DrFeb
Health Guide

Nisin

Nisin is a natural antimicrobial peptide produced by the fermentation of milk by the bacteria Lactococcus lactis. While it acts as a powerful food preservative, it is distinct from traditional vitamins. Its primary role is to kill harmful bacteria by disrupting their cell walls. For the average person, Nisin is consumed in small amounts through fermented dairy like cheese and yogurt, contributing to food safety rather than serving as a daily nutritional supplement.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Nisin
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Nisin Stability in Digestion

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Activity Level
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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Antimicrobial Power: Effectively kills a wide range of harmful bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics.
  • Food Safety: Prevents the growth of Listeria, a dangerous foodborne pathogen.
  • Dental Protection: May help reduce the bacteria that cause cavities and plaque.

Deep Dive

Nisin is unique because it targets the cell membranes of Gram-positive bacteria. Unlike antibiotics that interfere with bacterial metabolism, Nisin physically destroys the bacteria. This makes it very difficult for bacteria to develop resistance to it. While you won't find it in a supplement bottle at the store, its presence in fermented foods helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut and protects you from food poisoning.

Natural Food Sources

Nisin is naturally present in foods fermented by Lactococcus lactis.

Food SourceAmountNotes
Aged CheeseTraceHigh in Tyramine (see caution)
YogurtTraceProbiotic synergy
KefirTraceFermented milk drink

Supplementation

Nisin is not typically sold as a nutritional supplement for general health. It is used industrially as a food preservative (E234). Therapeutic use is limited to clinical research for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.

Top Food Sources

Cheddar Cheese
Produced during aging
Camembert
Soft cheese fermentation
Yogurt
Lactococcus lactis active
Canned Foods
Added as preservative (E234)
Kefir
Fermented milk drink

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally no. It is sold as a food preservative powder. Its use as a therapeutic agent is strictly medical.
It primarily targets harmful Gram-positive bacteria. However, high doses could disrupt the microbiome balance.
Commercial Nisin is produced using milk, so it is not vegan. However, it is often considered vegetarian.
To prevent late blowing (gas production) and to stop Listeria growth, extending shelf life and safety.

Safety & Side Effects

Nisin is considered very safe (GRAS by the FDA). Because it is a protein, it is broken down by digestion and not absorbed into the bloodstream, meaning it has virtually no systemic side effects. However, people with Histamine Intolerance (DAO deficiency) should be cautious with aged, fermented cheeses as the bacteria producing Nisin also produce histamine.

Scientific References

  • [1]Delves-Broughton, J. (2005). Nisin as a food preservative.
  • [2]Cotter, P. D., Hill, C., & Ross, R. P. (2005). Bacteriocins: developing innate immunity for food.
  • [3]FDA Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations; GRAS status of Nisin.