What Is Maltase? The Enzyme That Splits Maltose

In short

• Maltase is a digestive enzyme that splits maltose into glucose (1,2).
• Maltase activity comes from enzymes in the lining of your small intestine (1,2).
• Maltase works after amylase has broken starch into smaller pieces (1).
• Maltase is in our product Enzymix.

What is maltase?

Maltose is a sugar made of two glucose units. It forms when starch is broken down. Maltase is the enzyme that cuts maltose into single glucose molecules, which your body can absorb.

In humans, this work is done by enzymes anchored in the lining of the small intestine, called maltase-glucoamylase and sucrase-isomaltase (1,2). They release glucose from the pieces left over after amylase has done its part (2).

What does maltase do in the body?

Maltase is one of the last steps in starch digestion:

1. Amylase goes first. Amylase in your saliva and pancreas breaks starch into smaller pieces (1).
2. Maltase finishes the job. Enzymes in the lining of your small intestine turn maltose and similar pieces into single glucose molecules (1,2).
3. Your body absorbs the glucose. Your blood carries sugars to your liver, which delivers nutrients to the rest of your body when needed (3).

Which foods does maltase relate to?

Maltase works on the sugars that come from starch. Starchy foods include:

• Bread and baked goods
• Pasta and noodles
• Rice
• Potatoes
• Oats and other grains

When might extra maltase help?

Your body makes its own maltase, so most people never have to think about it. Age, diet, lifestyle, and stress can all affect how well digestion works, and so do the size and type of a meal. Some people take a supplement with starch-rich meals. Maltase works together with amylase and glucoamylase, and together they help break down starches found in foods such as grains, potatoes, and rice.*

Not sure whether a supplement fits you? Talk to a doctor or dietitian.

Where is maltase in our products?

Maltase is in one Intoleran product:

• Enzymix is a blend of nine digestive enzymes that support the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, lactose, and plant fibers.* It contains maltase (200 DP), amylase, and glucoamylase, which help break down starches found in foods such as grains, potatoes, and rice.* The capsules can be opened and mixed with food, so Enzymix suits children ages 2 and up. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and free of gluten and soy.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Not sure which enzyme you need?

Digestive enzymes each have their own job. Answer a few questions in our supplement advisor and see which products fit your situation. You can also ask our dietitians a question.

When should you talk to a doctor or dietitian?

Do your symptoms persist, are you losing weight without trying, or are you cutting out more and more foods? Talk to your doctor or a dietitian. A supplement does not replace medical advice.

Related enzymes

Maltase works together with amylase and gluco-amylase. See all of our digestive enzymes.

Sources

1. Mohan S, Eskandari R, Pinto BM. Naturally occurring sulfonium-ion glucosidase inhibitors and their derivatives: a promising class of potential antidiabetic agents. Acc Chem Res. 2014;47(1):211-25. doi:10.1021/ar400132g
2. Rose DR, Chaudet MM, Jones K. Structural studies of the intestinal α-glucosidases, maltase-glucoamylase and sucrase-isomaltase. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018;66(Suppl 3):S11-3. doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000001953
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Your digestive system & how it works [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; last reviewed 2017 Dec. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works