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Protease (Fungal Protease Blend)

EnzymeproteaseModerate dose evidence

Also known as: fungal protease, acid protease, neutral protease, Aspergillus protease, peptidase, proteolytic enzyme

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Protease is a family of enzymes that cleave peptide bonds, breaking dietary proteins into peptides and amino acids. Digestive-supplement proteases are usually fermented from Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus niger and blended so that acid-stable and neutral forms cover the pH range from stomach to small intestine. They are standard in digestive enzyme complexes and increasingly added to protein powders to support breakdown of whey or plant proteins. The 2026 multi-enzyme crossover trial in healthy adults included protease among its components. Manufacturers specify protease by activity units (HUT or SAPU), not by weight.

Research summary

Hydrolyzes peptide bonds in dietary protein; studied within multi-enzyme blends for effects on postprandial amino acid availability.

Gut & digestionMuscle recovery

Dosage

Daily amounts, of compound.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
—50–150 mg——

Dose is an activity target of about 20,000–60,000 HUT per serving; the 50–150 mg range assumes a common commercial potency and must be recalculated from the supplier's HUT per gram. Take with protein-containing meals. Acid-stable protease (SAPU) is often listed separately from neutral protease (HUT).

Standardization: Activity-standardized: 20,000–60,000 HUT per serving (HUT = hemoglobin units, tyrosine basis, FCC); acid protease reported in SAPU

Source material: Aspergillus oryzae / niger fermentation

As supplied: Manufacturers quote activity (HUT or SAPU per gram), not mass; the mg figure is a placeholder until supplier potency is known.

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Heat- and moisture-sensitive; capsule, dry powder, or low-heat tablet only.

Formulation notes

Active protease can degrade other protein-based ingredients (collagen, whey, other enzymes, vegetative probiotic cells) if moisture is present; keep the blend dry and consider separate encapsulation. Not for users with active gastric ulcers.

Sources

  1. Oral Multienzyme Supplementation Alters Postprandial Plasma Nutrient Concentrations after a Mixed Meal in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. (Deutz 2026)PubMed
  2. Food Chemicals Codex (USP) — enzyme activity unit definitionsReference
  3. NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database — digestive enzyme productsNIH DSLD

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