Peptide Profile
Nisin
FDA GRAS-approved lantibiotic (34 amino acids) produced by Lactococcus lactis with a dual antimicrobial mechanism — binds lipid II to block cell wall synthesis AND forms 2 nm transmembrane pores for rapid bacterial killing at MIC 0.5-4 μg/mL against gram-positive pathogens including MRSA and Listeria monocytogenes — the only antimicrobial peptide with over 50 years of documented safe human consumption
Dose Range
2.5-25mg/kg (food preservation; ADI 0.13 mg/kg BW)
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Oral (food-grade preservative, GRAS)
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence
Strong
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C143H230N42O37S7
Molecular Formula
3,354.12 Da
Molecular Weight
Rapidly degraded in GI tract by digestive proteases; stable for hours to days in food matrices at acidic pH; lanthionine ring structures resist most environmental proteases; thermostable (survives pasteurization)
Half-Life
Degraded by pancreatic proteases in GI tract (does not affect gut microbiome at dietary levels); topical application achieves effective local concentrations; optimal activity at pH 2-6; lanthionine bridges provide significant protease resistance compared to linear peptides
Bioavailability
1414-45-5
CAS #
16129667
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1928 (discovery); 1947 (naming and characterization); 1969 (first food use approval, UK); 1988 (FDA GRAS status, USA); ongoing therapeutic research
Lactococcus lactis (natural source); Danisco/Dupont
Danisco / DuPont Nutrition & Health
Primary Benefits
Nisin provides potent antimicrobial activity through its unique dual mechanism: binding lipid II blocks cell wall synthesis (like vancomycin) while simultaneously using the lipid II-nisin complex to form 2 nm transmembrane pores for rapid bacterial lysis — this two-pronged killing mechanism at MIC 0.5-4 μg/mL makes resistance development extremely difficult and has maintained efficacy across 50+ years of use
Emerging topical wound care applications exploit nisin's potent anti-gram-positive and anti-biofilm activity, with lanthionine-stabilized structure providing protease resistance in wound environments — veterinary mastitis treatment demonstrates clinical antimicrobial efficacy, supporting translation to human wound care
Potential anticancer activity (IC50 11.68 μg/mL against MCF-7 breast cancer cells) through selective membrane disruption of cancer cells, combined with immunomodulatory properties and the safety profile of 50+ years of human dietary consumption, positions nisin as an emerging geroprotective research compound
Amino Acid Sequence
IEDALLGIGGL-D-SMAKGSYNC-IAKGIKKDosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
2.5-5 mg/kg (food preservation standard)
Standard food preservation concentration used in commercial dairy products, canned foods, and processed meats. At these levels, nisin is highly effective against Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium species. This is the well-established, FDA GRAS application with decades of safety data. Optimal activity at pH 2-6.
Standard Dose
10-50 μg/mL (research topical application)
Research concentration for topical antimicrobial applications including wound care models, dental applications, and antimicrobial coating development. Effective against gram-positive skin and wound pathogens including MRSA at these concentrations. Can be combined with EDTA or polymyxin to extend gram-negative coverage.
Advanced Dose
50-200 μg/mL (research applications)
Higher research concentrations for anti-biofilm studies, anticancer research, and synergy studies with gram-negative-targeting agents. At 200 μg/mL combined with EDTA, nisin provides gram-negative coverage. Anticancer IC50 against MCF-7 is approximately 12 μg/mL. Medical supervision required for any non-food applications.
Timing
Best time to take
Take Nisin at the same time each day for consistent blood levels. Morning dosing with breakfast is often preferred, but follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
With food?
Nisin can typically be taken with or without food. Taking it with a light meal may help reduce any GI discomfort. Avoid taking with grapefruit juice or high-fat meals unless specifically directed.
If stacking
Nisin should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Food preservation as a natural antimicrobial alternative to chemical preservatives
Nisin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on food preservation as a natural antimicrobial alternative to chemical preservatives. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Research into novel antimicrobial therapeutics based on lantibiotic scaffolds
Nisin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on research into novel antimicrobial therapeutics based on lantibiotic scaffolds. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Anti-Listeria and anti-Clostridium strategies in food safety and clinical settings
Nisin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on anti-listeria and anti-clostridium strategies in food safety and clinical settings. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Development of antimicrobial wound dressings and dental applications
Nisin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on development of antimicrobial wound dressings and dental applications. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Known hypersensitivity to nisin or Lactococcus lactis-derived products
- ×Milk protein allergy — nisin production involves dairy-associated bacteria and preparations may contain trace milk proteins
- ×Pregnancy and breastfeeding at therapeutic (non-dietary) doses — standard dietary exposure through preserved foods is considered safe
- ×Active inflammatory bowel disease — potential for local irritation at high oral concentrations exceeding normal dietary levels
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Nisin use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Nisin in its prescribed form
- •Clean, dry storage container
- •Measuring device if applicable (oral syringe, measuring cup)
- •Calendar or reminder app for dosing schedule
Injection
Route
Nisin is administered Oral (food-grade preservative, GRAS)—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your Nisin formulation
- 2.Take or apply as directed by your healthcare provider
- 3.Store properly between uses according to package instructions
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Nisin holds FDA GRAS status since 1988 with over 50 years of documented safe human consumption, making it the only antimicrobial peptide with this comprehensive long-term safety record. Oral LD50 of 174 mg/kg in mice (comparable to table salt) demonstrates extraordinary safety margin. Acceptable daily intake established at 0.13 mg/kg body weight with no reported serious adverse events at this or higher levels. Primary risk is milk protein contamination during production, requiring screening for lactose-intolerant or milk-allergic individuals.
FDA GRAS designation based on 50+ years of food-industry safety data with millions of exposed consumers globally. Bacterial production method prevents synthetic impurities; stability through pasteurization and food processing verified via microbiological and mass spectrometry analysis. Animal toxicity studies and human safety monitoring across multiple continents show no systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, or carcinogenic potential. European Food Safety Authority also designated as safe food additive (E234).
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
No significant effects at dietary levels
At FDA GRAS concentrations used in food preservation (ADI 0.13 mg/kg BW), nisin has no documented side effects across 50+ years of global dietary consumption by millions of people.
Management: No management needed. Nisin at dietary levels is one of the most well-documented safe food additives in history.
Mild GI discomfort at research doses
At oral doses significantly exceeding normal dietary exposure in research settings, mild gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, mild cramping) may occur.
Management: Take with food. Reduce dose if symptoms persist. GI effects are typically transient and dose-dependent.
Local irritation (topical use)
Mild local irritation, redness, or warmth at topical application sites in wound care or dental research settings.
Management: Generally self-limiting. Reduce concentration if irritation is excessive. Nisin is most stable and active at acidic pH, which may contribute to local irritation.
Less Common
- •Milk protein allergic reaction
- •Gram-negative overgrowth
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Nisin
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Nisin should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !Alkaline formulations (pH >7) — nisin activity and stability decrease significantly above neutral pH, with degradation accelerating at alkaline conditions - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin at high concentrations) — while lanthionine bridges provide some resistance, extensive proteolysis can reduce activity - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !High-fat food matrices without emulsification — nisin may partition into fat phase, reducing aqueous concentration and antimicrobial activity - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Nisin. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Strong human trials
What to Expect
Minutes to hours (antimicrobial action)
What you might notice
- •Rapid bactericidal activity through dual lipid II binding and pore formation
- •Bacterial killing begins within minutes of exposure at MIC concentrations
- •In food applications, immediate preservation effect upon incorporation
- •In topical research, rapid reduction in gram-positive bacterial counts
What's normal
- •Nisin's pore-forming mechanism causes extremely rapid bacterial killing (minutes)
- •The dual mechanism (cell wall + membrane) means even partially resistant bacteria are killed
- •Activity is optimal at acidic pH (2-6) and decreases at neutral-alkaline conditions
What's next
- →For food preservation: nisin provides ongoing protection throughout shelf life
- →For research applications: monitor antimicrobial efficacy through culture assays
- →Consider gram-negative coverage needs (add EDTA or polymyxin if required)
Days 1-7 (research or therapeutic application)
What you might notice
- •Significant reduction in gram-positive pathogen burden at treatment site
- •Improved wound bed quality in topical antimicrobial research models
- •Spore outgrowth inhibition maintaining protection against Clostridium and Bacillus
- •Stable antimicrobial activity maintained by lanthionine-stabilized peptide structure
What's normal
- •Nisin's lanthionine bridges provide exceptional protease resistance at wound sites
- •Continuous antimicrobial pressure prevents recolonization of treated surfaces
- •pH of wound environment affects efficacy — optimal in slightly acidic conditions
What's next
- →Continue application per research protocol
- →Assess need for combination agents if gram-negative organisms are present
- →Monitor for any microbiome shifts in extended topical use
Week 2-8 (extended application)
What you might notice
- •Sustained antimicrobial protection without evidence of resistance development
- •In wound models, progressive healing with reduced bacterial bioburden
- •In food applications, maintained preservation throughout product shelf life
- •Minimal resistance development reflecting nisin's 50+ year track record
What's normal
- •Nisin's dual mechanism makes resistance development extremely difficult
- •Extended use safety is supported by decades of dietary consumption data
- •Lanthionine-stabilized structure maintains peptide integrity over weeks
What's next
- →Complete research protocol endpoints
- →Document antimicrobial efficacy and any resistance monitoring data
- →Assess potential for clinical translation from food-grade to therapeutic-grade applications
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Nisin over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Nisin, a novel lantibiotic: structure, biosynthesis and mechanism of antimicrobial activity"
Lubelski J, Rink R, Khusainov R, Moll GN, Kuipers OP, 2008
Finding: Nisin binds to bacterial lipid II through its pyrophosphate group, with the complete sugar unit required for tight binding and pore formation in bacterial membranes.
View Study"Nisin and its application in the food industry: a review"
Gharsallaoui A, Oulahal N, Joly C, Degraeve P, 2016
Finding: Research (2016) on nisin contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Anticancer activity of nisin against breast cancer cells"
Joo NE, Ritchie K, Kamarajan P, Miao D, Kapila YL, 2012
Finding: Study (2012) characterizes the biological activity and functional properties of nisin.
View Study"Nisin resistance in gram-positive bacteria: mechanisms and strategies for overcoming resistance"
Zhou H, Fang J, Tian Y, Lu XY, 2014
Finding: Study (2014) elucidates the molecular mechanism of action and biological pathways by which nisin produces therapeutic effects.
View Study"Nisin-based antimicrobial strategies for wound healing and infection control"
Shin JM, Gwak JW, Kamarajan P, Fenno JC, Rickard AH, Kapila YL, 2016
Finding: Research (2016) demonstrates nisin's potent antimicrobial activity and broad-spectrum effectiveness against pathogenic microorganisms.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions