What do protease enzymes break down

Physiol Behav.. Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal.

Dig Dis Sci.. Roxas M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Altern Med Rev. Related Articles. You might also like Featured Products. View Product Details. For more information on the cookies we use, Please see our Privacy Policy Ok. Protease enzymes break down proteins into amino acids. Digestion of proteins in the stomach is helped by stomach acid , which is strong hydrochloric acid.

This also kills harmful microorganisms that may be in the food. Lipase enzymes break down fat into fatty acids and glycerol. Digestion of fat in the small intestine is helped by bile , made in the liver. Bile breaks the fat into small droplets that are easier for the lipase enzymes to work on. Bromelain is also effective at reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms in people with sinusitis, a condition that causes the nasal passages to become inflamed For example, animal studies have shown that both papain and bromelain speed wound healing and accelerate new tissue growth when applied directly to the skin 21 , One study in 24 people who had just undergone dental surgery showed that taking a supplement containing 5 mg of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase reduced swelling and pain intensity Some studies have shown that postoperative treatment with bromelain can help reduce swelling and bruising after cosmetic surgery 24 , Several studies have shown that proteolytic enzymes may reduce common symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome IBS , such as bloating, gas, constipation and abdominal pain.

For example, one study in people with IBS found that a supplement containing papain led to a significant improvement in constipation, bloating and painful bowel movements Another study that included 90 people with IBS found that a digestive enzyme supplement that included proteolytic enzymes improved symptoms like bloating, gas and abdominal pain Proteolytic enzymes may help reduce muscle soreness and speed muscle recovery after an intense workout.

In one small study in men, a proteolytic enzyme blend containing bromelain and curcumin significantly reduced post-workout muscle tenderness and pain, compared to a placebo Another study found that people who consumed a supplement containing trypsin, bromelain, papain and chymotrypsin before and after downhill running experienced reduced muscle soreness and quicker muscle recovery than those who took a placebo Test-tube and animal studies have shown that some proteolytic enzymes may help fight cancer cells.

One test-tube study demonstrated that bromelain inhibited the growth and induced the death of human stomach cancer and colon cancer cells A similar study found that bromelain extracted from pineapple stems exerted cancer-fighting effects on colon cancer cells. It suggested that both bromelain and bromelain-containing foods like pineapple may help prevent colon cancer Another recent test-tube study showed that both bromelain and papain stopped growth and caused cell death in human bile duct cancer cells Though these results are promising, human studies are needed to examine the efficacy and safety of proteolytic enzymes in the treatment of certain cancers.

Summary Proteolytic enzymes may aid the digestions of protein, reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, decrease inflammation, ease muscle soreness and speed recovery after surgery. Early-stage research suggests they may even help fight cancer cells. If you want to increase your intake of these impressive enzymes naturally, focus on adding more foods rich in proteolytic enzymes to your diet. Papaya, pineapple, kiwifruit and fermented foods are all excellent sources. The potency of each enzyme in activity units, not just the weight, should be listed clearly on the label.

There are countless proteolytic enzyme supplements available, each with different enzyme combinations. Because they may vary widely in composition, refer to the supplement bottle for instructions on dosage and safe usage.

Summary You can get proteolytic enzymes by eating papaya, pineapple, kiwifruit and fermented foods, or you can take a supplement. Be sure to read the fine print before buying supplements, checking for potency, quality, enzyme type and dosage instructions. Although supplements are more likely to cause side effects, consuming large amounts of fruits high in proteolytic enzymes can also cause digestive upset.

Digestive support: We mentioned that protease helps the body absorb essential amino acids, but by helping the digestive process, protease enzymes may help people who experience indigestion symptoms like loss of appetite, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Muscle soreness: Athletes consider protein to be a major part of their health regimen, and protease may factor in as well.

In one study, a protease enzyme blend reduced muscle tenderness and soreness post-workout over placebo. Wound healing: One small study showed that swelling and discomfort sensations were reduced in post-dental surgery patients after taking the protease enzyme serrapeptase. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any disease.