Serrapeptaste is an enzyme that has been available as a supplement for a number of years. However, it has recently been banned in the UK. Here, we look at what serrapeptase is, what the claims around it are and why it has been banned, and offer alternative ways to gain its supposed benefits.
What Is Serrapeptase?
Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme. Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins into smaller compounds known as amino acids. Serrapeptase is often obtained from silkworms.
What Does Serrapeptase Do For Your Body?
Serrapeptase is well known for many reasons and in Japan and Europe it is often popular because people believe it provides an anti-inflammatory reaction in the body. Many people have used it following surgery to aid recovery and it is also popular for a condition known as Bursitis. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa which tend to be located in the major joints in the body.
The benefits of serrapeptase have not been proven, though a few studies have attempted to find evidence of its uses. Some have claimed that it:
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Can be used as a post-surgery recovery aid
- Can ease Bursitis
- Can dissolve scar tissue
- Can unblock fallopian tubes
Why You Should Not Take Serrapeptase
There is little evidence for these claims. There have also been a number of reported symptoms from people taking serrapeptase that make it clear why it should not be taken.
Such as:
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Stomach Pain
- Poor appetite
Some people have used it as an appetite suppressant in order to lose weight, though this is not a healthy way to do so. Having a poor appetite will cause someone to eat less, which could mean they don’t get the e nutrients needed to keep the body healthy. It might put the body in starvation mode and harm overall health. Plus, when they stop taking the appetite suppressant, they are likely to put on weight quickly again.
Why Has Serrapeptase Been Banned?
Serrapeptase has been banned from sale in the UK under Article 6(2) of Retained Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 as it is no longer considered a novel food and thus can’t legally be sold anymore. Novel foods are foods that have not been consumed previously by humans or which are made from new methods and are then found to be safe for consumers. Removing serrapeptase makes it clear that it is not believed to be safe to consume.
Serrapeptase Alternatives
There are natural alternatives to serrapeptase supplements from different sources. They can provide strong anti-inflammatory responses, as well as relief from joint discomfort.
Curcumin
Curcumin is one of our favourite products for its anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, it’s what gives turmeric its bright yellow colour. There are studies that have shown that curcumin helps people suffering with Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Bursitis is also a condition that can benefit from curcumin. That said there are other products that can be used to try and calm this inflammation.
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Viridian Curcumin CoQ-10 Capsules 60Special Price £36.72 Regular Price £45.90
Solgar 7 Vegetable Capsules
Solgar 7 is an excellent product that combines seven key ingredients including turmeric, boswelia, Ester-C (a special, highly absorbable form of Vitamin C) and ginger to support joint mobility and comfort.
Where possible we also recommend combining Solgar 7 with a glucosamine and MSM product like Biocare’s Glucosamine MSM complex.
You can also consider Pure Encapsulations turmeric and glucosamine supplements.
Disclaimer
The products offered are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease, or replace the advice of a medical professional. Results are not guaranteed and may vary from individual to individual.
