Evidence supporting the use of: Glutenase
For the health condition: Protein Digestion (poor)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Glutenase refers to a class of digestive enzyme supplements, often containing proteases such as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), that are designed to aid in the breakdown of gluten and other dietary proteins. The scientific rationale for using glutenase in cases of poor protein digestion lies in the enzymes' ability to cleave specific peptide bonds within gluten and other proteins, potentially reducing the presence of large, immunogenic peptides. Several in vitro and small human studies have demonstrated that certain proteolytic enzymes can partially degrade gluten and other difficult-to-digest proteins into smaller fragments, potentially reducing their antigenicity and improving overall protein digestion. For example, research published in journals such as Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Gut has shown that specialized proteases can degrade gluten peptides under laboratory conditions and, to a limited extent, in the gastrointestinal tract.
However, the clinical evidence supporting the use of glutenase supplements for generalized poor protein digestion (as opposed to gluten-specific issues or celiac disease) remains modest. Most studies are small and focus on gluten breakdown, not overall protein digestion. There is some evidence that supplemental proteases can improve digestion of certain proteins in individuals with pancreatic insufficiency or related digestive disorders, but high-quality clinical trials are lacking. Thus, while the mechanism is plausible and there is preliminary scientific support, the strength of evidence for broad use in poor protein digestion is moderate at best.
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