Natix Develops New Tests for Authentic Bromelain
The company is creating specific methods to distinguish bromelain from other proteases to combat market fraud.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Nutrition
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Natix is engineering new testing methods designed to specifically identify bromelain, a group of protein-digesting enzymes extracted from pineapple. These tests aim to replace current, less precise US Pharmacopeia methods that cannot distinguish bromelain from other protease types.
Why it matters
High demand and limited supply have led to counterfeit products being sold as bromelain, leaving formulators unable to verify the bioactives in their products. Targeted identification is critical to ensuring the purity of supplements and pharmaceuticals.
Current US Pharmacopeia identification tests rely on measuring general proteolytic activity rather than verifying the specific enzyme. New testing methods focus on specific identification to differentiate authentic bromelain from other proteases.
The players
Natix
Headquartered in Belgium, this firm specializes in producing enzymes for various pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food applications.
The details
Natix, which produces bromelain in Indonesia, is responding to the prevalence of fraudulent products marketed as genuine enzymes. These new methodologies will allow nutraceutical and food manufacturers to confirm they are using genuine ingredients rather than substitutes.
Timeline
New bromelain identification tests are expected to be available by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
The Big Picture
This development represents a significant departure from current US Pharmacopeia identification tests, which currently rely on broad activity metrics. By introducing specific molecular identification, the new methods aim to address long-standing gaps in enzyme verification.
Consumers and patients may benefit from more reliable product labeling as manufacturers gain the tools to verify the authenticity of the bromelain they purchase. This shift reduces the risk of ineffective or misrepresented ingredients reaching the market.
The takeaway
Verifying the authenticity of enzymes remains a primary challenge for both manufacturers and regulators due to a lack of precise testing protocols. Consumers should continue to prioritize products from brands that demonstrate transparent supply chain quality control.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Nutrition science and ingredient verification.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nutritioninsight.
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