The catalase enzyme is so critical to our health that it is found in nearly every living organism on the planet that is exposed to oxygen. This antioxidant enzyme can catalyze the conversion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is a by-product of cell metabolism, which serves some useful functions including healthy immune response.
Catalase has one of the highest rates of turnover when compared to all other enzymes. In other words, one catalase enzyme can change 40 million molecules of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen in just one second.[1] In fact, catalase enzymes act to protect our cells, counteracting and balancing the continual production of hydrogen peroxide.
Because of its undeniable, scientifically-proven powerful antioxidant properties, catalase is very beneficial to the organs and body processes. In addition to acting as a super antioxidant, catalase also has the ability to use hydrogen peroxide to oxidize toxins including methanol, ethanol, formic acid, formaldehyde, and nitrite, into harmless compounds.[2] This type of dual activity makes it a crucial cellular enzyme.
The best supplemental source of catalase is the vegetarian form derived from the fermentation process of the fungus Aspergillus niger.
The Health Benefits of Catalase
1. Powerful Antioxidant Support
2. Possible Anti-Aging and Anti-Degenerative Effects
Catalase is currently being studied for its applications on extending life span and vitality. Research scientists from the University of Washington in Seattle conducted a lab study on rats and the augmentation of natural catalase in their bodies. By supplementing with increased catalase, the life span of these laboratory rats increased by almost 20%. This is the equivalent of nearly 25 human years.[4]
3. Catalase May Increase Lifespan
4. Fat Reduction
5. Helps Prevent DNA Damage
A 2006 study [1] from the Institute of Cytology and Genetics found that oxidative stress, accumulation of protein and DNA damage could be reduced in the presence of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase and glutathione in the cytosol and mitochondrial extracts from liver cells of rats. This study also found that dietary supplements for increasing the activity of catalase in the liver mitochondria in rats led to reduced mitochondrial dysfunction and slowed the process of aging in these animals.
How to Read the Units of Measurement for
The Catalase enzyme is an antioxidant measured in the FCC as (Baker Units). One Baker Unit is defined as the amount of catalase that will decompose 264 mg of hydrogen peroxide under the conditions of the assay. The FCC notation stands for Foods Chemical Codex and is a division of USP (United States Pharmacopeia). It sets standards for ingredients. In the case of enzymes, FCC is a standard assay used to accurately determine the activity of enzymes. The current compendium is FCC VI.
Where Can I Find The Best Source of Catalase?
VeganZyme is the most advanced full-spectrum systemic and digestive enzyme formula in the world and is free from fillers and toxic compounds. This formula contains digestive enzymes, which help digest fats (lipids), sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts and seeds, soy, dairy, and all other food sources.
VeganZyme may also be used as a systemic enzyme blend to break down excess mucus, fibrin, various toxins, allergens, as well as excess clotting factors throughout your body.
References (7)
- Sinitsyna O, Krysanova Z, Ishchenko A, Dikalova AE, Stolyarov S, Kolosova N, Vasunina E, Nevinsky G. Age-associated changes in oxidative damage and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rats with inherited overgeneration of free radicals. J Cell Mol Med. 2006 Jan-Mar;10(1):206-15.
- David Goodsell. Catalase, molecule of the month. RCSB Protein Data Bank. 2004 September.
- mlay JA. Pathways of oxidative damage. Annu Rev Microbiol. 2003;57:395-418. Review.
- Sinitsyna O, Krysanova Z, Ishchenko A, Dikalova AE, Stolyarov S, Kolosova N, Vasunina E, Nevinsky G. Age-associated changes in oxidative damage and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rats with inherited overgeneration of free radicals. J Cell Mol Med. 2006 Jan-Mar;10(1):206-15.
- Kashiwagi K, Tobe T, Higashi T. Studies on rat liver catalase. V. Incorporation of 14 C-leucine into catalase by isolated rat liver ribosomes. J Biochem. 1971 Nov;70(5):785-93.
- John G. Scandalios, Lingqiang Guan, Alexios N. Polidoros. Catalases in plants: gene structure, properties, regulation, and expression (PDF). Department of Genetics North Carolina State University. 1997.
- Liang L. “Antioxidant catalase rescues against high fat diet-induced cardiac dysfunction via an IKKβ-AMPK-dependent regulation of autophagy.” Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015;1852(2),343-52.
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Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 
I have just recently heard of catalase, but am concerned about some articles which state it can cause cancer. Im wondering if this is true. I’d like to try catalase since I’ve had digestive issues for several years….controlled by diet, but still, tired of having “new” sensitivities pop up. Im sensitive to gluten, nuts, and corn, and allergic to onion. All but onion were adult onset after having rocky mountain spotted fever. I do need to lose weight, and am working on it, but would love to have some digestive relief in the mean time. Any advice on cancer causing agent in catalase would be helpful!!
Thankyou
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