Enzymes serve important roles in maintaining good health, and each enzyme performs a specific metabolic function. Lactose peroxidase is a natural enzyme secreted from the mammary, salivary and mucosal glands that acts as a natural antibacterial agent. Lactose peroxidase can be extracted from milk whey and used to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth in products including dairy, cosmetic products and toothpaste.
Dairy Products
According to "Enzymes: What the Experts Know," the lactose peroxidase in cow milk can sufficiently prolong the milk's shelf life for approximately two hours. During the manufacturing process, the milk's shelf life can be extended further by adding small amounts of thiocyanate and hydrogen peroxide to the lactose peroxidase found in the milk. When added in the right proportions, the shelf life of milk can be increased for an additional seven to eight hours. This allows manufacturers to transport milk products from processing plants to rural areas without spoilage.
Cosmetics
The cosmetics industry also uses the antimicrobial properties of lactose peroxidase to protect cosmetics from microorganisms that can potentially destroy them. Some cosmetic product manufacturers also claim that when it's used as an ingredient in a cosmetic product, lactose peroxidase can help to destroy bacteria on your skin. However, clinical research does not support this claim. Additionally, lactose peroxidase can kill bacteria in your mouth and effectively fight gingivitis. Many manufactures of toothpastes and mouthwashes use lactose peroxidase in oral hygiene products.
Preservative and Digestion
The antimicrobial properties of lactose peroxidase also support use of the enzyme as a preservative in foods and medications. Manufacturers of optical solutions use lactose peroxidase to prevent contamination of the optical solution. Infants benefit from the lactose peroxidase found in breast milk and formulas, because this enzyme supports an infant's developing immune system and helps protect the digestive tract from bacteria attacks.
Innate Immune System
Unlike other immune responses in your body triggered by infections, lactose peroxidase supports your body's innate immune system. This means lactose peroxidase functions as part of your body's natural defense system. Individuals with cystic fibrosis have a difficult time secreting thiocyanate. This reduces the body's ability to produce lactose peroxidase, affecting their innate immune system and increasing the likelihood of infection in their airways and lungs.
References
- "Enzymes: The Key to Health"; Howard F. Loomis; 2005
- "Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes"; Tom Bohager; 2009
- "The Enzyme Factor"; Hiromi Shinya MD; 2010
- "Enzymes: What the Experts Know"; Tom Bohager; 2006
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