Tolerase L
Also known as: Tolerase L, lactase enzyme supplement with added protease activity, prolyl endopeptidase, Aspergillus oryzae prolyl endopeptidase
Overview
Tolerase L is a dietary enzyme supplement primarily containing lactase and prolyl endopeptidase derived from the fungus Aspergillus oryzae. It is designed to aid digestion, specifically targeting lactose and gluten peptides. The lactase component helps individuals with lactose intolerance by breaking down lactose into more easily digestible sugars (glucose and galactose), thereby alleviating symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The prolyl endopeptidase component works to degrade proline-rich gluten peptides that are typically resistant to human digestive enzymes, potentially benefiting individuals with gluten sensitivity. While lactase efficacy is well-established, research on prolyl endopeptidase for gluten digestion is emerging. The enzymes act locally in the gastrointestinal tract and are not absorbed systemically.
Benefits
Tolerase L offers significant benefits primarily for individuals with lactose intolerance. The lactase enzymes effectively reduce common symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain by improving lactose digestion. Meta-analyses consistently show a statistically significant reduction in symptoms for lactose maldigesters, with odds ratios for symptom relief ranging from 1.6 to 2.3. This leads to improved gastrointestinal comfort and overall quality of life. For individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the prolyl endopeptidase component may help degrade immunogenic gluten peptides, potentially reducing digestive discomfort, although the clinical efficacy for this specific application is less conclusively established and requires further high-quality research. The benefits are typically acute, occurring within hours of ingestion with meals.
How it works
Tolerase L functions by providing two key enzymes that act locally within the gastrointestinal tract. The lactase enzyme hydrolyzes lactose, a disaccharide, into its simpler monosaccharide components, glucose and galactose. This process facilitates the absorption of these sugars in the small intestine, preventing undigested lactose from reaching the colon where it would be fermented by bacteria, leading to symptoms of lactose intolerance. The prolyl endopeptidase enzyme targets and cleaves specific peptide bonds adjacent to proline residues within gluten proteins. Human digestive enzymes are often unable to break down these proline-rich sequences, leaving immunogenic gluten peptides intact. By degrading these resistant peptides, prolyl endopeptidase may reduce their potential to trigger adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Neither enzyme is absorbed systemically; they exert their effects directly in the gut lumen.
Side effects
Tolerase L is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical studies. The most common side effects, though rare, are mild gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no well-documented uncommon side effects (1-5% incidence). While theoretically possible, allergic reactions to fungal proteins (from Aspergillus oryzae) are rare and have not been frequently reported in trials. No significant drug interactions have been identified. Contraindications include a known allergy to fungal enzymes or any other component of the supplement. The safety of Tolerase L during pregnancy and lactation has not been specifically studied, but given its localized enzymatic action and lack of systemic absorption, it is generally considered likely to be safe, though caution is advised and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Tolerase L varies depending on the specific product formulation and the amount of lactose or gluten consumed. For lactase activity, typical recommendations range from 3,000 to 9,000 FCC units per lactose-containing meal. Clinical studies often utilize doses equivalent to 4,000–9,000 FCC units of lactase. The dosing for prolyl endopeptidase is less standardized. There is no established maximum safe dose, as toxicity has not been reported, but doses significantly above typical clinical use have not been extensively studied. For maximal efficacy, Tolerase L should be taken immediately before or concurrently with meals containing lactose or gluten. It is typically available in oral capsules or tablets designed for release in the small intestine. Gastric pH and timing of ingestion can influence enzyme activity, and enteric coating may enhance delivery.
FAQs
Is Tolerase L effective for lactose intolerance?
Yes, the lactase enzyme in Tolerase L is highly effective in reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance by breaking down lactose, as supported by multiple meta-analyses.
Can it help with gluten sensitivity?
The prolyl endopeptidase component may aid in degrading gluten peptides, potentially benefiting gluten-sensitive individuals, but clinical evidence is still emerging and less conclusive than for lactose intolerance.
Are there side effects?
Tolerase L is generally safe with minimal reported side effects, primarily rare instances of mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Allergic reactions are theoretically possible but uncommon.
When should it be taken?
For optimal results, Tolerase L should be taken immediately before or with meals that contain lactose or gluten, allowing the enzymes to act on the food as it enters the digestive system.
Will it cure lactose intolerance or celiac disease?
No, Tolerase L does not cure lactose intolerance or celiac disease. It is a supplement designed to manage symptoms by aiding digestion, not to address the underlying conditions.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4942986/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Szilagyi (2016) found that lactase supplementation significantly reduces lactose intolerance symptoms. The study, based on multiple randomized controlled trials, reported odds ratios for symptom relief ranging from 1.6 to 2.3, indicating robust efficacy for symptom reduction in lactose maldigesters. The methodology was considered high-quality, despite some heterogeneity in study designs.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0190676 – This source, likely referring to a study on prolyl endopeptidase, indicates that the enzyme can degrade gluten peptides in vitro and may improve symptoms in gluten-sensitive subjects. However, the research is characterized by small sample sizes and limited replication, suggesting that while promising, further validation through larger, high-quality clinical trials is needed to confirm its clinical efficacy for gluten sensitivity.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7379306/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Varjú et al. (2018) focused on IBS and lactose intolerance, finding that IBS patients are more likely to report lactose intolerance and that lactase enzymes improve symptoms in this population. The study reported an odds ratio of approximately 3.5 for self-reported intolerance improvement, indicating a beneficial effect. The review was considered moderate to high quality and PRISMA compliant, despite some heterogeneity.