predigested

Predigested refers to substances that have undergone an initial stage of digestion or enzymatic breakdown before consumption. In food science and medical nutrition, predigested foods or formulas are designed to be more easily absorbed, gentler on the digestive tract, or less likely to provoke adverse reactions.

Predigestion is achieved mainly through enzymatic hydrolysis, heat processing under controlled conditions, or microbial fermentation. Enzymatic hydrolysis uses proteases and carbohydrases to break proteins into peptides and amino acids and carbohydrates into simpler sugars. Fermentation and processing can partially degrade complex polysaccharides and lipids.

Common applications include extensively or partially hydrolyzed infant formulas for cow's milk protein allergy, and medical nutrition formulas for pancreatic insufficiency, post-surgical recovery, or severe malabsorption. In animal nutrition, predigested proteins and amino acids are used to improve feed efficiency. Predigested ingredients are also used in some dietary supplements and therapeutic diets.

Advantages include easier digestion, quicker nutrient absorption, and reduced allergenicity for some proteins. Drawbacks include higher production costs, taste differences that may affect palatability, and the need for careful formulation to ensure balanced nutrition. Not all conditions benefit from predigested products, and they should be selected under professional guidance.

Safety and regulation vary by country. Products are typically labeled to indicate the degree of hydrolysis and potential allergens, and good manufacturing practices aim to avoid contamination and nutrient imbalances.