Understanding How many mg is 4000 fu of nattokinase

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Multiple supplement brands indicate that a single serving of nattokinase providing 4,000 Fibrinolytic Units (FU) of activity typically contains either 100 mg or 200 mg of the enzyme. The significant variation highlights that FU measures the enzyme's activity, not its weight, which is crucial for understanding how many mg is 4000 fu of nattokinase and why simple conversion is not possible.

Quick Summary

This article explains the difference between nattokinase's Fibrinolytic Units (FU), which measure potency, and milligrams (mg), which measure weight. It outlines why 4000 FU does not correspond to a fixed number of milligrams and provides a table comparing common brand dosages. Guidance on proper intake and safety considerations is also included.

Key Points

No Fixed Conversion: There is no standard, universal conversion rate for how many mg is 4000 fu of nattokinase, because FU measures enzyme activity while mg measures weight.
Manufacturer Variation: For 4000 FU of nattokinase activity, the milligram content can range from 100 mg to 200 mg or more, depending on the specific manufacturer's formulation and the concentration of their enzyme extract.
Activity is Key: Fibrinolytic Units (FU) are the most important metric for evaluating nattokinase's effectiveness, as they indicate the enzyme's ability to break down fibrin, a blood-clotting protein.
Moderate to High Potency: A 4000 FU dosage is considered a moderate to high dose and has been shown in studies to significantly inhibit blood coagulation and support healthy circulation.
Consult a Doctor: It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking nattokinase, especially if you are on blood-thinning medications or have any bleeding disorders, due to its potent blood-thinning effects.
Check the Label: Always read the supplement facts panel to understand both the FU activity and the milligram content of your specific product.

FU vs. Milligrams: The Key Difference

To truly understand how many mg is 4000 fu of nattokinase, you must first grasp the difference between these two units of measurement. FU, or Fibrinolytic Units, quantify the enzyme's potency or activity level—that is, its ability to dissolve fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting. Milligrams, on the other hand, measure the weight of the substance. Therefore, two different products can contain the same weight (e.g., 200mg) but have vastly different FU values, depending on the enzyme's purity and concentration. The activity level is the most important factor for efficacy, not the weight. This is why most scientific studies and reputable manufacturers standardize their products based on the FU count.

The Reason for Varying MG Counts at 4000 FU

Because FU is a measure of activity, not mass, there is no single, standard milligram equivalent for 4000 FU. The mg count can differ significantly between products and manufacturers based on their proprietary extraction and concentration methods. Some products may use a highly concentrated form of the enzyme, requiring less raw material (mg) to achieve the desired 4000 FU potency. Other products may use a less potent form, requiring more milligrams of the extract to reach the same level of activity. This explains why search results show different milligram amounts for the same 4000 FU activity. Always read the supplement facts panel carefully to confirm both the FU and mg amounts, as this reflects the manufacturer's specific formulation.

How to Interpret Nattokinase Labels

When you see a nattokinase supplement labeled with both FU and mg, it's essential to look at both numbers in context. The FU value tells you the enzyme's strength, which is the most critical indicator of its therapeutic potential. The mg count simply represents the weight of the raw extract used to achieve that strength. If two products both have 4000 FU, the one with the lower mg count is likely more concentrated, but both should, in theory, offer the same level of enzymatic activity. The best approach is to follow the serving size recommended by the manufacturer to ensure you receive the intended FU dosage.

Benefits of a 4000 FU Dosage

A dosage of 4000 FU is often considered a moderate to high strength for nattokinase supplementation. Research has shown that dosages in this range can have significant effects on cardiovascular health. Studies have indicated that nattokinase supplementation can improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and help in the breakdown of blood clots, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like strokes and heart attacks. The enzyme's ability to break down fibrin contributes to a natural 'blood-thinning' effect, supporting overall circulatory health. However, because of these potent effects, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional before starting any nattokinase regimen, especially if you are on blood-thinning medications or have a history of bleeding disorders.

Nattokinase and its role in fibrinolysis

Nattokinase's primary mechanism of action is its fibrinolytic activity, or the ability to degrade fibrin. Fibrin is a key component of blood clots, and by breaking it down, nattokinase helps prevent excessive clotting and promotes healthy circulation. This action is similar to that of the body's natural plasmin, and some studies suggest nattokinase can also enhance the body's own production of clot-dissolving agents. For individuals concerned with poor circulation, a supplement with sufficient FU activity, like 4000 FU, can be a valuable tool. The anti-inflammatory and blood-pressure-lowering effects observed in some studies further solidify nattokinase's reputation as a valuable supplement for cardiovascular support.

Comparison Table: Common 4000 FU Products


Brand	Reported FU per Serving	Reported Mg per Serving	Serving Size	Sourcing and Quality Notes
Piping Rock	4000 FU	100 mg	1 Capsule	Uses quick-release capsules; non-GMO.
Trexgenics	4000 FU	200 mg	2 Capsules	Derived from fermented Bacillus subtilis; non-GMO.
Horbaach	4000 FU	200 mg	1 Capsule	Extracted from natto; supports healthy circulation.
Max Botanics	4000 FU	200 mg	2 Capsules	High strength formula in stomach-acid-resistant capsules.

Conclusion

While a definitive milligram equivalent for 4000 FU of nattokinase does not exist due to the nature of enzymatic activity measurement, multiple supplement manufacturers provide a clear answer based on their formulations. For 4000 FU of activity, the raw nattokinase powder typically falls between 100 mg and 200 mg, although this can vary. The crucial takeaway is that the FU value, which measures fibrinolytic potency, is the most accurate indicator of a supplement's effectiveness for cardiovascular support, not the milligram amount. Always choose a reputable brand with transparent labeling and consult a healthcare professional, especially when taking other blood-thinning medications, to ensure a safe and effective dosage for your health goals.

Key Considerations

FU is for potency, mg is for weight: Remember this key distinction when comparing products. Don't simply compare mg counts without considering the FU value.
Standardized Dosing: Most reputable nattokinase supplements standardize their product based on the FU, which is the most relevant metric for efficacy.
Varies by Brand: The milligram amount required to achieve 4000 FU can differ between products based on the extract's concentration.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before beginning nattokinase, particularly if you are on other medications that affect blood clotting.
Read the Label: The supplement facts panel will provide the most accurate information on both the FU and mg content per serving.
Side Effect Awareness: While generally considered safe, monitor for any unusual symptoms or increased bruising, as nattokinase can have a blood-thinning effect.

Outbound Link

For more detailed information on nattokinase research and its effects on cardiovascular health, you can visit the Examine.com page on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

FU, or Fibrinolytic Units, measures the enzymatic activity or potency of nattokinase, while mg (milligrams) is a measure of the weight of the raw extract. A higher FU count indicates greater enzymatic activity, which is more important for efficacy than the mg count alone.

There is no single standard. Supplement labels show that 4000 FU can correspond to different milligram amounts, often between 100 mg and 200 mg, depending on the manufacturer's concentration level.

No, you cannot directly convert FU to mg. The relationship between the two is not a fixed ratio because it depends on the purity and potency of the enzyme extract used by the specific manufacturer.

Yes, a dosage of 4000 FU is considered a moderate to high strength. Many common supplements offer dosages between 2000 FU and 4000 FU, with the higher end intended for more potent effects.

While the FU count is the primary indicator of effectiveness, the mg content reveals the concentration. A lower mg count for the same FU potency means the extract is more concentrated. For consumers, the most important thing is to ensure the FU meets their needs.

Different brands use varying extraction and purification processes for their nattokinase. This leads to extracts with different levels of concentration, which in turn causes the milligram amount to fluctuate while the final FU activity remains the same.

You should look for a clear indication of both the FU (fibrinolytic units) and the mg (milligram) content per serving. The FU tells you the potency, and the mg confirms the amount of raw extract. Always prioritize the FU for potency.