Bio-Cat is sponsoring clinical trial at the University of Illinois to investigate efficacy of its digestive enzyme blend

Photo © iStockphoto.com/nicolas_

Bio-Cat Inc. (Troy, VA), a biotech company specializing in enzyme production and development, is sponsoring a clinical trial at the University Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to investigate the efficacy of a digestive enzyme blend that aims to improve protein digestion and gastrointestinal tolerance. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial, subjects between the ages of 50 and 70 will either take a six-enzyme blend referred to as BC-006 or placebo, twice daily with meals for three weeks. Following a washout period of at least one week, subjects will repeat the process with the opposite intervention so that each participant will have consumed the enzyme blend and placebo for three weeks. Study outcomes will include gastrointestinal symptoms, bowel function, and sleep quality.

At the end of each three-week period, subjects will return to the clinic to undergo a mixed meal tolerance test in which they will consume a meal consisting of chicken, green peas, and potatoes. Blood will be drawn right before the meal and throughout the five hours after the meal. Blood samples will be analyzed for amino acids, fats, glucose, and iron to test whether the enzyme blend can increase blood nutrient levels after a meal better than placebo.

"As one of the largest enzyme distributors in the US, we have a duty to innovate and substantiate," said Bio-Cat director of R&D Sean Garvey, in a press release. "We're bringing new, advanced clinical science to old enzymes, and UIUC has a great team in place to test how well the BC-006 enzyme blend can promote digestive health."

"We are looking forward to beginning the new clinical trial with BIO-CAT. The opportunity to test the efficacy of a digestive enzyme blend provides exciting possibilities of improving the current understanding around digestive health. Being that many individuals struggle with gastrointestinal-related issues, the practical implications are wide-reaching," said Nicholas Burd, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology & Community Health at UIUC, as well as director of the Nutrition and Exercise Performance Research Group. Burd will serve as the principal investigator of the study.