You're not crazy. Your nattokinase WAS too weak.

Maintenance Dose (2,000–4,000 FU): For healthy 30-year-olds with clean arteries. A gentle rinse for healthy pipes.

Clinical Dose (10,800 FU): The dose from studies showing plaque regression, BP normalization, and cholesterol reduction.

95% of brands sell maintenance doses — cheaper to make. Some use serving-size tricks: label 8,000 FU on the front, hide Serving size: 3–6 capsules on the back.

You were taking a maintenance dose for a restoration problem.

Studies show 3,600 FU produced NO significant benefits. Only 10,800 FU broke down fibrin.

Nattokinase is a powerful enzyme from traditional Japanese natto — consumed for over 1,000 years. Japan has the world's lowest heart disease rates. This enzyme is one reason why.

But dosage is everything.

Most brands: 2,000–4,000 FU. Fine for mild prevention. The studies that showed 36.6% plaque reduction, BP improvement, LDL drops — they all used 10,800 FU per day.

That's the threshold where nattokinase transitions from gentle maintenance to active fibrin dissolution.

Japanese adults who consumed natto daily had 25% lower cardiovascular mortality (29,000+ people, 16 years).