In order for all of our body's basic metabolic processes to function smoothly, many little helpers are needed. For example, enzymes that regulate digestion, energy supply or hormone secretion. You can find the most important information about enzymes and how they significantly support athletes in particular in our article.

What are enzymes?

Without enzymes, nothing at all would work in the human organism. Enzymes are tiny, but all the more important molecules in the body. They consist mainly of protein and, as so-called biocatalysts, enable or accelerate chemical reactions in the cells without being used up themselves. Whether it is an enzyme can be quickly identified by its ending. Most enzymes end in -ase. These include catalase, acetylcholinesterase, amylase, dismutase, DNase and lipase . The list of all enzymes that occur is much longer.

The enzymes receive support in their work from so-called co-enzymes , a type of auxiliary molecule that binds itself to the enzyme for a short time to enable the acceleration reaction. Vitamins A, B or C , for example, serve as co-enzymes. Minerals such as zinc and magnesium also support the enzymes' work. The interaction between enzymes and co-enzymes means that many processes in our body run much faster than they would otherwise.

• For example, enzymes help the body digest food by breaking down large food molecules into smaller pieces that the body can then absorb more easily.
• But they are also active in other parts of the body – in our saliva, our stomach, our muscles, our liver and even in our cells, helping us stay healthy and maintain all of our body’s functions.

If there is an enzyme deficiency in the body, nutrients are not utilized sufficiently. The most common symptoms of a deficiency are digestive and skin problems, food intolerances, tiredness and lack of energy, weight loss or weight gain, brittle nails and hair, dental problems or muscle weakness. Anyone who is exposed to severe stress or increased physical exertion should ensure that they get enough enzymes through food or nutritional supplements.

Tip: Good sources of enzymes from (plant-based) food include tomato paste and tomato juice, pineapple, papaya, figs, kiwi, sauerkraut, broccoli, avocado and barley. The body can also absorb enzymes from animal products such as the offal of pigs, cattle and oxen or fish.

Why are enzymes especially important for athletes?

Enzymes play a crucial role for athletes because they support many processes that are necessary for optimal athletic performance. Here are five reasons for this:

1. Energy production : Enzymes are involved in the very metabolic processes that provide the energy for our physical activity. They help convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food into energy that muscles and other tissues can use (1).
   
2. Muscle recovery : After intense exercise, enzymes are involved in muscle repair and regeneration. They repair damaged muscle tissue and promote muscle growth, which is important for improving performance and preventing injuries (2).
   
3. Detoxification : Enzymes also play a crucial role in detoxifying the body by helping to break down and excrete harmful substances. If you are an athlete and are exposed to increased levels of environmental toxins or metabolic waste, this is particularly important for you (3).
   
4. Oxygen transport : Some enzymes are involved in regulating oxygen transport in the body by improving the transport of oxygen to muscles and other tissues. This can improve endurance and performance during exercise (4).
   
5. Anti-inflammatory : Enzymes can reduce inflammation in the body. This may help reduce muscle soreness and injuries after exercise and speed up recovery time (5).
   
6. Better digestion: Because some people have difficulty digesting large amounts of protein, especially when it comes to complex protein sources like whey protein, many athletes complain of stomach pain, nausea, or other digestive discomfort after consuming supplements. However, if enzymes are added to the products, they can help break down the proteins into smaller components that the body can more easily absorb. So make sure the products you consume are high quality and contain enzymes that aid digestion (6).
   
7. More efficient nutrient absorption: Athletes often have an increased need for proteins for regeneration and muscle building. However, it is only with the help of enzymes that the body is able to adequately digest and absorb the macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) contained in food and to optimally utilize vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Good protein concentrates are therefore already enriched with enzymes. This is the case with our Athletic Whey Protein , for example. By adding enzymes such as protease and lactase, it is not only particularly well tolerated, but also ensures that all proteins in the body end up where they should as quickly as possible. Available in vanilla and chocolate flavors with a creamy, natural taste.
   

Enzymes and their benefits in regeneration

Enzymes are especially essential for promoting cell repair. They help the body to form new cells and repair damaged cells. After intense physical activity, small injuries or micro-tears often occur in the muscle fibers. Enzymes such as proteases are responsible for breaking down damaged or dead proteins in the muscles so that they can be replaced by new, healthy proteins, which in turn supports the regeneration process in the muscles.

Overall, enzymes can make an important contribution to the body's recovery after physical exertion by helping with muscle regeneration, reducing inflammation, promoting cell repair and improving nutrient absorption. By integrating enzyme-rich foods or enzyme supplements into their diet, athletes can support their body's own regeneration processes and increase their performance.

Summary

Enzymes are important molecules in the human body that enable or accelerate chemical reactions in cells without being used up themselves. They play a crucial role in the digestion of food, energy production, muscle regeneration, detoxification of the body, oxygen transport and inflammation inhibition. Enzymes are particularly important for athletes because they support many processes that are necessary for optimal athletic performance. Enzymes can support energy production during training, promote muscle regeneration after intense physical activity, reduce inflammation, improve the body's detoxification and facilitate the digestion of proteins. A sufficient supply of enzymes is therefore particularly important to prevent enzyme deficiency and increase athletic performance. Good sources of enzymes include fermented milk products, raw meat, raw egg yolk, fish, tomato paste, pineapple, papaya, kiwi, sauerkraut, broccoli, avocado and barley. Those who have an increased need - for example athletes - can also cover their enzyme needs through dietary supplements.

Sources:

1: Frank W. Booth, Gregory N. Ruegsegger, Ryan G. Toedebusch, Zhen Yan,

Chapter Six - Endurance Exercise and the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Metabolism,

Editor(s): Claude Bouchard, Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science,

Academic Press, Volume 135, 2015, Pages 129-151, ISSN 1877-1173, ISBN 9780128039915,

https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.07.016.

2: Dekkers JC, van Doornen LJ, Kemper HC. The role of antioxidant vitamins and enzymes in the prevention of exercise-induced muscle damage. Sports Med. 1996 Mar;21(3):213-38. doi: 10.2165/00007256-199621030-00005. PMID: 8776010.

3: Konkel A, Schunck WH. Role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the bioactivation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2011 Jan;1814(1):210-22. doi: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2010.09.009. Epub 2010 Sep 30. PMID: 20869469.nd Proteomics 1770, No. 3 (2007): 313-321. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2006.07.018

4: Kamga C, Krishnamurthy S, Shiva S. Myoglobin and mitochondria: a relationship bound by oxygen and nitric oxide. Nitric oxides. 2012 May 15;26(4):251-8. doi: 10.1016/j.niox.2012.03.005. Epub 2012 Mar 29. PMID: 22465476; PMCID: PMC3391710.

5: Flynn MG, McFarlin BK, Markofski MM. The Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Exercise Training. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2007 May;1(3):220-235. doi: 10.1177/1559827607300283. PMID: 25431545; PMCID: PMC4243532.

6: Swati B. Jadhav, Tejal Gaonkar, Abhijit Rathi, In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of proteins in the presence of enzyme supplements: Details of antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, LWT, Volume 147, 2021, 111650, ISSN 0023-6438, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2021.111650.