What Are the Side Effects of Bio Enzymes?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Enzyme preparations, including those used in household cleaners and dietary supplements, can pose health risks if not handled properly. These risks range from mild skin irritation to severe allergic reactions and gastrointestinal distress, depending on the product's application and the individual's sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Bio enzyme side effects can include respiratory allergies from inhalation, skin and eye irritation from contact, and digestive issues from ingestion. Risks are heightened by improper use or pre-existing sensitivities.

Key Points

Respiratory Risk: Inhaling aerosols or dust from bio enzyme products can lead to respiratory allergies, including asthma symptoms, especially with repeated exposure.
Skin and Eye Irritation: Concentrated bio enzymes, particularly those with proteolytic properties, can cause serious eye and skin irritation upon direct contact.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Oral digestive enzyme supplements can cause side effects like gas, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to either oral supplements or cleaning products containing enzymes.
Homemade Hazards: Homemade bio enzymes carry risks of contamination with pathogenic bacteria or mold if fermentation and sanitation are not meticulously managed.

Understanding the Different Types of Bio Enzymes

Before exploring the specific side effects, it is crucial to recognize that the term "bio enzyme" can refer to several different products, each with unique potential risks based on its intended application and composition. For example, the digestive enzymes found in supplements are consumed orally, whereas the enzymes in cleaning products are topical and aerosolized. Additionally, homemade bio enzymes, often made from fermented fruit peels, carry different risks than their commercially produced counterparts. The nature of the enzyme (e.g., proteolytic vs. non-proteolytic) also influences its potential for causing irritation or allergic reactions.

Respiratory Allergies from Inhalation

One of the most significant health hazards associated with enzymes, particularly for those working with them frequently, is the risk of respiratory sensitization.

Inhalation Symptoms

Respiratory Allergies: When enzymes are inhaled as dust or aerosols, susceptible individuals may develop an immune response. This can lead to a range of respiratory allergy symptoms, including rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma.
Occupational Asthma: Repeated, long-term exposure to enzyme aerosols in occupational settings can lead to the development of occupational asthma.
Triggering Pre-existing Conditions: For individuals with conditions like asthma, inhaling enzyme particles can trigger or exacerbate symptoms.

How to Prevent Inhalation Risks

Use products in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid creating aerosols or dust clouds, especially when handling powdered or concentrated liquid forms.
Rinse up any spills immediately to prevent the formation of dust from dried product.
For high-risk tasks or if you have respiratory sensitivities, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as an N100/P100/P3 respirator.

Contact Irritation: Skin and Eyes

Direct contact with bio enzyme products can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, with the severity depending on the concentration and type of enzyme.

Signs of Irritation

Skin Irritation: Some concentrated enzymes, particularly proteolytic ones, can cause skin irritation upon contact. Symptoms may include redness, itching, and dryness, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure. This is an irritant response, not a true allergy.
Serious Eye Irritation: Many bio enzyme cleaners carry hazard statements indicating they can cause serious eye irritation. Symptoms include stinging, tearing, redness, and swelling.
Heightened Sensitivity: Individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions like eczema may be more susceptible to irritation from enzyme products.

First-Aid for Contact

Eyes: Immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Skin: Wash thoroughly with soap and water after contact.
Seek Medical Attention: If irritation develops or persists, seek medical advice.

Digestive Side Effects from Oral Enzymes

For those who take digestive enzyme supplements, side effects are primarily gastrointestinal. While most people tolerate these supplements well, especially when following dosage recommendations, some side effects are possible.

Common Digestive Symptoms

Gastrointestinal Distress: Stomach pain, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea can occur.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, severe allergic reactions are possible. Symptoms include rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing.

Safety Concerns with Homemade Bio Enzymes

Making your own bio enzymes at home is popular, but it introduces safety variables that commercial products, with their quality control processes, avoid. The fermentation process can go wrong, posing health risks.

Risks of Contamination

Pathogenic Microorganisms: Improper fermentation conditions, such as incorrect temperatures, contaminated ingredients, or non-sterile equipment, can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
Food Poisoning: If homemade bio enzymes intended for cleaning are ingested, or if homemade fermented foods become contaminated, food poisoning can result. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
Mold Formation: Black or green mold on the surface of homemade bio enzymes indicates the presence of bad bacteria and potential spoilage. While some claim it can be re-fermented, it represents a contamination risk.

Homemade vs. Commercial Bio Enzymes


Feature	Homemade Bio Enzymes	Commercial Bio Enzymes
Ingredients	Often fruit peels, water, and jaggery.	Synthesized enzymes (e.g., proteases, lipases) with surfactants and other chemical agents.
Production	Uncontrolled fermentation process.	Strict manufacturing and quality control standards.
Purity	Can contain contaminants, spoilage microorganisms, or inconsistent pH.	Regulated for purity and stability, with predictable effects.
Risks	Higher risk of pathogenic contamination, mold, and spoilage.	Lower risk of contamination due to quality control. Hazards mainly from inhalation or misuse.
Consistency	Varies greatly based on process, ingredients, and storage.	Stable and consistent performance with specified shelf-life.

Conclusion

While bio enzymes offer environmentally friendly alternatives for cleaning and potential health benefits as supplements, they are not without risk. Side effects vary significantly depending on the product's type and application method. For commercial products, the main concerns are respiratory issues from aerosolized enzymes and contact irritation. For dietary supplements, gastrointestinal issues are the most common complaint. Homemade bio enzymes carry additional risks related to bacterial and fungal contamination due to the lack of a controlled production environment. To minimize risks, always read product safety data sheets, use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling, and follow proper hygiene practices for homemade products. Working Safely With Enzymes provides additional occupational safety information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial bio enzyme cleaners are generally safer than harsh chemical alternatives. However, direct contact with skin and eyes should be avoided, and products should be stored out of reach of children and pets. Homemade bio enzymes carry a higher risk of contamination and should be handled with extreme caution around vulnerable populations.

Immediately flush your eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do so. If irritation develops or persists, seek medical attention immediately.

Yes, if homemade bio enzymes intended for cleaning are accidentally ingested, or if the fermentation process for edible fermented foods is not properly controlled, there is a risk of food poisoning from pathogenic microorganisms.

For concentrated products, it's best to wear protective gloves. If skin contact occurs, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Always consult the manufacturer's safety data sheet for specific handling recommendations.

For some individuals, introducing new strains of probiotics or enzymes into the digestive system can cause temporary discomfort, such as gas and bloating, as the gut microbiome adjusts. Taking lower doses initially may help.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, chest tightness, rash, hives, or itching. Seek emergency medical help immediately if these symptoms occur.

Signs of spoilage include black or pale green mold on the surface or a foul, rotten odor. If this occurs, the product should be safely disposed of in a drain or soil, and a new batch should be started.