-04-24