Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Cellulas

Also known as: Cellulas, cellulase enzyme, cellulolytic enzyme, Cellulase

Overview

Cellulase is a group of enzymes primarily produced by fungi, bacteria, and some protozoans, responsible for hydrolyzing cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. Unlike these organisms, humans do not naturally produce cellulase. Therefore, cellulase is used as a dietary supplement to assist in the digestion of plant fibers, which can enhance nutrient absorption and potentially improve gut health. It functions by breaking down insoluble cellulose into glucose units, thereby increasing the availability of carbohydrates from plant-based diets. While cellulase is well-studied in industrial and animal nutrition contexts, its application and efficacy in human supplementation are still emerging, with current human clinical evidence being limited but promising.

Benefits

Cellulase supplementation offers several potential benefits, primarily centered around improved digestion of plant fibers. In animal models, specifically Simmental cattle, cellulase combined with brewer’s yeast significantly improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility (including neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and crude protein), and feed conversion ratio. This suggests a clear benefit in optimizing nutrient utilization from fibrous feeds in livestock. For humans, preliminary evidence from a small exploratory crossover study indicated that a dietary enzyme blend containing cellulase increased carbohydrate digestion within four hours post-consumption, implying enhanced macronutrient breakdown from fiber-rich foods. While human data are still preliminary and require larger-scale confirmation, the improved fiber digestion may indirectly support gut health by facilitating fermentation and nutrient absorption. Cellulase is potentially beneficial for individuals consuming high-fiber diets or those with compromised digestion, though more robust human trials are needed to establish definitive efficacy and optimal use.

How it works

Cellulase functions by enzymatically hydrolyzing the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds found in cellulose polymers. This process breaks down complex cellulose into simpler glucose units and shorter polysaccharides. As humans lack the endogenous enzymes to digest cellulose, supplemented cellulase acts directly within the gastrointestinal tract. It targets the cellulose in plant cell walls, which are a significant component of dietary fiber. By breaking down this otherwise indigestible fiber, cellulase can enhance the release of nutrients trapped within plant cells and potentially improve the overall digestion and absorption of carbohydrates from plant-based foods. Cellulase acts locally in the gut lumen and is not absorbed systemically into the bloodstream.

Side effects

The overall safety profile of cellulase as a food enzyme is considered favorable. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that cellulase does not raise safety concerns under its intended use conditions for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. In human studies conducted to date, no common (greater than 5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (less than 1%) side effects have been reported. There are no known significant drug interactions associated with cellulase supplementation. Furthermore, no specific contraindications have been established for its use. Safety has been confirmed across various age groups, including adolescents and the elderly. Based on current research, cellulase appears to be well-tolerated with a low risk of adverse effects when used as directed.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for cellulase in humans is not yet well-established due to limited clinical trials. In animal studies, dosages of 10-20 g/day of cellulase combined with brewer’s yeast have shown efficacy in improving growth and nutrient digestibility. Optimal dosage ranges for human use have not been definitively defined by clinical research. Similarly, a maximum safe dose has not been set, though EFSA's safety evaluation suggests no safety concerns at typical use levels. Cellulase supplements are generally recommended to be taken with meals to maximize their digestive benefits by acting on dietary fiber during the digestive process. It is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, or as part of broader digestive enzyme blends. The enzyme's activity is dependent on factors such as gastric pH and the presence of its substrate, cellulose.

FAQs

Is Cellulase Safe to Use?

Yes, current evidence, including assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), indicates that cellulase is safe for human consumption under its intended use conditions.

Does Cellulase Help Digest Fiber in Humans?

Preliminary human evidence suggests that cellulase supplementation can increase carbohydrate digestion from fiber-rich foods, but larger, more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm this effect.

How Quickly Does Cellulase Work?

Effects on digestion, such as enhanced carbohydrate breakdown, can be observed acutely within hours after ingesting cellulase, particularly when taken with meals.

Are There Any Side Effects?

No significant side effects have been reported in controlled human studies, indicating a favorable safety profile for cellulase supplementation.

Can Cellulase Improve Nutrient Absorption?

Animal studies support improved nutrient digestibility with cellulase. While human evidence is limited, it suggests potential for enhanced nutrient availability from fibrous foods.

Research Sources

https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/8098 – This EFSA scientific opinion evaluates the safety of cellulase as a food enzyme. It concludes that the enzyme does not raise safety concerns under the intended conditions of use for adolescents, adults, and the elderly, based on available toxicological data and exposure estimates.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1357803/full – This exploratory placebo-controlled crossover study in healthy adults with ileostomy investigated the impact of an enzyme blend containing cellulase on carbohydrate digestion. It found that the enzyme blend increased carbohydrate digestion within 4 hours post-consumption and was well-tolerated, suggesting potential for enhanced macronutrient breakdown.
https://www.scielo.br/j/rbz/a/Fjj68xLCW49dStF3mzHJJhp/?format=pdf&lang=en – This randomized controlled trial in Simmental cattle evaluated the effects of brewer’s yeast and cellulase supplementation on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. The study found that the combination significantly improved growth, feed conversion, and digestibility of various nutrients, although the increase in net meat weight was not statistically significant.