Written by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in April 2026. Last updated: 22 September 2026.
Protease is not a single enzyme but a family — pepsin, trypsin, bromelain, papain — each of which breaks down protein into absorbable amino acids and peptides. For those who eat a lot of protein (athletes, older people, meat-heavy diet), protease supplementation can be useful. At Plenthera you will find protease in Aminolase TPA® (protease mix for protein digestion), in broad digestive complexes and in the systemic enzyme complexes from Arthur Andrew Medical.
Which protease suits you?
| Form | Best for |
|---|---|
| Aminolase TPA® — protease mix (Arthur Andrew Medical) | Targeted protein digestion with protein-rich meals and protein shakes |
| In a digestive complex (Devigest ADS®, Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes) | Broad digestion with every meal |
| Systemic enzyme complex (Neprinol AFD®, Fibrovera AHS®, Serrétia®) | On an empty stomach between meals |
| Bromelain (separate) | Protein digestion + pineapple protease |
What is protease?
Protease is a collective name for enzymes that break down protein — pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin (produced by the body), bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya).
Protein digestion begins in the stomach with pepsin (activated by stomach acid) and continues in the small intestine with trypsin and chymotrypsin from the pancreas. For those who eat a lot of protein — athletes with a high protein intake, a meat-heavy diet, older people with reduced own production — protease supplementation can reduce the load on the body's own system.
Supplements often combine several proteases for a broad pH range. Plant-based bromelain (from pineapple) works mainly in the gut; pepsin works in stomach acid. A protease mix covers the entire digestive tract.
What does science say?
The action of proteases (splitting proteins into peptides and amino acids) is biochemically well documented; activity is expressed in HUT units. Research into supplementation focuses mainly on people with reduced own enzyme production. We describe the mechanism, without claims of effect.
The protease forms at Plenthera
Aminolase TPA® — 90 capsules
Protease mix from Arthur Andrew Medical, developed for the digestion of dietary protein. One capsule with protein-rich meals or protein shakes.
Protease in a digestive complex
Devigest ADS® (Arthur Andrew Medical, 180 capsules, also 3×180) with 50,000 HUT proteases per serving, Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes (16 enzymes, 90 capsules) and Syntol AMD® (enzyme complex with proteases plus live cultures, 360 capsules).
Systemic enzyme complexes
Neprinol AFD® (90, 150 and 300 capsules), Fibrovera AHS® (90 capsules) and Serrétia® (serrapeptase 250,000 SPU, 90 and 180 capsules) — proteases taken on an empty stomach between meals.
Bromelain (pineapple protease)
A separate category — see our bromelain category.
Other forms on the market
We do not currently stock single protease capsules without a complex, or animal pancreatin.
How do you use protease?
A simple basic approach for protease:
- With a protein-rich meal — follow the dosage on the label (Aminolase TPA®: 1 capsule).
- Systemic enzyme complexes (Neprinol AFD®, Fibrovera AHS®, Serrétia®): between meals, on an empty stomach.
- For broad coverage: a digestive complex with every meal.
Myths and misconceptions about protease
Myth 1: "Protease makes protein more absorbable for muscle growth."
Healthy people digest protein well themselves. With reduced own production, a supplement can help.
Myth 2: "Higher protease doses yield more amino acids."
Above a certain dose, extra protease does not translate into extra absorption.
Myth 3: "Protease and bromelain are the same."
Bromelain is a protease — a specific one from pineapple. Usually several proteases are blended.
Combining protease with other supplements
Protease is often combined. Popular combinations:
- Bromelain: an extra protein enzyme from pineapple.
- Digestive enzyme complex: broad coverage.
- Vegan Protein: for the sports protein cluster.
- Probiotics: gut theme.
Frequently asked questions
What is protease?
A protein-digesting enzyme (collective name).
When should you take protease?
With a protein-rich meal.
Protease for sport?
For recovery: a systemic complex between meals. With a meal or shake: Aminolase TPA®.
How much protease per day?
Follow the label.
What is HUT?
The unit for protease activity.
Vegan protease?
Microbial/plant-based: yes — the Arthur Andrew Medical formulas are microbial and vegan.
Difference between bromelain and protease?
Bromelain is a specific protease from pineapple.
Does protease have side effects?
Generally well tolerated.
Plant-based vs animal protease?
Plant-based/microbial: vegan. Animal (pancreatin): classic, not stocked by us.
Protease for bloating?
May help with protein-related complaints.
Sources
- Roxas M., "The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders", Altern Med Rev (2008).
Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Protease is a food supplement, not a medicine. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.