« Return to Articles

In Need Of A Break?

Enzyme Information That You Can Digest:

A Breakdown of Common Enzymes:

There are over 2000 enzymes that function within the human body, however, only a select few are used as supplements:

Amylase: is an isoform (capable of different forms) enzyme that is capable of digesting starches into maltose, glucose and dextrin. It is produced by the salivary glands where it is released during mastication (chewing) and also by the pancreas. Plants are also capable of producing this enzyme, where it is synthesized during the ripening stage of fruit and the germination stage of grains. Supplementation benefits the digestion of starchy foods such as breads, cereals, potatoes, and pastas. The unit of measure of its activity is DU (alpha-amylase dextrinizing unit).

Bromelain: Bromelain is a collection of proteolytic (protein breaking) enzymes derived from pineapple. They have a broad range of activity in varying environments and are active throughout the various locations of the digestive system. They have been used extensively both commercially as meat tenderizers and medically to assist both the digestive process and the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support the cardiovascular system and general health. It acts by blocking pro-inflammatory metabolites that propagate the inflammatory process. It has been used to treat sports injuries, traumas, arthritis, and other forms of inflammation. Additionally, medical research supports its use in digestive problems, phlebitis, sinusitis, post surgery wound healing, arthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, gout, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, blood clots, menstrual pains and autoimmune disorders. The unit of measure of activity is PU (papain unit) or GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units).

Catalase: functions by converting hydrogen peroxide (a destructive and powerful oxidative molecule) to oxygen and water. Catalase has been used as a supplement for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune and cardiovascular support. The unit of measure of its activity is the Baker Unit.

Cellulase: is a complex of different enzymes, which break down the plant cell wall constituent cellulose into glucose. The rigidity of most plants is primarily due to the complex carbohydrate cellulose. Humans are not capable of digesting cellulose and are thus unable to use most of the energy contained in plants. Supplementation with cellulose allows for the digestion of cellulose, which provides added nutrition and reduces the bulking effect of fibrous foods. The unit of measure of activity of cellulase is CU (cellulase unit).

Chymotrypsin: is a protein digesting enzyme similar to trypsin. It is produced within the pancreas as a precursor enzyme and is activated within the small intestine during digestion. Supplemental chymotrypsin works together with endogenous chymotrypsin to improve protein digestion and can benefit the digestive, immune and cardiovascular systems. The unit of measure of its activity is USP CU (USP Chymotrypsin Unit).

Glucoamylase: is a multifunctional enzyme that breaks down amylase, isomaltose, and dextrins (components of starch) into glucose molecules. It works in unison with glucoamylase present within the body to enhance the digestion of carbohydrate rich foods. Most of this enzyme is produced commercially by the fungal species Aspergillus niger and used by the food processing and health supplement industries. Their use benefits the digestion and supports general nutrition. The unit of measure of its activity is AGU (amyoglucosidase Activity Unit).

Hemicellulase: are enzymes that hydrolyze plant fibers consumed in the diet. Normally these fibers are not digestable since humans are unable to produce hemicellulase, thus supplementation provides for a means to digest and extract important nutrients and reduce the bulking effect of certain fibrous foods. The units of measure of its activity is HCU (hemicellulase Unit).

Invertase: is an enzyme that breaks apart sucrose into glucose and fructose. It has been used in the food processing industry as a method of converting sucrose into the sweeter and more manageable fructose sugar. Clinical evidence suggests that it is beneficial for digestion and nutritional support. The unit of measure of activity for invertase is INVU (Invertase Unit).

Lactase: is a well known enzyme that breaks down lactose sugar into galactose and glucose sugars. Lactose is familiarly known as a component in milk or dairy and the enzyme has been used frequently for lactose intolerant individuals. Lactase is present in humans within the cell lining of the small intestines but adults commonly become deficient in this enzyme. It has been used commercially both to break down lactose in milk products for lactose intolerant individuals and also to produce sweeter milk products by breaking lactose into its sweeter constituents. Lactase use increases the digestion of dairy products by supporting the endogenous human lactase enzyme present and thus reduces the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Supplementation supports digestion and general nutrition. The units of measure of its activity is ALU (acid Lactase Unit) or NLU (neutral Lactase Unit).

Lipase: is a water-soluble, lipid-digesting enzyme that is capable of breaking down fats and oils, converting these fats or triglycerides into monoglycerides and free fatty acids. They are found throughout the body in most cells where they perform this function, a necessary process for energy maintenance, cell signaling and membrane structure. Pancreatic lipase is produced by the pancreas and secreted in response to a fatty meal. Other forms are: hepatic lipase, which regulates the level of fats in the blood and pharyngeal lipase, which is released into the mouth and acts within the stomach. Supplementation increases the ability of the body to digest fatty meals and promotes overall health. The units of measure of its activity is LU (lipase unit).

« Page 1« Page 3