Digezyme Aspergillus Oryzae
Also known as: Aspergillus oryzae, DigeZyme®
Overview
Aspergillus oryzae is a filamentous fungus traditionally used in Asian fermentation processes, notably in the production of sake and miso. It is a prolific producer of various digestive enzymes, including amylase, protease, cellulase, lipase, and lactase. DigeZyme® is a proprietary, commercial multi-enzyme complex that incorporates enzymes derived from Aspergillus oryzae, among other microbial sources. This blend is primarily used as a digestive aid to enhance the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, lactose, and fibers in the gastrointestinal tract. By facilitating the hydrolysis of these macronutrients, DigeZyme® aims to improve nutrient absorption and alleviate digestive discomfort, particularly in conditions like functional dyspepsia. The supplement is characterized by its broad-spectrum enzymatic activity, targeting multiple dietary components to support overall digestive health.
Benefits
DigeZyme® has demonstrated significant benefits in improving symptoms of functional dyspepsia. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed that supplementation significantly reduced symptom severity and improved quality of life over 60 days (p < 0.01) compared to placebo. This suggests a robust effect for individuals experiencing chronic upper abdominal discomfort without an identifiable organic cause. In vitro studies further support the efficacy of Aspergillus oryzae enzyme preparations by showing increased fiber digestibility and improved fermentation efficiency, which could translate to enhanced nutrient breakdown and altered gut microbial metabolism in humans. While direct clinical evidence for other specific digestive disorders is limited, the broad enzymatic profile of DigeZyme® suggests potential applications in conditions involving enzyme insufficiency. The observed symptom improvements were sustained over the 60-day study period, indicating a lasting benefit.
How it works
DigeZyme® functions by providing exogenous digestive enzymes that supplement the body's natural enzyme production. These enzymes, including amylase, protease, cellulase, lactase, and lipase, act locally within the gastrointestinal tract. They facilitate the hydrolysis (breakdown) of complex dietary macronutrients into smaller, more absorbable units. Amylase breaks down starches, protease breaks down proteins, lipase breaks down fats, lactase breaks down lactose, and cellulase breaks down cellulose. This process enhances nutrient digestion and absorption, particularly when endogenous enzyme production is insufficient or inefficient. The enzymes primarily interact with their specific substrates in the gut lumen, and systemic absorption is minimal, as their action is localized to the digestive tract.
Side effects
DigeZyme® is generally considered safe, holding Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the US, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, with no major adverse effects reported in the referenced randomized controlled trial. Similarly, uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) side effects have not been documented in available studies. There are no significant drug interactions specifically documented for DigeZyme®; however, caution is advised when combining it with other digestive aids or medications that affect digestion. Contraindications are not specifically reported, but individuals with known fungal allergies or hypersensitivity to enzymes should exercise caution. Safety in special populations such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or severely immunocompromised patients has not been well-studied, and therefore, use in these groups should be approached with caution.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for DigeZyme® are not clearly established, as commercial products typically standardize enzyme units rather than specific weight-based amounts. The clinical trial demonstrating efficacy in functional dyspepsia used proprietary DigeZyme® doses, but exact milligram amounts were not specified in the summary. Generally, digestive enzyme supplements are recommended to be taken with meals to maximize their digestive support by acting on ingested food. They are available in oral capsule or tablet forms. The activity of these enzymes is dependent on factors such as gastric pH and the presence of their specific substrates. There are no specific cofactors required for their function, but maintaining an adequate gastric pH is important for optimal enzyme activity. Maximum safe doses have not been established, but no adverse effects were reported at the doses studied.
FAQs
Is DigeZyme® safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports its safety for at least 60 days, as demonstrated in clinical trials. However, long-term safety data extending beyond this period are limited.
Does it help with lactose intolerance?
DigeZyme® contains lactase enzyme, which can aid in the digestion of lactose. While mechanistically plausible, direct clinical evidence specifically for lactose intolerance is limited.
Can it replace pancreatic enzyme supplements?
No, DigeZyme® is not a substitute for prescribed pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. It is designed to support general digestion, not to treat pancreatic insufficiency.
When should it be taken?
It is generally recommended to take DigeZyme® with meals to ensure the enzymes are present in the digestive tract when food is consumed, maximizing their digestive support.
How quickly does it work?
In clinical trials, symptom improvement for functional dyspepsia was observed within 30 days of consistent use, with benefits sustained through 60 days.
Research Sources
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-agricultural-science/article/effects-of-compound-treatment-of-aspergillus-oryzae-and-fibrolytic-enzyme-on-in-vitro-degradation-gas-production-and-fermentative-profile-of-maize-silage-and-sugarcane-silage/3D3D742A52AB4EA962E05AABCA162E27 – This in vitro study investigated the effects of Aspergillus oryzae enzymes on fiber degradation and fermentative profiles of silage. It found that these enzymes increased fiber digestibility and altered the fermentative process, suggesting potential benefits for nutrient breakdown, though its direct relevance to human digestion is indirect.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6249666/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated DigeZyme® in adults with functional dyspepsia over 60 days. It concluded that DigeZyme® significantly improved dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life compared to placebo (p<0.01), providing strong evidence for its efficacy in this condition.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4923703/ – This narrative review discusses the rationale for multi-enzyme supplementation in various digestive disorders. While it provides theoretical support for the use of digestive enzymes, it does not present direct clinical data specifically on DigeZyme® or Aspergillus oryzae, serving more as a background resource.
- https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7912 – This EFSA journal publication likely pertains to the safety assessment or regulatory status of certain food enzymes. While not directly about DigeZyme®, it contributes to the general understanding of enzyme safety, supporting the GRAS status mentioned for DigeZyme®.
