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ProHydrolase

Also known as: ProHydrolase®, protease enzyme blend, ProHydrolase

Overview

ProHydrolase is a proprietary blend of digestive protease enzymes derived from microbial sources, specifically formulated to enhance the breakdown of dietary proteins into smaller peptides and free amino acids. It is primarily used as a supplement to improve the digestion and absorption of protein, particularly whey protein, in individuals, often athletes or those engaged in resistance training. By accelerating protein hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract, ProHydrolase aims to increase the bioavailability of amino acids, which are crucial for muscle protein synthesis and recovery. Research on ProHydrolase is emerging, with some randomized controlled trials indicating its ability to acutely increase plasma amino acid concentrations after protein ingestion. While generally recognized as safe, its long-term clinical impact on muscle growth or strength gains requires further investigation.

Benefits

The primary benefit of ProHydrolase, supported by an acute randomized controlled trial, is its ability to significantly increase plasma leucine and essential amino acid (EAA) concentrations within 30 minutes post-ingestion when consumed with whey protein, compared to whey protein alone. This indicates enhanced amino acid availability shortly after consumption, which is crucial for muscle recovery and synthesis. While this acute increase in amino acids is statistically significant, the clinical impact on downstream muscle protein synthesis signaling pathways (e.g., mTOR, AKT phosphorylation) or long-term outcomes like muscle hypertrophy or strength gains has not been confirmed. The benefits have been primarily observed in trained males undergoing resistance exercise. The strength of evidence is moderate, based on a limited number of high-quality acute RCTs.

How it works

ProHydrolase functions by enhancing the enzymatic breakdown of dietary proteins within the gastrointestinal tract. It contains a blend of protease enzymes that specifically target and hydrolyze peptide bonds in proteins, effectively pre-digesting them into smaller, more readily absorbable peptides and free amino acids. This process improves the efficiency of protein digestion, leading to a faster and potentially greater influx of amino acids into the bloodstream. By increasing the rate and extent of amino acid absorption, ProHydrolase aims to optimize the body's access to these building blocks for various physiological processes, including muscle repair and growth.

Side effects

ProHydrolase has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in available clinical studies. No adverse effects have been reported in randomized controlled trials to date, and protease enzymes are generally recognized as safe for consumption. Common side effects are not documented in the literature reviewed, and uncommon or rare side effects have not been observed. There are no known drug interactions reported with ProHydrolase. Furthermore, no specific contraindications have been established. However, research data is primarily limited to healthy, resistance-trained males, so its safety profile in other populations, such as individuals with pre-existing digestive conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children, is not well-documented. As with any supplement, individuals with health concerns should consult a healthcare professional.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of ProHydrolase identified in clinical research is 250 mg, taken concurrently with protein supplementation. This dosage has been shown to acutely increase plasma amino acid concentrations. Optimal dosage ranges beyond 250 mg have not been established through research. The maximum safe dose is not yet defined, as no adverse events have been reported at the studied dose. ProHydrolase is typically consumed at the same time as protein supplements, often post-exercise, to maximize its effect on protein digestion and amino acid absorption. It is commonly available as a powder or in capsule form, often integrated into protein supplement formulations. The enzymatic activity is designed to remain effective within the varying pH conditions of the digestive tract, and no specific cofactors are required for its action.

FAQs

Does ProHydrolase improve muscle growth?

Current evidence shows improved amino acid availability but no confirmed enhancement of muscle protein synthesis signaling or long-term muscle hypertrophy in studies to date.

Is ProHydrolase safe to take?

Yes, ProHydrolase has not reported any adverse effects in controlled clinical studies, and protease enzymes are generally considered safe for consumption.

When is the best time to take ProHydrolase?

It is recommended to take ProHydrolase concurrently with protein supplements, especially post-exercise, to enhance protein digestion and amino acid absorption.

How quickly do the effects of ProHydrolase appear?

Increases in plasma amino acid concentrations have been observed within 30 minutes after ingestion when taken with protein.

Is ProHydrolase better than consuming whey protein alone?

While it may increase the rate and extent of amino acid absorption, current research does not clearly demonstrate superior improvements in muscle signaling pathways or long-term muscle outcomes compared to whey protein alone.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7077235/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of ProHydrolase on amino acid availability and muscle protein signaling after whey protein ingestion in trained males. The study found that adding 250 mg of ProHydrolase to whey protein significantly increased plasma leucine and essential amino acid concentrations at 30 minutes post-ingestion compared to whey protein alone. However, no significant differences were observed in muscle protein signaling pathways, suggesting enhanced acute amino acid availability without clear downstream effects on muscle synthesis signaling.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6769754/ – This meta-analysis focused on the effects of different forms of whey protein on body composition and performance. While not directly studying ProHydrolase, it provides context on the benefits of whey protein hydrolysates, which are pre-digested forms of protein. The study suggests that whey protein hydrolysates may offer advantages in terms of lean mass, providing indirect support for the concept of enhanced protein digestion, though specific data on ProHydrolase is absent.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1455728/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of protein intake on various performance metrics. The review concluded that adequate protein intake generally improves certain performance outcomes. However, it did not include specific data or findings related to protease enzyme supplements like ProHydrolase, thus providing general context on protein's role in performance rather than direct evidence for the supplement itself.