A Quick Guide to Proteolytic Enzymes

Protease formulations are without a doubt one of the most fully functional dietary supplements in terms of providing significant health benefits. Clinical studies have documented numerous effective benefits and support for people facing a variety of health challenges, including:

a) Asthma

b) Atherosclerosis

c) Autoimmune disease

d) Bronchitis

e) Cancer

f) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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Although the benefits of proteases for these and other diseases are scientifically documented, they remain underutilized.

What is a protease?

Proteases break down proteins, primarily by adding water or hydrolyzing specific amino acids—the bonds between the building blocks of proteins. Different proteolytic enzymes have different abilities to break down different amino acid bonds. Each protease has a specific amino acid bond that it breaks down. Proteolytic enzymes include fungal proteases, bacterial proteases, plant proteases, and proteases from pork belly (pepsin) and proteases from pancreas (trypsin and chymotrypsin).

Protease is well absorbed when taken orally on an empty stomach, especially in the form of acid-resistant capsules. If taken with meals, proteases are primarily utilized in the digestion of dietary protein. When the protease is absorbed, there are special enzyme-inhibiting factors in the blood and body fluids, so the protease will not digest the body protein.

Proteases play an anti-inflammatory role

A common use of proteases is as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. This usage is well documented in the medical literature, with numerous double-blind studies showing its efficacy in relieving pain from sports injuries, trauma, sprains and strains, surgical procedures, and bone and joint discomfort. These products are not just natural substitutes for drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, as proteases exert more and more clinically meaningful effects.

For example, proteolytic enzymes appear to improve some symptoms of discomfort by helping the body break down complexes formed between antibodies produced by leukocytes and the compounds (antigens) to which they bind. Diseases associated with high blood levels of these immune complexes are known as autoimmune diseases, such as joint symptoms and related skin disorders. Higher levels of circulating immune complexes are also seen in ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and AIDS.

Protease helps keep airways open

Proteases break down mucus that blocks the airways. Acts on proteins in mucus to help reduce stickiness (thickness and gel-like quality). This makes proteases extremely helpful in maintaining a clear airway, especially if you have symptoms of respiratory distress. Serrapeptase appears to be particularly helpful in this regard.

Protease that helps with other health problems

The list of diseases that benefit from proteolytic enzyme supplements is always increasing. One possible use, for example, is to improve virus-related diseases, including some mild infections. In a study of certain skin conditions, people taking protease preparations improved their condition. In a study of hepatitis C patients, protease slightly outperformed alpha-interferon in improving assay values and symptoms. Proteases also appear to be helpful for symptoms of acute and chronic respiratory distress.

Dosage Instructions

The potency or activity of an enzyme is not simply based on weight, but is based on experimental analysis of enzyme activity. The different units of measure used for each proteolytic enzyme are based on the Food and Chemical Codex. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has adopted this verification method as the standard method for expressing enzyme potency. For example, the potency of bromelain is based on gelatin digestion units (GDUs) in laboratory assessments after exposure of gelatin to bromelain.

The following are dosage recommendations for each individual protease, as a general measure of protease potency. If a complex mixture is used, lower amounts of each individual protease should be expected. Protease should be taken on an empty stomach between meals, except to improve digestion.

a) Bromelain 1,200-2,000 GDU

b) Fungal protease 100,000-200,000 HUT

c) Nattokinase 2,000-4,000 FIP

d) Papain 3,000,000-6,000,000 PU

e) Serrapeptase 80,000-160,000 SPU