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Potential Roles of Exogenous Proteases and Lipases as Prebiotics

Summary

This review explores how digestive enzymes like proteases and lipases work similarly to prebiotics—foods that feed beneficial bacteria in your gut. When animals consumed supplements of these enzymes, their gut bacteria became healthier, producing more beneficial compounds and showing improved intestinal health. These findings suggest that fermented foods and raw foods containing natural digestive enzymes, as well as enzyme supplements, may help promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Background

Digestive enzymes such as proteases and lipases are widely used in fermented food production and as supplements in livestock. Recent studies demonstrate that exogenous proteases and lipases can increase beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids in the gut microbiota of rodents.

Objective

This review examines the hypothesis that exogenous proteases and lipases function as prebiotics by enriching beneficial gut bacteria and improving overall health. The authors reviewed recent studies on the effects of these digestive enzymes on gut microbiota composition.

Results

All 13 studies reviewed (9 on proteases, 4 on lipases) demonstrated significant improvements in gut microbiota composition with supplementation. Protease and lipase supplementation increased beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, elevated short-chain fatty acid levels, and improved intestinal morphology and barrier function.

Conclusion

Evidence supports that exogenous proteases and lipases act as prebiotics, promoting beneficial gut bacteria growth and improving gut health through enhanced nutrient digestion. These findings suggest fermented and raw foods containing active digestive enzymes may support gut health, and commercial digestive enzyme supplements may provide therapeutic benefits.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Literature Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/nu17050924, PMID: 40077794
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