Not all proteases are created equal. In fact, each protease targets and only breaks apart specific patterns in your protein chain. For example, trypsin cuts next to lysine and arginine, whereas pepsin cuts before tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan. Peptidases cut peptides (small snippets of proteins) into amino acids for absorption. 

This is also why plant proteins tend to be harder to digest than animal proteins, because they have amino acid sequences and structures that are less recognized by our own enzymes.

Therefore, you want to take a digestive enzyme supplement with diverse proteases and peptidases to optimize protein digestion and amino acid absorption [4].

Our BioLab uses the InfoGest system to optimize our plant-based protease blend for maximal effectiveness [5].

In an open-label clinical trial, healthy male participants consumed up to 50 grams of whey protein alone, or with 2.5 or 5 grams of fungal enzymes. Based on the way the gut works, the study estimates that it could only absorb about 15 grams of whey protein from a drink, as liquid quickly passes through the gut. The study found that from 1 hour after drinking the protein, the enzyme group had significantly higher amino acids in their blood. At 4 hours after consumption, the amino acid levels in the enzyme group reached 3.5-fold that of the control group. 

In conclusion, digestive enzymes containing a protease and peptidase blend can significantly improve protein digestion and absorption from various sources [6].

Carbs are delicious and crucial fuels for your muscles, brain, and everything. Yet, sometimes carb-containing foods can come with strange polysaccharides or sugars that are harder to digest and tend to cause bloating or discomfort. MassZymes contains one of the most comprehensive anti-bloat enzyme blends to help break down all of these components. 

Fungal amylase from a fungal source helps break down starches [9].

Alpha-galactosidase breaks down complex carbohydrates (galactooligosaccharides) found in legumes, beans, grains, and cruciferous vegetables. These carbohydrates are commonly hard to digest and produce gas and bloating.

Glucoamylase optimizes the absorption of carbohydrates from sources such as corn, rice, wheat, and potatoes. The breakdown of these carbohydrates releases glucose for energy use.

Lactase helps digest lactose, found in dairy products such as milk and cheese. Lactose is a common culprit for gas and bloating in individuals who struggle to digest it without enzyme support. 

Invertase converts table sugar (sucrose) into fructose and glucose for energy and easy absorption.

Pectinase ,hemicellulase, and cellulase break down plant cell wall components pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, respectively. This group of plant-based enzymes works synergistically to break down the cell walls of plants so that they can be easily digestible. They are typically found naturally in fungi, yeast, bacteria, and many plants [10]. Some people have gut bacteria that ferment these polysaccharides, leading to gas or stomach discomfort.

Beta glucanase optimizes the breakdown of beta-glucans, a group of soluble fibers typically found in cereals, mushrooms, yeasts, and seaweed cell walls. Beta-glucans are prebiotics beneficial for the gut flora, but when taken in excess, they can cause digestive concerns such as gas and bloating.

Phytase breaks phytic acid found in plant-based foods. Phytic acid can inhibit some enzymes and bind up minerals, rendering them unavailable to you. Breaking phytic acid can increase mineral availability and absorption [11].