Download About digestive enzymes

About digestive enzymes
Introduction:
An enzyme is any of various types of proteins which act as catalysts to speed up the
body's biochemical processes. Enzymes build new proteins, cells, tissues, and
organs, and can also break down these same tissues.1-4 All living organisms contain
enzymes - without them, life could not exist.
Digestive enzymes are a group of specific enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract which
function to break down the components of food. While digestive enzymes are also
produced in the mouth (in saliva) and the stomach, the area of greatest digestive
enzyme activity is in the small intestine.
A key organ in digestive enzyme production is the pancreas. Up to 1.5 quarts of
pancreatic juice, containing digestive enzymes to break down carbohydrates, fat and
protein, is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine every day. The major
pancreatic enzymes are known as lipases, amylases, and proteases (including
trypsin, chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidase).1-3
Supplemental enzymes, particularly pancreatic digestive enzymes, have a long
history of traditional use.5 In addition to digestive support, pancreatic enzymes have
been recommended for immune system support, to support urinary tract health, lung
health, and for the relief of occasional pain and inflammation associated with
exercise.†5
How Does It W ork?:
Enzymes have specificity, meaning they act only on their specific substrates. For
example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates, lipase on fats, and
protease on protein.† Therefore, to obtain greater benefits, a digestive enzyme
supplement should include a range of enzyme types. Mega-Zyme systemic enzymes
contains eight key enzymes, plus 10X pancreatic enzymes for maximum digestive
support.† 10X strength refers to a high potency (10X) pancreatic enzyme complex
which is 10 times more potent than the minimum activity specified by the United
States Pharmacopiea (USP).
The ingredients in Mega-zyme systemic enzymes are buffered with bicarbonate.
Bicarbonates help to neutralize the acid environment of the stomach and allow the
digestive enzymes to work in the small intestine.†6 Normal pH of the stomach is 2
(acidic) while pancreatic juice is about 8 (basic).6 Bicarbonates assist in changing the
acidic environment to an alkaline environment.† The bicarbonates in Mega-Zyme
systemic enzymes are designed to work with the other ingredients to support a
healthy digestive system.†
Mega-Zyme systemic enzymes was also used in several clinical trials demonstrating
its benefits for relieving muscle pain and inflammation associated with exercise.†7-9 In
comparison with the placebo group, athletes taking Mega-Zyme systemic enzymes
before and after intense exercise had less muscle pain and faster recoveries.†7
The following chart summarizes the activity of each of the enzymes in Mega-Zyme
systemic enzymes.
Enzyme
Protease
Amylase
Lipase
Substrate
Protein
Carbohydrates
Lipids (fats)
Action
Source
Cleaves polypeptide chains†10
Porcine
Breaks down starch to maltose and
dextrin†11
Porcine and
Aspergillus
oryzae
Degrades fats to glycerol and fatty
acids†12
Porcine and
Rhizopus
Oryzae
Hydrolyzes peptides, amides, esters,
Trypsin
Protein
etc at the bonds of the carboxyl
groups of L-arginine or L-lysine
Porcine
†13
Catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins
and peptides with preferential
Papain
Protein
cleavage at bonds containing
Papaya
arginine, lysine, and glycine
residues†14
Bromelai
n
Lysozym
e
Chymotr
ypsin
Protein
Hydrolyzes proteins to oligopeptides
and amino acids†15
Starch
Hydrolyses the bond between N
(initiates
acetyl muramic acid and N acetyl
breakdown)
glucosamine†16
Protein
Cleaves carboxyl links of
hydrophobic amino acids†17
Pineapple
Egg
Bovine
Recom m endations: Two tablets before each meal.
Precautions: If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your
healthcare practitioner prior to use.
References:
1. Pancreas. In: Thomas CL, d. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: F.A.
Davis; 1993:1414.
2. Guton AC, Hall JE. Secreotry Functions of the alimentary Tract. In: Textbook of Medical Physiology.
9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Company; 1996: 824-825.
3. Gastrointestinal Function. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Penn: LippincottRaven Publishers; 1988:714-715.
4. Enzymes. In: Thomas CL, ed. Taber's Cylcopedic Medical Dictionary. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: F.A.
Davis; 1993:645-655.
5. Cichoke AJ. Pancreatic enzymes. In: Textbook of Natural Medicine. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds.
Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 1993:857.
6. Whitney EN, Rolfes SR. Digestion, Absorption, and Transport. In: Understanding Nutrition. 6th ed. St.
Paul, MN: West Publishing Company; 1993:73-74.
7. Miller PC, et al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and DOMS
following downhill running. J Sports Sci. 2004 Apr;22(4):365-72.
8. Miller PC, Bailey SP, McInnis KR, Hall EE. Comparison of protease and NSAID supplementation on
muscle soreness and pain threshold following downhill running. Med Sci Sports Exerc.
2003:35(5Supplement):S197.
9. Miller PC, Bailey SP, Cormier S, Khlebopros A, Hall EE. Comparison of protease and NSAID
supplementation on muscle soreness and contractile performance following eccentric contractions. Med
Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;34(5):S232.
10. Protease. Department of Plant Pathology Online Glossary. Cornell University. Available at:
http://ppathw3.cals.cornell.edu/glossary/Defs_P.htm. Accessed June 28, 2006.
11. Amylase. The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse
Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.1996:102.
12. Lipase. The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse
Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.1996:941.
13. Trypsin. Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 25th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1990:1644.
14. Papain. Medical Dictionary. Available at www.mercksource.com. Accessed June 28, 2006.
15. Bromelain. In: Fleming T, ed. PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics
Company; 2001:70-73.
16. Lysozyme. Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 25th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1990:908.
17. Chymotrypsin. Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 25th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1990:306.