Limited evidenceGut health

Protease

A protein-digesting enzyme sold on its own or inside digestive-enzyme blends. Trials exist for multi-enzyme complexes in indigestion, but almost none isolate protease itself.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

Bloating and fullness after meals Limited evidence
Two small randomised, placebo-controlled trials in functional dyspepsia (roughly 40-80 participants each) found that multi-enzyme complexes containing protease alongside amylase, lipase and lactase reduced bloating and postprandial fullness. Because the products were blends, the share attributable to protease is unknown.
Exercise recovery Limited evidence
A randomised trial in cyclists across consecutive days of racing found little meaningful benefit of acute protease supplementation on muscle damage markers or recovery. Evidence here is a handful of small sports-science studies with inconsistent results.
Protein absorption in healthy people Limited evidence
There is no controlled human evidence that supplemental protease increases protein digestion or absorption in people with normal pancreatic function. The pancreas already secretes far more protease than a capsule provides.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo established dose. Labels typically give activity units (e.g. 20,000-100,000 HUT) rather than milligrams, taken with meals. Studied products were blends, so no isolated protease dose is validated.

SafetyGenerally well tolerated. May cause nausea or loose stools at high activity levels. People with peptic ulcers or gastritis should be cautious, and those on anticoagulants should note that proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain and serrapeptase can affect clotting. It does not replace prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for pancreatic insufficiency.

Scientific references

Efficacy of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial
Ullah H, Di Minno A, Piccinocchi R — Biomed Pharmacother, 2023
Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of a Multienzyme Complex in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Majeed M, Majeed S, Nagabhushanam K — J Med Food, 2018
Acute protease supplementation effects on muscle damage and recovery across consecutive days of cycle racing
Shing CM, Chong S, Driller MW — Eur J Sport Sci, 2016

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