Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) | Nattokinase | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 300-600mg R-ALA daily | 2000-4000 FU (fibrinolytic units) daily, equivalent to 100-200mg |
| Timing | On empty stomach, 30-60 min before meals. Split doses for higher amounts. | On empty stomach, between meals or before bed. Morning and evening split dosing for 24-hour fibrinolytic coverage. |
| Cycle Duration | ongoing or cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off | ongoing |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | moderate_human |
ALA is a dithiol compound that functions as a cofactor for mitochondrial alpha-keto acid dehydrogenases (pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase). Both ALA and its reduced form DHLA are potent antioxidants capable of regenerating other antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione. ALA activates AMPK, improving glucose uptake via GLUT4 translocation, and modulates NF-kB-mediated inflammatory signaling. It chelates redox-active metals (Fe2+, Cu2+).
300-600mg R-ALA daily
On empty stomach, 30-60 min before meals. Split doses for higher amounts.
ongoing or cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic serine protease extracted from natto (fermented soybeans). It directly degrades fibrin (the structural protein of blood clots) through four mechanisms: direct fibrinolysis, enhancement of endogenous tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) production, conversion of prourokinase to urokinase, and degradation of PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1). It also reduces blood viscosity and may inhibit ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), providing mild antihypertensive effects.
2000-4000 FU (fibrinolytic units) daily, equivalent to 100-200mg
On empty stomach, between meals or before bed. Morning and evening split dosing for 24-hour fibrinolytic coverage.
ongoing
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