International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 1105
Food additives Europe numbers: E1105
Lysozyme is a naturally occurring enzyme that is found in many tissues and bodily fluids, including tears, saliva, and milk. It is also found in some plants and animals. Lysozyme plays an important role in protecting the body from infection by breaking down the cell walls of certain bacteria, including streptococci and staphylococci. It works by cleaving the bonds between the individual sugar molecules that make up the cell wall of the bacteria, causing the cell wall to break down and the bacteria to die. Lysozyme is also used in food processing and medical applications, such as wound dressing, as it can help to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Lysozyme is an enzyme found in tears, saliva, mucus, and some white blood cells. It cleaves (breaks down) the cell walls of certain bacteria, which helps to protect the body from infection.
Lysozyme is not typically used as a medical treatment itself because it can be broken down by the digestive system if swallowed. However, it is sometimes found as an inactive ingredient in some lozenges and cough syrups. The theory is that lysozyme might help to soothe a sore throat by breaking down the bacterial cell walls in the mouth and throat. However, there is no strong scientific evidence to support this use.
Here are some of the functions of lysozyme in the body:
- Antibacterial defense: As mentioned earlier, lysozyme helps to kill bacteria by breaking down their cell walls. This is an important part of the body's innate immune system, which is the first line of defense against infection.
- Wound healing: Lysozyme may also play a role in wound healing by helping to remove dead and damaged cells.
- Inflammation: Lysozyme may also be involved in the inflammatory response. Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body to heal from injury or infection. However, too much inflammation can be harmful.