The Digestive Power of Biotics & Enzymes

by Eric Munson | January 9, 2025

Biotics vs. Enzymes

Biotics and enzymes are both used for digestive and gut health. However, there is often confusion as to their roles and functions.

“Biotics are the ‘distance runners’ of gut health often requiring days or even weeks before noticing a benefit. In contrast, microbial enzymes demonstrate digestive health benefits within minutes and hours. Enzymes are the ‘sprinters’ of gut health because of their quick action,” said Mark G. Walin, senior vice president of business development & marketing at BIO-CAT (Troy, VA).

Rob Brewster, president of Ingredients By Nature (IBN, Montclair, CA) explained biotics and enzymes play an essential role in gut health, metabolic processes and overall health and well-being.

“Biotics are living microorganisms that support beneficial bacteria in the body, primarily focusing on the gut microbiome. Enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions and processes, and are essential for digestion,” Brewster said. “The general awareness of probiotics is larger than that of enzymes and is traditionally better understood by the consumer.”

Daniel Martinez-Puig, head of R&D human and animal health at Bioiberica (Spain) agreed with Brewster, adding it is important to note that most intestinal enzymes have a direct impact on digestion, but others don’t such as diamine oxidase (DAO).

“DAO enzymes are used to support consumers dealing with histamine intolerance or DAO enzyme deficiency,” Martinez-Puig said. “These enzymes have an effect that is independent of intercations with the gut microbiome. Having said that, histamine intolerance has been suggested to be associated with intestinal dysbiosis, i.e. an imbalance in the gut microbiota.”

According to Dr. Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, CEO of Netherlands-based NutriLeads BV, biotics and enzymes work synergistically to support comprehensive gut health.

“Biotics modulate the gut microbiome through various mechanisms, including nourishment (prebiotics), adding live beneficial bacteria (probiotics) or provide metabolic components or molecules from dead bacteria (postbiotics). They primarily influence microbial populations, both their diversity and function,” Carneiro-Wakefield said. “Enzymes are biological catalysts that indirectly modulate the gut microbiome by aiding in digestion and improve substrate availability for microbial fermentation and metabolism.”

Trends and Sales Outlook

Gut health remains a rapidly growing market as consumers increasingly recognize the importance of gut health to their overall health and wellness.

According to Grand View Research, the global prebiotic supplement market size was valued at $18.04 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1 percent through 2030.

“The probiotic market is not only substantial, but also diverse in its applications. This is followed by categories, such as energy and weight management, gastrointestinal health, bone and joint health, immunity, cardiac health, sports fitness, diabetes and more,” Brewster said. “This diversity provides a wide range of opportunities for growth and innovation within the industry.”

Jordi Riera, chief business officer, probiotics at Kaneka Corporation (Houston, TX) agreed with Brewster that the biotics market is growing rapidly.

“Probiotics are no longer viewed solely through the lens of gut health; instead, they are being developed for precise applications, such as women’s health and healthy aging. Areas like menopause, vaginal health, and urinary tract health have gained significant traction as consumers seek tailored products that support well-being across various life stages,” Riera said. “In healthy aging, probiotics are playing a central role in areas such as immunity, cognitive health, skin health and weight management. This shift underscores the need for precision probiotics that deliver scientifically validated, measurable benefits.”

According to Walin, the biotics and enzymes categories are driven by consumer demand, noticeable benefits and ongoing product innovations. A key trend is the combination of enzymes and probiotics, which is gaining traction in the industry.

“Enzymes are particularly ‘on trend’ due to their fast-acting digestive benefits. As a result, enzymes are anticipated to grow twice the rate of probiotics,” Walin said. “In contrast, biotics like probiotics focus on long-term gut health, with benefits that could take weeks to show.”

According to Martinez-Puig, the rising demand for digestive health solutions can be attributed to a growing awareness of the link between gut health and overall well-being, better knowledge of what the microbiome is and how to support it, and a rise in digestive health concerns.

“Food intolerances, also known as food sensitivities, is one area that has taken center stage in the digestive health conversation,” Martinez-Puig said. “Indeed, these common digestive disorders affect between 15 to 20 percent of the global population, causing effects beyond digestive discomfort—like bloating, flatulence, abdominal discomfort or diarrhea—to include headaches, nausea, dizziness and more. Some of these intolerances, like histamine or lactose intolerance, could be linked to enzyme deficiencies.”

Ingredient Innovations

According to FMCG Gurus, consumer interest in biotics continues to grow rapidly as gut health becomes a top priority for consumers. It is the most common health area consumers want to address. Nearly seven in 10 consumers claim they are interested in products that promote digestive health, even if they are not suffering from current health problems.

Walin said there is a shift from standalone ingredients to formulations containing both long-term benefits from biotics and benefits from enzymes. This synergy is particularly effective within the BIO-CAT portfolio as Bacillus probiotics naturally produce and release digestive enzymes into the gut.

“Supplemental microbial enzymes are becoming key players in these formulations, helping to break down food and dietary fiber, enhance nutrient availability and reduce occasional issues like gas and bloating,” Walin said. “This combination of ingredients addresses both immediate digestive discomfort and supports long-term gut health, reflecting the growing trend of integrated solutions in the digestive health market.”

According to Riera, precision remains a driving force behind ingredient advancements. Brands are increasingly focusing on validated strains and robust mechanisms of action to ensure probiotics target their intended site. The focus on clinical validation has intensified, with new strains being studied for specific health outcomes.

“These advancements are driven by understanding strain-specific mechanisms of action, such as how certain probiotics modulate the gut-brain-skin axis or produce bioactive metabolites that influence systemic health,” Riera said. “The integration of postbiotics and probiotics into functional formulations represents a shift towards precision and stability, offering versatile solutions backed by robust scientific evidence.”

Riera added many brands are aligning their products with a combination of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to deliver comprehensive health benefits.

“This holistic approach not only supports gut health but also addresses broader health concerns, such as immunity, skin health and mental well-being. By combining these biotics, brands can create synergistic formulations where prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria, probiotics provide live strains with targeted effects and postbiotics offer bioactive compounds for added functionality,” Riera said.

According to Martinez-Puig, histamine intolerance affects up to 3 percent of the global population and rising but remains a largely unaddressed health issue.

“Individuals with histamine intolerance usually present with DAO enzyme deficiency or impaired DAO enzyme functionality,” Martinez-Puig said. “This is the enzyme responsible for degrading histamine from foods and beverages. So, DAO-based supplements are a simple solution that can help support these individuals.”

One popular probiotic is Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK), also known as the “longevity probiotic.” Studies have shown that centenarians tend to have higher levels of AKK in their gut, according to Brewster. This has prompted further research into this unique gut microbe. IBN is looking at a combination of AKK with its lemon flavonoid blend, Eriomin.

“Published data has shown its promising role in influencing markers of aging, contributing to support for metabolic health and immune regulation,” Brewster said. “Specifically, it has been shown to help support the gut barrier integrity, boost SCFAs, boost a unique P9 protein that induces the secretion of GLP-1, a hormone known for regulating blood sugar levels, and AKK has been shown to support immune regulating properties.”

In the prebiotic market, NutriLeads is leading a move towards precision probiotics with the right molecular complexity to selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria in the same robust way across different types of gut microbiome ecosystems. This targeted approach increases relative abundance of good bacteria and stimulates production of short-chain fatty acids, fostering a resilient and balanced gut ecosystem for everyone, Carneiro-Wakefield said.

“The role of fiber structure in prebiotic efficacy is strongly supported by science. Everyone’s gut microbiomes—a unique mix of trillions of microorganisms—is essential for maintaining overall health,” Carneiro-Wakefield said. “However, a prebiotic that delivers benefits for one person may offer limited or variable effects for another due to differences in microbiome composition.”

Manufactured Ingredients

As biotics and enzymes become increasingly popular, it is up to ingredient suppliers to find unique solutions for health and wellness products.

Enzymes are essential for complete digestion, with many being produced endogenously by the body, but at a reduced rate beginning around the 40s, according to Walin.

“This is where enzyme supplementation can assist in supporting macro and micronutrient digestion,” Walin said. “Science has only begun to scratch the surface of the microbiome’s role in both digestion and modulating other aspects of health, but there is scientific support on the benefit of probiotic supplementation.”

BIO-CAT is committed to testing its products for quality and efficacy and educating brands and consumers through scientific research. The company continues to invest in clinical trials so it can provide a comprehensive dossier for each trial, complete with supporting documentation and claim substantiation, Walin said.

Leveraging the “old friends’ hypothesis,” Kaneka’s Probiotics division, highlights show certain beneficial microorganisms (“lost friends”) have co-evolved with the human immune system to ensure optimal functioning, Riera said. Kaneka focuses on finding unique, naturally occurring probiotic strains with targeted mechanisms of action that are derived from isolated populations.

“However, modern lifestyles, including reduced contact with nature, antibiotic use and dietary shifts, have significantly decreased our exposure to these microorganisms. This has led to reduced microbiome diversity and an increase in inflammatory-related conditions. By identifying and reintroducing these ‘lost’ strains through precision probiotics, we can restore balance in the microbiome and address specific digestive and overall health needs,” Riera said.

Bioiberica manufactures DAOgest, an ingredient designed to improve quality of life for people with histamine intolerance. It has a low dose of 4.2 mg per serving and by breaking down histamine from foods and beverages, it contributes to decreased histamine absorption and helps manage the allergy-like effects associated with histamine intolerance, Martinez-Puig said.

“The effectiveness of DAO supplementation is supported by years of scientific research, and we’re contributing to this growing body of evidence with the clinical study of our ingredient, DAOgest,” Martinez-Puig said. “In an observational study, we’ve demonstrated that DAOgest is effective and safe at reducing the effects of histamine intolerance with benefits detected after just one week of supplementation.”

Martinez-Puig added DAO supplementation not only reduced histamine levels but also does not have the common side effects associated with antihistamines, such as drowsiness, dry mouth and eyes, dizziness and headaches.

“Building on this advantage, DAO-based solutions are paving the way for innovative product offerings in the digestive health market,” Martinez-Puig said. “Our ingredient stands out as a premium, naturally derived source of high-quality DAO, offering a superior option for supporting histamine management.”

According to Carneiro-Wakefield, probiotics with simpler structure are often fermented by a broad range of microorganisms leading to competitive fermentation. The outcome of this competition depends heavily on existing microbial compositions, leading to inconsistent health benefits. Benicaros is NutriLeads’ flagship precision probiotic that aims to solve this problem.

“Benicaros from NutriLeads overcomes this limitation with its complex structure, which requires cooperative fermentation (cross-feeding) among a specialized consortium of gut bacteria, including strains associated with diverse health benefits,” Carneiro-Wakefield said. “Benicaros selectively supports beneficial microorganisms commonly present in most people, delivering consistent, robust and positive effects across different gut microbiomes.”

Eriomin has been shown to attenuate intestinal dysbiosis, according to research published in the Food Science & Nutrition Journal. The 12-week, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial included male and female volunteers with prediabetes aged 30 to 69 years old. Participants were given 200 mg per day of Eriomin or a placebo and instructed to maintain their usual diet.

After 12 weeks of Eriomin supplementation, researchers found reduced growth of Firmicutes, which is typically found in high levels in prediabetic and obese individuals and associated with a carbohydrate-rich diet. It also decreased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, which is linked to glycemic dysregulation, metabolic syndrome, excess weight and prediabetes, according to Brewster.

“In contrast, the Ruminococcaceae family increased by 38 percent with Eriomin, while it decreased with placebo. These microorganisms produce short-chain fatty acids that can strengthen the intestinal barrier and support a healthy inflammatory response,” Brewster said. “There has also been a decrease in the genus Blautia, which has been linked to the weakening of the intestinal walls. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between Blautia and hyperglycemia, suggesting that Blautia depletion was associated with reduced blood glucose in patients treated with Eriomin.”

Manufacturing

It is important for finished product manufacturers to be aware of the benefits and formulation advice when using ingredients.

Walin said some of the key benefits of BIO-CAT’s enzyme and probiotic portfolio are its exceptional stability, heat tolerance and compatibility with other ingredients, making the ingredients well-suited for a diverse range of formats and applications.

BIO-CAT also holds various certifications to ensure quality and safety of its products. Its food-grade enzyme and probiotic facilities are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-registered, FSSC 22000, halal and kosher certified, Walin said.

“Country of origin matters to BIO-CAT, and we believe that strategic sourcing is a form of risk management,” Walin said. “Japan is well known for producing the best specialty enzymes in the world, and BIO-CAT, uniquely has exclusivity from the best two suppliers in Japan. Our probiotics are produced in our vertically integrated fermentation facility in Shakopee, MN, which is increasingly more important to branded customers.”

Martinez-Puig encouraged manufacturers to pair DAOgest with vitamin C as vitamin C enhances the enzymatic activity of DAO, which also boosts it ability to break down histamine. This combination has the potential to revolutionary histamine intolerance management.

According to Carneiro-Wakefield, Benicaros is plant-based and is extracted from upcycled carrot pomace with a recommended daily serving size as low as 300 mg. It also strengthens gut and immune health with significantly less gas production, producing 40 percent less gas than inulin on a per gram basis.

“Benicaros has little to no impact on taste, texture or smell. It is water-soluble, stable under heat and pH-resistant, making it easy to formulate in a wide range of food, beverage and supplement product formats,” Carneiro-Wakefield said. “In our experience, Benicaros does not require recipe adjustments for existing formulations. Available in multiple powder and liquid forms, it offers formulation flexibility to meet diverse consumer needs.”

IBN is also a leading specialty formulator of Brewster Probiotics, a line of custom probiotic-based formulations and blends. It offers more than 20 strains and works closely with its partners to develop an effective formulation for the end consumer.

“Brewster Probiotics has been a frontrunner in the probiotics industry since 1972. The years of experience and research in probiotics make Brewster Probiotics a trusted brand and one the most stable probiotic suppliers in the industry. Working in a state-of-the-art lab, we’re positioned to serve customers from the initial stages of product conceptualization through the design phase and final formulation with no MOQs and quick turnaround times,” Brewster said.

According to Riera, manufacturers should prioritize clinically validated strains to ensure targeted efficacy when formulating with Kaneka Probiotics’ ingredients.

“Our probiotics meet the highest standards for quality and regulatory compliance, providing stability data that confirms their viability throughout manufacturing and shelf life. This stability ensures consistent performance across a variety of applications, from supplements to functional foods and beverages,” Riera said. “Additionally, we offer a wide range of options tailored to specific health needs, such as digestive health, immunity and women’s health, empowering manufacturers to create innovative, science-backed products.” NIE