Advantages of Microbe-derived Enzyme Preparations
Though animal-based pancreatic enzymes are the well-accepted form of supplementation in certain individuals to address exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, oral supplementation with non-animal derived enzymes, such as microbe-based enzymes is associated with a number of inherent advantages:
| 01 | Studies have demonstrated that microbe-derived enzymes like lipase are promising, as their activity is believed to be similar to porcine and bovine pancreatic enzymes |
| 02 | Data on the safety and efficacy of microbe-derived enzymes in malabsorption and lactose intolerance are encouraging |
| 03 | In comparison to animal-based enzyme preparations, microbe-based counterparts offer effective digestive support, which are believed to work synergistically with, or as an alternative to the former |
| 04 | Microbe-based enzymes are free of some of the inherent limitations of conventional pancreatic enzyme supplements |
| 05 | Microbe-derived enzymes provide a broad-spectrum of digestive enzymes, viz. protease, lipase, amylase, lactase, cellulase, etc |
| 06 | Microbe-derived enzymes may be used at a lower dosage and possess a broader pH range (i.e. 2–11) of activity compared to animal-based enzymes, which function in a limited alkaline pH range |
| 07 | This unusually high stability and activity throughout a wide range of pH conditions enables microbe-based enzymes function more consistently for a longer distance as they are transported through the digestive tract (i.e. in the stomach as well as the small intestine) |
| 08 | Animal-based enzymes work better at body temperature, while microbe-based counterparts are highly active at higher temperatures |
| 09 | Micro-organisms as a source of enzymes for nutritional supplements are inexpensive and provide abundant supply |
| 10 | Enzyme mixtures have a wider range of advantage than individual enzymes, according to Dr. Peter Streichhan, a world-renowned enzyme researcher |