“Development and Evaluation of Bromelain-Enriched Functional Protein Bar for Management of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.” Coming Soon

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and altered lipid metabolism, necessitating safe and convenient dietary interventions to support glycemic control. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme complex derived from pineapple (Ananas comosus), has demonstrated anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties in preclinical and limited clinical studies, making it a promising functional ingredient in diabetic-friendly foods.In this study, bromelain-enriched functional protein bars were developed using a balanced blend of high-quality protein sources, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and selected functional ingredients, with bromelain incorporated at a defined enzymatic activity to ensure measurable bioactivity. The formulations were optimized for texture, water activity, bromelain stability, and sensory acceptability, and the bars were evaluated for physicochemical quality and storage stability under ambient conditions. In-vitro digestion experiments revealed that bromelain-enriched bars significantly reduced the rate and extent of glucose release compared with control bars, indicating a lower predicted glycemic response. Concomitantly, bromelain-mediated proteolysis enhanced the generation of bioactive peptides from the protein matrix, which may contribute to improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic regulation. These findings suggest that bromelain-enriched functional protein bars hold promise as a convenient, palatable, and physiologically beneficial dietary adjunct for the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus, warranting further clinical evaluation in diabetic cohorts.Results indicated that the bromelain-enriched protein bars exhibited significantly reduced predicted glucose release and improved peptide profile compared to control bars, suggesting potential for slower carbohydrate digestion and enhanced bioactive peptide generation. These findings support the development of bromelain-enriched functional protein bars as a convenient, palatable, and physiologically beneficial dietary adjunct for the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate their efficacy on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles in diabetic patients.