ProHydrolase (Protease Enzyme Blend)

ProHydrolase is a proprietary protease enzyme blend that breaks down protein bonds to enhance amino acid absorption. This enzyme complex increases plasma leucine levels by 33% and total blood amino acids by 20% compared to undigested protein.

Origin & History

ProHydrolase is a proprietary protease enzyme blend developed by Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, sourced from the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). The blend is produced via microbial fermentation and plant extraction methods, with enzymes standardized on tapioca, corn, or potato dextrin, providing 70,000 HUT per 200 mg.

Historical & Cultural Context

ProHydrolase has no documented historical or traditional medicinal use, as it is a modern proprietary enzyme blend developed specifically for the sports nutrition and supplement industry. The component enzymes from pineapple (bromelain-like) have traditional use, but the specific ProHydrolase formulation lacks roots in traditional medicine systems.

Health Benefits

• Enhances protein absorption by increasing plasma leucine levels by 33% within 30 minutes post-consumption (RCT evidence)
• Improves bioavailability of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) by 32% compared to whey protein alone (clinical trial)
• Increases total blood amino acid levels by 20% when combined with whey protein isolate (clinical study)
• Reduces gastrointestinal discomfort by degrading 99% of problematic whey peptides within 90 minutes (in vitro data)
• Supports post-exercise muscle recovery through elevated essential amino acid levels persisting up to 180 minutes (RCT in resistance-trained males)

How It Works

ProHydrolase contains endopeptidases and exopeptidases that cleave peptide bonds in dietary proteins, converting them into smaller peptides and free amino acids. The enzyme blend specifically targets leucine-rich protein sequences, accelerating the hydrolysis of whey protein into bioavailable amino acids. This enhanced proteolysis occurs in the small intestine, bypassing rate-limiting steps in natural protein digestion.

Scientific Research

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PMC7077235) in resistance-trained males showed that 250 mg ProHydrolase with 26g whey protein significantly elevated plasma leucine (33%), BCAAs (32%), and essential amino acids (29%) compared to whey alone at 30 minutes post-exercise. An earlier clinical study demonstrated that 10 mg ProHydrolase per gram of whey protein isolate increased total blood amino acids by 20%, though specific study details and PMIDs were not provided.

Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that ProHydrolase increased plasma leucine levels by 33% within 30 minutes post-consumption compared to whey protein alone. The same study showed 32% improved bioavailability of branched-chain amino acids and 20% higher total blood amino acid levels. While these results are promising, the clinical evidence comes from a limited number of studies with relatively small sample sizes, requiring additional research to confirm long-term benefits and optimal dosing protocols.

Nutritional Profile

ProHydrolase is a proprietary blend of protease enzymes (endoproteases and exoproteases) derived from microbial and/or plant-based fermentation sources. As an enzyme blend, it contains negligible macronutrient content — essentially zero fat, carbohydrate, or complete protein contribution at typical use doses (approximately 250–500 mg per serving). The active components are proteolytic enzymes, primarily serine proteases and metalloproteinases, measured in activity units (HUT — Hemoglobin Units on a Tyrosine basis) rather than by mass concentration. Typical dosing delivers enzymes with activity levels ranging from approximately 40,000–160,000 HUT per serving depending on formulation. Bioactive compounds include endoprotease activity targeting internal peptide bonds and exoprotease activity cleaving terminal amino acids, collectively accelerating hydrolysis of intact whey protein into free amino acids and short-chain peptides (di- and tripeptides). These smaller peptide fractions demonstrate superior intestinal transporter uptake via PepT1 peptide transporters compared to intact protein. No significant vitamins or minerals are inherently present. Caloric contribution is negligible (<5 kcal per serving). Bioavailability impact is functional rather than nutritive: the blend measurably increases plasma leucine bioavailability by ~33% and total BCAA absorption by ~32% when co-administered with whey protein isolate, as demonstrated in peer-reviewed RCT data.

Preparation & Dosage

Clinically studied doses include 250 mg ProHydrolase added to 26g whey protein post-exercise, or 10 mg per gram of protein (whey, casein, soy, egg, pea, or hemp). The manufacturer recommends 10 mg ProHydrolase per gram of protein, standardized to 3,500 HUT per 10 mg. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Whey Protein Isolate, BCAAs, Leucine, Digestive Enzymes, Creatine Monohydrate

Safety & Interactions

ProHydrolase is generally recognized as safe when used as directed, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Individuals with known allergies to Aspergillus-derived enzymes should exercise caution, as some protease enzymes are fungal-derived. The supplement may theoretically interact with medications that require specific gastric pH levels for absorption, though no direct drug interactions have been documented. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use due to limited safety data in these populations.