Enzyme Questions and Answers

Q55-What are some names of enzyme supplements that are found on the market today?

The following is a list of several types of enzyme supplements offered in today's marketplace.

• Proteolytic enzymes.  The word proteolytic means the splitting of proteins by hydrolysis.  Proteolytic enzymes are derived from animals (usually from their pancreas, stomach, or intestine).  It should be pointed out that these enzymes require vitamins and minerals to be activated, and they break down differently than plant enzymes.  They cannot digest all foods because they need specific pH mediums to be utilized.  Many animal enzymes cannot work properly in the pre-digestion part of the stomach which is found in the upper portion (fundus) because the stomach acid is too harsh for the enzymes to function properly.  Animal enzymes work better in an alkaline solution which is found in the intestine.
   
• Pancreatin.  Pancreatin is a substance taken from the pancreas of a hog or ox.  It contains protease, amylase and lipase, however, it is only broken down in an alkaline setting of 8.0 pH.  This means that these enzymes are only effective in the alkaline small intestine.  By the time this substance is useful, protein and carbohydrates have already been partially broken down by the stomach enzymes.
   
• Pepsin.  Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme that is usually prepared from the stomachs of pigs.  Pepsin's main function is to denature (break down) proteins in the stomach.  It is usually given to people whose digestion of protein is impaired.  It does not breakdown carbohydrate and fat.
   
• Bromelain.  Bromelain is a substance of proteolytic and milk-clotting enzymes derived from the pineapple plant.  Together, a concentrate of these enzymes are used as an anti-inflammatory agent and also in tenderizing meat.  Bromelain has been used by people unable to take food proteins.
   
• Trypsin.  Trypsin is a proteolytic enzyme found in the intestine of  animals.  Trypsin breaks down arginine or lysine (amino acids) and works only in an alkaline setting.  Manufacturers have learned to coat trypsin so that it can get to the small intestine and its 8.0 pH.  It is also used to fortify the pancreas and the small intestine.
   
• Plant enzymes.  Plant enzymes are usually grown from food such as soybeans and wheat in a laboratory setting.  They are usually extracted from nonpathogenic aspergillus species and are free of mycelium contamination.  When the aspergillia and fungi are removed from the plant, only the enzyme action is left.  Aspergillus enzymes have a strong record of safe use in the food industry.  They are considered food by the FDA.