The Health Diva

• Biocare Lactase Enzyme 15ml liquid
• Biocare Lipozyme
• Solgar Betaine – Pepsin Tablets
• Solgar Bromelain
• Solgar Caricol
• Solgar Digestive Enzymes Tablets
• Solgar Lactase 3500 Wafers
• Solgar Vegan Digestive Enzymes Tablets (chewable)

Digestive enzyme are proteins which are used by the body to break down food into nutrients which are then digested. The human body produces around 22 different digestive enzymes, each of which acts on a different type of food.

Digestive enzymes include pancreatic enzymes, plant-derived enzymes, and fungal-derived enzymes. There are three classes of digestive enzymes: proteolytic enzymes needed to digest protein, lipase needed to digestf at, and amylases needed to digest carbohydrates.

Some nutritional practitioners believe that patients are often lacking sufficient digestive enzymes because of poor diets and other factors. Mainstream doctors may also prescribe digestive enzymes, especially in cases such as lactose intolerance, where an enzyme such as Lactaid can be used.

Digestive enzymes are complex proteins involved in digestion that stimulate chemical changes in other substances. They work optimally at specific temperature and pH.

Where are they found?

Only small amounts of the animal-based proteolytic enzymes, trypsin and chymotrypsin, are found in the diet; however, the pancreas can synthesize these enzymes. The plant-based proteolytic enzyme bromelain comes from the stems of pineapples and is useful in many conditions. Papain comes from unripe papayas. All of these enzymes are available as supplements.

Who is likely to be deficient?

People with pancreatic insufficiency and cystic fibrosis frequently require supplemental pancreatic enzymes (which include proteolytic enzymes, lipases , and amylases). In addition, those with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease and perhaps some people suffering from indigestion may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes.

How much is usually taken?

The digestive enzymes—proteolytic enzymes, lipases, and amylases—are generally taken together. Pancreatin, which contains all three digestive enzymes, is rated against a standard established by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). For example, “4X pancreatin” is four times stronger than the USP standard. Each “X” contains 25 USP units of amylase, 2 USP units of lipase, and 25 USP units of protease (or proteolytic enzymes). Three to four grams of 4X pancreatin (or a lower amount at higher potency) with each meal is likely to help digest food in some people with pancreatic insufficiency.

Those with chronic pancreatitis need to discuss enzyme intakes with their physician.

Supplemental enzymes that state only product weight, but not activity units, may lack potency.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

In theory, too much enzyme activity could be irritating because it could start to “digest” parts of the body as the enzymes travel through the digestive system. Fortunately, that does not happen with supplemental amounts. Research has not determined the level at which such problems might arise.

A serious condition involving damage to the large intestines called fibrosing colonopathy has resulted from the use of pancreatic enzymes in children with cystic fibrosis. Until more is known, children with cystic fibrosis needing to take pancreatic enzymes should only do so under the careful supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare professional.

Are there any drug interactions?

Avoid taking digestive enzymes along side Warfrin.