Tag: Fibrinolytic units

According to reports, the health and wellness supplement market is a multi-billion dollar industry, but understanding the cryptic abbreviations on product labels can be challenging for consumers. One such abbreviation that causes confusion is 'FU.' This unit is not related to vitamins, but is instead used to measure the activity of specific enzymes, particularly Nattokinase.

In the world of acronyms, 'FU' is particularly ambiguous, with its interpretation depending entirely on the field of study. What do fu units stand for is not a single answer, but rather a context-dependent question that requires looking at the specific discipline, such as chemistry, plumbing, or environmental science.

According to a 2018 review in *Biomedical Reports*, nattokinase possesses potent fibrinolytic activity, and its dosage is commonly measured in Fibrinolytic Units (FU). The "FU" in nattokinase refers to Fibrinolytic Units, a standard measure of the enzyme's potency or its ability to break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation. Unlike standard weight measurements like milligrams (mg), FU quantifies the *activity* of the enzyme, ensuring consumers know its effectiveness regardless of physical mass.

According to the Japan NattoKinase Association, a typical 50g serving of natto provides approximately 1,500 fibrinolytic units (FU) of nattokinase activity. This is the key enzyme responsible for natto's reputed health benefits, particularly its ability to support cardiovascular wellness and blood circulation.