A broad-spectrum proteolytic enzyme that hydrolyzes dietary proteins into absorbable amino acids and peptides.
What it is
Protease (peptidase or proteinase) refers to a group of enzymes that cleave peptide bonds linking amino acids in protein molecules. Supplemental proteases are typically produced via fungal fermentation (Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus oryzae) and include acid, neutral, and alkaline proteases. This multi-pH stability allows supplemental protease to function in acidic gastric juices as well as the neutral-to-alkaline duodenum, initiating protein breakdown earlier than pancreatic trypsin.
Also known as: Acid Protease, Digestive Protease
What it does
- Hydrolyzes complex dietary proteins into bioactive peptides and free amino acids.
- Reduces postprandial fullness, gas, and putrefactive fermentation caused by undigested protein.
- Enhances overall protein bioaccessibility and systemic amino acid bioavailability.
Amplified by probiotics
Complete protein digestion by exogenous proteases minimizes the transit of large, undigested dietary protein blocks into the lower intestine, preventing putrefactive bacterial fermentation that produces toxic amines like ammonia and indole. Protease releases essential amino acids that serve as structural building blocks for live probiotic bacteria. In return, probiotics ferment residual peptides into beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lower gut pH, and upregulate mucin synthesis (MUC2). This protective mucus layer shields the enterocyte surface, promotes tissue healing, and supports efficient active transport systems for digested amino acid uptake.
Typical dose
10,000–50,000 HUT/day
The evidence
Evidence: strongRandomized human trials demonstrate that oral fungal protease supplementation significantly increases postprandial plasma amino acid concentrations, speeds gastric emptying, and reduces functional indigestion symptoms (Oben et al. 2008, J Int Soc Sports Nutr; Roxas 2008, Altern Med Rev).
Safety & who should check first
Exceedingly high safety profile; well-tolerated across broad dosage ranges. Rare allergic responses in workers handling raw enzyme dust; oral capsules are benign.