Predigest

Predigest is a term used to describe the process or result of subjecting a substance to predigestion, typically through enzymatic or chemical treatment, so that macromolecules are broken down prior to ingestion or further processing. In nutrition and food science, predigestion yields predigested products such as hydrolysates or ready-to-absorb ingredients. These are designed to facilitate digestion and nutrient absorption, particularly for individuals with impaired digestive function or absorption.

Common production methods include enzymatic hydrolysis using proteases, carbohydrases, and lipases, as well as acid hydrolysis or controlled fermentation. Enzymatic approaches aim to reduce allergenicity and improve solubility while preserving as much nutrition as possible. Predigested formulations are widely used in medical nutrition, including extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid–based infant formulas for cow milk protein allergy, and in specialty pet foods or clinical diets for animals and humans with digestive disorders.

Applications and considerations vary by context. In medicine and pediatrics, predigested or hydrolyzed products can improve tolerance and nutrient uptake, but they may differ in taste, osmolarity, and cost. Regulatory labeling typically distinguishes between hydrolyzed, predigested, and amino acid–based products, with specific standards for allergenicity and nutritional content. See also hydrolysis, protein hydrolysate, hypoallergenic formula, and related medical nutrition topics.