Phytase, beta glucanase
Also known as: Myo-inositol hexakisphosphate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.8), microbial phytase, fungal phytase, Beta-glucanase, Endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6), glucanase, cellulase, Phytase
Overview
Phytase and Beta-glucanase are enzyme supplements primarily used in animal nutrition, with emerging research in human applications. Phytase (Myo-inositol hexakisphosphate phosphohydrolase) is an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid (phytate), a compound found in plants that can bind to minerals and reduce their absorption. By hydrolyzing phytate, phytase releases phosphate and inositol, thereby improving the bioavailability of minerals, especially phosphorus, and enhancing protein digestibility. Beta-glucanase (Endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase) is an enzyme that specifically targets and breaks down beta-glucans, complex polysaccharides abundant in cereal grains like barley and oats. In animal feed, beta-glucanase helps reduce gut viscosity caused by these non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), leading to improved nutrient absorption and feed efficiency. Both enzymes are naturally produced by various microorganisms and plants and are active locally in the gastrointestinal tract without being absorbed into the bloodstream. While well-established in animal agriculture, their direct human applications are still under investigation.
Benefits
Phytase offers significant benefits by improving mineral bioavailability, particularly phosphorus, and enhancing protein digestibility. In poultry, supplementation can increase phytate degradation from 40.3% to 94.8%, leading to improved growth performance, nutrient retention, and bone mineralization. It also reduces endogenous nutrient losses and environmental phosphorus excretion. Beta-glucanase primarily improves the digestibility of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in diets rich in grains like barley and oats. In poultry, it reduces gut viscosity, which can improve feed efficiency by 5–10% and increase overall nutrient digestibility. Both enzymes are most beneficial in monogastric animals (like poultry and swine) and potentially in humans consuming high-phytate or high-beta-glucan diets, or those with mineral deficiencies. The effects are observed within days to weeks of consistent supplementation, with large effects on phytate degradation and moderate effects on growth performance and feed efficiency.
How it works
Phytase functions by hydrolyzing phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate), a major storage form of phosphorus in plants. This enzymatic breakdown releases inorganic phosphate and inositol, thereby reducing the chelating effect of phytic acid on essential minerals like calcium, zinc, and iron. This action primarily occurs in the acidic environment of the stomach and upper small intestine, improving the absorption of these minerals. Beta-glucanase, on the other hand, specifically targets beta-glucan polysaccharides found in cereal grains. By breaking down these complex carbohydrates, beta-glucanase reduces the viscosity of the digesta in the gastrointestinal tract. This reduction in gut viscosity improves the accessibility of other nutrients to digestive enzymes and absorptive surfaces, leading to enhanced nutrient digestion and absorption. Neither enzyme is absorbed into the bloodstream; their actions are localized within the digestive lumen.
Side effects
Both Phytase and Beta-glucanase are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in animal applications, and no significant adverse effects have been reported in the limited human studies available. There are no common (greater than 5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (less than 1%) side effects documented for either enzyme. Furthermore, no known drug interactions have been identified for either Phytase or Beta-glucanase. There are no specific contraindications for their use, and they are considered safe for general populations. However, safety in specific populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals has not been formally established due to limited research in these groups. Overall, the safety profile for both enzymes appears to be very favorable, with their action being localized to the gastrointestinal tract and no systemic absorption.
Dosage
For animal applications, the minimum effective dose for Phytase is typically 500–1,000 FTU/kg of feed, with optimal ranges extending from 1,000–12,000 FTU/kg of feed. For Beta-glucanase, the minimum effective dose is 100–200 U/kg of feed, with optimal ranges between 200–1,000 U/kg of feed. The maximum safe dose for Phytase has been observed up to 12,000 FTU/kg feed in animals without reported toxicity, and for Beta-glucanase, up to 1,000 U/kg feed. Human dosage guidelines are not yet established for either enzyme. Both enzymes are typically incorporated directly into animal feed and consumed with meals to ensure their activity coincides with the presence of their respective substrates (phytate or beta-glucans). They are commonly available as powders or liquid concentrates. Since neither enzyme is absorbed, their efficacy depends on their activity within the gastrointestinal tract, and no specific cofactors are required for their function.
FAQs
Are Phytase and Beta-glucanase safe for human consumption?
While both enzymes are generally recognized as safe in animal feed, human safety data are limited. No adverse effects have been reported in the few human studies, but more research is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy in humans.
How should these enzymes be taken for optimal effect?
Both Phytase and Beta-glucanase are most effective when consumed with meals, as their action is localized to the digestive tract. This ensures they are present when their target substrates (phytate or beta-glucans) are ingested.
What kind of results can I expect from using these enzymes?
In animals, Phytase improves mineral bioavailability and protein digestibility, while Beta-glucanase enhances feed efficiency and nutrient digestibility, especially in diets high in specific grains. Human effects are still under investigation.
Do these enzymes get absorbed into the body?
No, neither Phytase nor Beta-glucanase is absorbed into the bloodstream. They act locally within the gastrointestinal tract to break down specific compounds, and their effects are limited to the digestive system.
Are there any specific dietary considerations when using these enzymes?
Phytase is most effective with high-phytate diets, and Beta-glucanase is most effective with diets rich in beta-glucans (e.g., barley, oats). They are not necessary in diets lacking these specific compounds.
Research Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/4/549 – This RCT on broilers investigated the effects of phytase and NSP-degrading enzymes in corn–soybean meal-based diets. It found that these enzymes improved growth performance and nutrient utilization, demonstrating their efficacy in animal nutrition.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09712119.2023.2197975 – This RCT on broilers over 42 days showed that a combination of phytase and a multicarbohydrase complex (including beta-glucanase) significantly improved broiler performance and processing yield, supporting their use in animal feed.
- https://academic.oup.com/tas/article/5/2/txab029/6135142 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple animal studies confirmed that phytase supplementation, even at high doses (up to 12,000 FTU/kg), significantly improved phytate degradation (40.3–94.8%), growth performance, and nutrient retention in animals.
- https://mspace.lib.umanitoba.ca/bitstreams/d9a54ef9-dac6-47f8-8ea2-d197bb512ec4/download – This source provides detailed information on phytase's mechanism of action, explaining how it hydrolyzes phytic acid to release phosphate and inositol, thereby reducing mineral chelation and improving nutrient absorption in monogastric animals.