Sabinsa’s multi-enzyme complex DigeZyme^®, a proprietary blend of non-animal sourced enzymes, was shown to have the potential for more rapid recovery from Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in a study published in Sports Nutrition and Therapy: Multi−Enzyme Complex for the Management of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness after Eccentric Exercise: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is one of the outcomes of inflammation due to microscopic wear and tear in the muscles caused by strenuous exercise. While some muscle soreness is typical of any exercise regimen and usually peaks around 36-48 hours after the exercise event, in athletes or even regular gym-goers unaccustomed or high intensity exercise may lead to sustained inflammatory response, causing prolongation of skeletal muscle recovery. DOMS may lead to passive stiffness, swelling and pain in muscles, which may affect performance as well as recovery.

In this prospective, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial on 20 healthy male subjects, the analgesic effect of DigeZyme^® in management of DOMS were compared to placebo. While DigeZyme^®’s role in supporting improved digestive health is well recognized, this is the first attempt to evaluate its role in DOMS resulting from muscle overload or strenuous exercise.

Supplementation with 50 mg of DigeZyme^® three times a day demonstrated significant improvement in both subjective pain and muscle tenderness after eccentric exercise. This study establishes the role of DigeZyme^® in sports nutrition, especially as a post exercise recovery supplement.

DigeZyme^® is available as a powdered blend which can be mixed with other sports nutrition ingredients as well commercialized as a standalone product.

“This new study, gives a new twist to a classic product of ours, DigeZyme^®,” said Sabinsa Marketing Director Shaheen Majeed. “Well known for use in digestive health, we have now studied DigeZyme^® for this specific sports indication. Enzymes have been part of the sports supplements category, and DigeZyme has enjoyed its place in many sports products, mainly to have enzymes breakdown proteins and carbohydrates. Sabinsa has now given an additional clinical indication that no other enzyme blend has done before – DOMS. Our blend for this indication is now patent pending.”