Digestive Enzymes Are Crucial To Optimum Health and Well-Being
Digestive enzymes help facilitate digestion, the absorption of nutrients, maintenance of proper pH in the gastrointestinal tract, and function as
a barrier against invasion of pathological organisms. There are several
basic types of digestive enzymes and each type of enzyme has a
specific activity and functions best within a specific pH range.
The basic enzymes and their related functions are as follows: amylase digests starches, cellulase digests fibers, lactase digests dairy products, lipases digest fats, oils and triglycerides, maltase digests starch and grains, proteases digest proteins and sucrase digests sugars.
a barrier against invasion of pathological organisms. There are several
basic types of digestive enzymes and each type of enzyme has a
specific activity and functions best within a specific pH range.
The basic enzymes and their related functions are as follows: amylase digests starches, cellulase digests fibers, lactase digests dairy products, lipases digest fats, oils and triglycerides, maltase digests starch and grains, proteases digest proteins and sucrase digests sugars.
Some enzymes are extracted from animal sources such as the pancreas, liver and stomach of cattle (bovine) or pigs (porcine). Examples of
animal enzymes include oxbile, trypsin, chymotrypsin, rennin, pepsin,
and pancreatin. Other digestive enzymes are derived from plants such
as bromelain from pineapple and papain from papaya.
animal enzymes include oxbile, trypsin, chymotrypsin, rennin, pepsin,
and pancreatin. Other digestive enzymes are derived from plants such
as bromelain from pineapple and papain from papaya.
Hydrochloric acid, which is produced in the parietal glands in the lining
of the stomach, is necessary for the digestion of proteins. Although hydrochloric acid is not an enzyme, it is required to convert pepsinogen
to pepsin for the digestion of proteins. Betaine hydrochloride, which is
a form of hydrochloric acid that is derived from beets, is a source of hydrochloric acid that is commonly referred to and utilized as a digestive enzyme product.
of the stomach, is necessary for the digestion of proteins. Although hydrochloric acid is not an enzyme, it is required to convert pepsinogen
to pepsin for the digestion of proteins. Betaine hydrochloride, which is
a form of hydrochloric acid that is derived from beets, is a source of hydrochloric acid that is commonly referred to and utilized as a digestive enzyme product.
Digestive enzymes work within a specific pH range. For example, agents such as betaine hydrochloride, bromelain and papain, which digest proteins, function primarily in the stomach where the environment needs
to be fairly acidic. Pancreatic enzymes exert their digestive effects in the small intestines where the pH is more alkaline. Plant-based digestive enzyme products reportedly function over a wider pH range (pH 2 to 12), which enables them to function in both the stomach and the small intestine environment.
to be fairly acidic. Pancreatic enzymes exert their digestive effects in the small intestines where the pH is more alkaline. Plant-based digestive enzyme products reportedly function over a wider pH range (pH 2 to 12), which enables them to function in both the stomach and the small intestine environment.
Impaired digestive function can produce many symptoms and is associated with a wide variety of clinical conditions such as gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, malabsorption disorders, malnutrition, dysbiosis, leaky gut, diarrhea, constipation, lactose intolerance, food allergies, celiac disease, etc. These products have become quite well accepted and are commonly used.
Digestive enzymes in commercial products come from several sources. Some come from the organs of animals, some such as papain and bromelain come from plants, and many are produced from
fungi and bacteria via fermentation processes. A large percentage
of the digestive enzymes being used in dietary supplements are
produced from fungi and bacteria using fermentation processes.
fungi and bacteria via fermentation processes. A large percentage
of the digestive enzymes being used in dietary supplements are
produced from fungi and bacteria using fermentation processes.
There are many different types of digestive enzymes Examples include proteases such as bromelain and papain, lipase, amylase, lactase, cellulase, pancreatin, and betaine hydrochloride.
Benefits:
Facilitate digestion
Regulate the absorption of nutrients
Help maintain the proper pH in the gastrointestinal tract
Act as a barrier against invasion of pathological organisms
It is generally believed that aging results in a gradual reduction in individual's ability to secrete gastric hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzymes for digestive purposes.
Safety:
Digestive enzyme products are considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.
Digestive enzyme products are considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.
Gas:
Administration of pancreatic enzymes resulted in a significant reduction of gas following the ingestion of high calorie, high fat meals.
Lactose Intolerance:
Individuals who are lactose intolerant do not produce enough lactase to properly digest milk and dairy products. Lactase-containing enzyme products help people reduce the symptoms associated with this condition. Adding a few drops of lactase to a quart of milk and allowing it to stand overnight in the refrigerator substantially reduces the amount of lactose present. Lactase-containing tablets or capsules reportedly helps people digest solid lactose-containing foods.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional for medical and nutritional consultation.
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