The gut of a healthy individual is mostly populated by various bacterial strains called “commensal” (lactobacilli, bifidobacterial, etc.).

These commensal bacteria make up the good gut flora, which helps protect the body from pathogens (bacteria and viruses) by supporting the immune defenses.

However, countless factors, internal and external to the organism, can alter the intestinal bacterial flora, which constitutes the “intestinal microbiota”, leading to changes in its composition, the so-called dysbiosis, which can be associated with intestinal disorders.

Triggers of dysbiosis include:

• An unbalanced diet: too rich in fats, proteins, and calories and low in complex carbohydrates and plant fibers. This unhealthy diet promotes overweight and obesity as well as inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and changes in the composition of the microbiota with increased proliferation of harmful bacteria leading to disorders such as constipation and diarrhea;
• Unhealthy rhythms of life, stress (acute or less intense, but persistent), sedentary lifestyles;
• The presence of specific diseases, in particular, those of an infectious, inflammatory, and immune system nature;
• Use of antibiotics and drug treatments.

Therefore, in the event of alterations in the intestinal bacterial flora, to restore eubiosis and counteract the disorders associated with the proliferation of “bad” bacteria, we must restore a correct diet, combined with healthy sporting activity, resorting to milk enzyme supplements in case of need. The most effective ones synergistically combine prebiotics (FOS, fiber) and probiotics.

What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

By “probiotic” bacteria, we mean those microorganisms capable of arriving alive and vital in the intestine to promote the balance of the gut microbiota.

Over the years, the word – coined about 50 years ago – has taken on various meanings. Today, the Ministry of Health defines probiotics as “live and active microorganisms which prove capable, once ingested in adequate amount, of exercising beneficial functions for the body.”.

Therefore, they are foods and milk enzyme supplements capable of reaching the intestine, multiplying, and exerting a rebalancing action on the gut microflora through direct colonization. In this way, they contribute to improving the physiological balance functions of the body through a series of additional effects compared to normal nutritional activities.

This group mainly includes lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, enterococci, some streptococci, and bacteria of the Bacillus genus.

Recently, probiotic bacteria have begun to be used also for preventing and treating disorders that affect organs other than the intestine, such as the skin and genitourinary system. Their role in helping to strengthen the body’s immune system is also known.

Prebiotics (also fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) or prebiotic fibers of vegetable origin), not digestible by humans but fermentable by some bacteria, serve to nourish the probiotics, thus contributing to increasing their number, as well as regularizing the intestinal transit and promoting the restoration of correct intestinal balance.

Milk enzymes: where are they found?

Milk enzymes are naturally found in many fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins and other fermented vegetables, miso, tempeh, and baked goods leavened with sourdough (rather than the common brewer’s yeast, Saccharomyces caerevisiae).

When the daily intake in the diet is not appropriate, it is possible to provide milk enzymes through specific supplements that help counterbalance the onset of dysbiosis and disorders of the intestinal bacterial flora.

The effectiveness of milk enzymes depends on the quality of the beneficial microorganisms. Therefore, when choosing a probiotic, it is good practice to check that the product contains billions of live cells in each daily dose and at least one billion of each bacterial strain declared on the label.

Milk enzymes: what are they for?

We often ask ourselves: what are milk enzymes used for?

Their specific action consists of improving mucus production and strengthening the intestinal barrier by promoting the growth of a “protective” intestinal flora.

Some strains help synthesize substances with antimicrobial action, which counteract the growth of harmful bacteria (bacteriocins) and help improve intestinal immune defenses.

They may also relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Furthermore, several lactobacilli and bifidobacterial can synthesize some vitamins (vitamin K and B vitamins). Many probiotic microorganisms have been shown to influence the metabolism of some mineral salts, in particular by promoting the absorption of calcium and magnesium.

When to take milk enzymes?

Another doubt is when milk enzymes should be taken.

It is possible to take them to improve intestinal function when symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas production, and meteorism appear.

In case of specific intestinal disorders that require pharmacological therapies or antibiotic-associated diarrhea, it is advisable to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the type of milk enzymes to use, method of use, and duration of treatment.

Milk enzymes on a full or empty stomach?

In this case, the problem to be solved is how to consume milk enzymes. In general, in the absence of specific indications on the product packaging or medical advice, it is better to take milk enzymes on an empty stomach or away from meals (i.e., half an hour before the meal or three hours after), repeating the intake 1-2 times daily. In this way, they reach the intestine quickly and act better.

When milk enzymes are combined with an antibiotic therapy to prevent diarrhea, it is necessary to take them 2 or 3 hours after the antibiotic to prevent the drug from damaging them, reducing their viability and probiotic efficacy.

Written in collaboration with Dr Emanuele Rondina, nutritionist biologist in Bologna.