Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFunctionConditionsSupplement UsesSide EffectsDosage
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Function
Conditions
Supplement Uses
Side Effects
Dosage
Trypsin enzymeis one of several key enzymes that help digest proteins. People with cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, or malabsorption may not make enough trypsin enzyme on their own, so they might need to take supplements to ease digestion. Other uses for trypsin enzyme may include wound healing, reducing inflammation, muscle recovery, and more.
While trypsin enzyme is generally safe to apply to skin, the safety of oral trypsin enzyme needs more research. For this reason, the supplement is not recommended for people who are pregnant or nursing. Caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis should consult a healthcare provider before giving digestive enzymes to avoid potential complications.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Function of Trypsin Enzymes
Trypsin begins as an inactive form calledtrypsinogen, which is made in the pancreas. It is then secreted into the small intestine and converted to trypsin.
Trypsin, also referred to as aproteinase, works with two other proteinases called pepsin andchymotrypsin.Together, they break down food proteins into amino acids. Amino acids are building blocks of protein and are used in the body for many functions, including:
Effects of Low Trypsin Levels
When the body doesn’t produce enough trypsin, it can lead to a condition calledmalabsorption. Malabsorption is the decreased ability of the body to digest and absorb an adequate supply of nutrients.
Malabsorption from the lack of trypsin can originate from several causes, including:
Diagnosis
A lab test may be conducted to assess the level of trypsin in the blood or stool.
Trypsin Enzyme Supplement Uses
Although many people take digestive enzymes, such as trypsin, for symptoms of digestive disorders, research does not support the use of supplemental enzymes to treat common gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions.
Many of the studies involving trypsin are older, lack evidence from humans, and involve animal studies. Much of the recent documentation on the effectiveness of digestive enzymes is based on these older animal studies.
Wounds/Burns
Over-the-counter trypsin supplements are often used topically (on the skin) to aid in wound debridement. This is a common procedure aimed at helping the body slough off dead tissue so new tissue can replace it. Breaking down proteins in dead tissue is thought to be the primary mechanism of trypsin.Trypsin in combination with other enzymes like chymotrypsin seems to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Although proteases are known to break down foreign material and damaged proteins (from dead tissue) in wounds, too much protease activity can interfere with the normal process of new tissue formation. This can lead to the breakdown of new tissue before it’s fully formed.
Inflammation and Edema
There have been many older studies using oral trypsin and chymotrypsin in traumatic injury and orthopedic surgery to reduce inflammation and edema, or swelling.
Cancer
Study results on the use of trypsin to treat cancer are mixed. While some research found that trypsin could have tumor-suppressive properties (slowing down the progression of cancer),otherevidencepoints to the possibility that trypsin may promote the spread of certain types of cancer.
Recovery From Sports Injuries
The data from studies that investigated the effects of over-the-counter enzymes, such as trypsin, for improving muscle recovery have shown benefits.
Mouth Ulcers
Some dental experts advocate using an oral trypsin-chymotrypsin combination for treating mouth ulcers because this combination helps resolve inflammatory symptoms and promotes faster recovery of acute tissue injury compared to several other enzyme preparations.
Other Uses
There is not enough evidence to back the claims that trypsin is effective for many conditions, including:
Possible Side Effects of Trypsin
Trypsin is considered relatively safe when applied to the skin for cleaning and wound healing. But, there is not enough research data to indicate whether the enzyme is safe for use when taken orally.
Signs of Anaphylactic ShockSeek emergency medical care if you experience the following symptoms after taking trypsin:Difficulty breathing or noisy breath soundsSwelling of the tongue or throatDifficulty talking (hoarse voice)WheezingCoughingDizzinessCollapseCardiac arrest
Signs of Anaphylactic Shock
Seek emergency medical care if you experience the following symptoms after taking trypsin:Difficulty breathing or noisy breath soundsSwelling of the tongue or throatDifficulty talking (hoarse voice)WheezingCoughingDizzinessCollapseCardiac arrest
Seek emergency medical care if you experience the following symptoms after taking trypsin:
Contraindications
A contraindication is a specific medication, treatment, or other situation in which a drug, supplement, or treatment should not be given because of its potential to cause harm.
Sometimes, prescription medications and supplements should not be taken together. Sometimes, a medication or supplement should not be used when a person has a specific condition because it could worsen it.
Contraindications for trypsin include the following:
Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking trypsin.
Dosage and Preparation
Trypsin can be made from bacterial or fungal sources, but it is most often extracted from the pancreas of pigs (calledporcinetrypsin). It can also be made from other meat-producing animal sources. Most commercially sold trypsin supplements are combined with other enzymes.
The average oral dose of trypsin is up to 50 milligrams (mg) and is most often combined with bromelain (another proteolytic enzyme).
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like prescription drugs. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like prescription drugs. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
Summary
Despite the fact that the data from clinical research studies is lacking when it comes to the safety and efficacy of trypsin, many people choose to take these supplements. Trypsin and other digestive enzymes are commonly taken to treat conditions such as digestive disorders.
If you intend to try trypsin or other enzymes, inform your healthcare provider, especially if you have a health condition or are taking other supplements or medications. Also, follow the instructions on the label. Your healthcare provider should advise you to be aware of adverse effects and instruct you to discontinue use if you don’t see any results.
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