If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best proteolytic enzymes supplements for reducing muscle soreness is, then I’d recommend Massyzyme digestive enzyme supplement as the best one.
Throughout my life, I’ve been no stranger to odd health issues. You name it – poor digestion, fatigue, muscle weakness, pain – I’ve had it.
That’s why I decided to get my life in order through regular exercise and diet changes. However, I soon noticed that muscle soreness and aches would plague me after my workout sessions.
After doing some research, I turned to proteolytic enzymes, which are whole-health protein-processing molecules that some people don’t naturally produce enough of.
Today, I’ll discuss exactly what proteolytic enzymes are, their primary benefits, and the best supplements for athletes concerned about muscle soreness.
Here are the top proteolytic enzymes supplements we’ll be reviewing:
- DNA Shift: Digestive Enzymes 18-in-1
- Wonder Laboratories: Proteolytic Enzymes
- Excellacor: Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes Formula
- Dr. Tobias 21 Day Liver Cleanse
- Massyzymes Digestive Enzyme Supplement
Factors to Consider When Buying Proteolytic Enzymes Supplements
Interested in knowing more about proteolytic enzymes?
Below, I’ve compiled everything you need to know about these supplements.
Make sure to consider your primary goals, expectations, and pre-existing health conditions before investing in any new supplement.
What Are Proteolytic Enzymes?
Proteolytic enzymes are some of the lesser-known yet most needed compounds that the body needs to break down food.
Foods like kiwifruit, ginger, kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut are high in proteolytic enzymes, yet it’s easy for most to achieve their daily recommended intake through supplements.
While the pancreas and stomach produce their own proteolytic enzymes, ingested supplements can help bolster the body’s natural reserve.
The body naturally produces pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin, which are all forms of proteolytic enzymes.
Sometimes, you’ll hear proteolytic enzymes dubbed as protease, peptidase, or proteinase.
These long molecules break down protein into its component pieces (amino acids), helping to aid digestion, ease chronic pain, and promote healing.
Proteolytic enzymes are known to modulate the hyperinflammatory response of the body’s immune system, thereby reducing swelling of the mucous membranes and dissolution of blood-clotting deposits in the body.
In short, proteolytic enzymes help the body break down and process protein – and that’s why they are so beneficial to the body.
Proteolytic Enzymes Supplements: How Do They Work?
In recent years, proteolytic enzymes supplements have grown tremendously popular among athletes and health nuts.
They are normally available as gel caps, capsules, powders, and tablets, depending on your preference.
Most blends contain several forms of proteolytic enzymes, including trypsin, papain, bromelain, and chymotrypsin.
These enzymes are derived from both plant and animal sources – so vegans can always find a diet-friendly alternative!
When you’re buying a new supplement, make sure to reference the brand’s stated potency.
Contrary to popular misconception, the weight in milligrams of any enzyme will not inform you about how effective the product is.
The potency you should take will rely on your gender and body weight; however, the topic is still highly debated amongst experts.
Benefits of Proteolytic Enzymes Supplements
As you can likely imagine, the benefits of taking proteolytic enzymes supplements are far and wide.
The primary reason consumers take them is to improve their digestion and metabolism, especially of complex proteins.
Taking these supplements helps those who suffer from cystic fibrosis and certain digestive cancer, as well as those recovering from pancreatic surgeries.
Many reports see noticeable mitigation of abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, and unpredictable appetite.
That said, the benefits don’t stop at digestion.
Proteolytic enzymes have a tremendous effect on bodily inflammation, which is the primary cause of a whole host of autoimmune, neurological, and chronic pain disorders.
In particular, the enzyme bromelain may be effective at reducing swelling, joint stiffness, pain, and arthritis.
Along those lines, proteolytic enzymes may help promote the body’s natural healing process.
This group of critical enzymes supports wound healing and accelerates the growth of healthy tissues.
These supplements can be helpful for athletes, too.
Many athletes take proteolytic enzymes to decrease muscle soreness after grueling workout sessions.
The enzyme supplement can be taken before or after a workout to heighten the speed of muscle recovery after intense training sessions.
In short, proteolytic enzymes can act as an all-in-one health supplement that supports digestion, healing, and pain-fighting mechanisms in the body.
Precautions & Prerequisites
You should be aware of some important precautions before starting a new proteolytic enzyme diet regimen.
On the whole, these enzymes are considered very safe and natural to the body, but some do experience side effects. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may occur, especially if you’re taking a very high dose that’s not well-suited for you.
If you’re allergic to pineapple, papaya, or other fruits, make sure to read the manufacturer’s specifications and warnings before purchase.
Taking plant-derived proteolytic enzymes could cause an allergic reaction.
Moreover, certain plant-derived enzymes are known to potentiate or increase the blood concentrations of antibiotics.
These enzymes may cause some medications to become less effective, such as blood-thinning treatments.
That’s why it’s recommended that you first consult with your doctor before taking proteolytic enzymes.
Though they are safe for most people, some have experienced adverse reactions. Please, take care!
The Best Proteolytic Enzymes Supplements
I’ve gone through the trouble of rounding up the most customer-loved, popular proteolytic enzymes supplements below.
Each supplement has won over droves of loyal fans through their high-quality ingredients, high concentrations, and dietary benefits.
DNA Shift: Digestive Enzymes 18-in-1
At more than half the price of its leading competitors, DNA Shift Digestive Enzymes presents an 18-in-1 whole-health proteolytic enzyme treatment.
If you suffer from bloating or discomfort after meals, this is one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments out there.
The supplement aids the health digestions of carbs, fats, proteins, and sugars into bioavailable micronutrients.
The supplement is comprised of five enzymes that break down protein, five for digesting carbs, four for the breakdown of plant fibers, and three for digesting lactose, fat, and gluten.
The formula is certified by the external third-party agency GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
It’s completely GMO-free and contains a broad spectrum of proteolytic enzymes, including protease, aspergillopepsin, amylase, lipase, cellulase, and glucoamylase.
Many satisfied customers use it not only to support their digestive health but also to mitigate the inflammation caused by grueling workouts.
Pros
- Packed with 18 different enzymes to support whole body wellness
- Mitigates digestive discomfort and promotes muscle healing
- Contains 60 capsules that cost less than 30 cents per dose
Cons
- May not be recommended for those allergic to papaya and pineapple
Wonder Laboratories: Proteolytic Enzymes
Yes, it may not be the prettiest bottle, but the Wonder Laboratories: Proteolytic Enzymes blend gets the job done.
Designed to naturally boost the body’s immune response and healing, the Wonder Laboratories: Proteolytic Enzymes is perfect for athletes and those with compromised immune systems alike.
The blend contains a mix of bromelain, papain, pancreatin, chymotrypsin, and trypsin to support complete wellness.
The enzymes help to aid the breakdown of proteins, balance out a hyperactive immune system, and mitigate muscle soreness.
Not only is the Wonder Lab supplement made in the USA, but it’s also registered and certified by the FDA. It’s third-party tested so that every bottle is sure to be completely pure and potent.
Users should be aware that the supplement contains milk ingredients. If you’re sensitive to lactose, you may want to invest in a different product.
Pros
- Supports improved immunological function and may reduce muscle soreness after exercise
- Externally certified and vetted through third-party lab testing organization
- Each capsule costs less than a dime
Cons
- May not be suitable to those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance
Excellacor: Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes Formula
Containing a potent blend of serrapeptase, proteases, and herbs, Excellacor: Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes Formula helps support the body’s natural response to inflammation and healthy joint function.
With over a decade in the wellness industry, Excellacor has helped thousands of athletes achieve optimized performance for careful diet curation.
Excellacor is designed for a broad range of uses from decreasing inflammation in fatigued muscles to supporting healthy digestion.
The formula may also support improved joint function, healthy blood circulation, and healthy fibrin metabolism.
The formula also includes exclzyme, which helps the body to naturally remove waste substances and return the blood to a normal balance.
Over time, health issues can develop if the body suffers from impaired enzyme function and metabolism – and this is what Excellacor can help prevent.
All Excellacor branded products are manufactured and tested right in the US, adhering strictly to GMP guidelines.
The formula is free of pesticides, chemicals, preservatives, animal by-products, dairy, yeast, fish, peanuts, and tree nuts. And it’s kosher-certified, too.
All in all, Excellacor is the best supplement for athletes with strict dietary requirements. It’s completely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Pros
- Great for vegans, vegetarians, and those with a variety of food allergies
- Advanced systemic formula supports whole body wellness and mitigates muscle soreness
- Helps the body to eliminate waste products from the blood to achieve a natural balance
Cons
- May cause nausea or diarrhea on an empty stomach
Dr. Tobias 21 Day Liver Cleanse
Marketed as a complete detoxifier and regenerator, Dr. Tobias’ 21-day cleanse is formulated to help flush out and fully repair the liver.
Dr. Tobias 21 Day Liver Cleanse contains a range of proteolytic enzymes that help support the digestion of protein and fat.
Moreover, the formula is made with proprietary SolarPlast tech, that provides high concentrations of energy molecules that harness the power of plants’ chloroplast.
It contains a blend of artichoke, dandelion, milk thistle, and proteolytic enzymes for supporting complete body wellness.
Dr. Tobias’ 21-day cleanse is made from non-GMO, third-party tested ingredients manufactured in a GMP-certified ability.
Pros
- Formulated specifically to help repair and clean the liver
- Uses unique SolarPlast formula to provide high concentrations of plant cholorplast
- Supports the digestion of both proteins and fats
Cons
- Advertised as a 21-day cleanse yet would be better as an everyday supplement
Massyzymes Digestive Enzyme Supplement
All you non-athletes out there, do you want a formula specifically made for you? Do you want a formula that’ll help you both recover and gain serious muscle mass?
The Massyzymes digestive enzyme supplement may be right for you.
Built to increase your absorption of key amino acids, the supplement both boosts healthier digestion and decreases the need for lengthy post-workout recovery.
Unlike so many other products, the Massyzyme manufacturers are clear about the potency in each capsule.
Every capsule is certified to contain 100,000 HUTs of protease, which effectively turns every 1 gram of consumed protein into 3 grams of effectiveness.
According to customers, the supplement increases mental clarity, boosts the absorption of certain vitamins, and significantly decreases digestive discomfort.
In addition to proteins, the formula breaks down starches, sugars, and fats for maximum bioavailability.
Each capsule is designed to be taken with meals and protein shakes.
Pros
- Provides highest potency and most bioavailable formula on the market for breaking down consumed proteins
- Designed to decrease the necessity of post-workout recovery periods and sleep
- Increases mental clarity and eliminates brain fog
Cons
- Taking capsules on an empty stomach can interfere with their overall effectiveness
Final Thoughts on Proteolytic Enzymes Supplements
Without a doubt, the Massyzyme digestive enzyme supplement is the best proteolytic enzyme formula for athletes.
If you want to decrease muscle soreness and get more out of every meal, this is one to consider.
Of course, we should also mention the close runner-ups: DNA Shift and Excellacor.
Those with very specific dietary requirements should check out these brands since they are completely plant-based.
Still, the Massyzymes takes the cake in terms of performance, digestion, and mental clarity improvements.
