BROAD SPECTRUM NON-ANIMAL DERIVED DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
Broad spectrum non-animal derived digestive enzymes may be supplemented to promote healthy digestive function. A multienzyme complex may assist the breakdown of protein, fats and carbohydrates to aid digestive health and relieve digestive system discomfort.[1]
Of leading importance are the pancreatic enzymes which facilitate the breakdown of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Breakdown and absorption of macronutrients primarily takes place in the small intestine and is mediated by adequate production of pancreatic protease (to digest proteins), amylase (to digest carbohydrates), lipase (to digest fats) and lactase (to digest lactose). Supplementation with a multi enzyme complex may increase digestive enzymes and support the assimilation of nutrients.[2]
Broad Spectrum Non-Animal Derived Enzymes – Key Benefits
Helps Enhance Healthy Digestive System Function
Broad spectrum non-animal derived enzymes offer advantages over enzymes derived from animals including resistance to inactivation by stomach acid. Non-animal derived enzymes possess broad activity throughout a wide range of pH conditions inherent to the digestive tract.[2],[3],[4] Porcine derived pancreatic enzymes may display inherent limitations.[4]
Sources and functions of non-animal derived enzymes
Aspergillus oryzae is a filamentus (threadlike) fungi known to have prominent potential for the secretory production of several enzymes including amylase, protease and tilactase.[5],[6]
Amylase from Aspergillus oryzae assists with the digestion of carbohydrates (starches & other polysaccharides). Protease derived from Aspergillus oryzae assists the digestion of protein (large amino acid chains). Tilactase produced by Aspergillus oryzae aids the digestion of lactose (milk sugar) by aiding the breakdown of lactose to glucose and galactose.[4] Improved lactase activity may assist digestive health.[7] The enzyme tilactase is the Australian approved name for lactase.[4]
Trichoderma longibrachiatum is a known celluloltyic fungi. Research suggests the cellulase activity of T. Longibrachiatum activity may be linked with the induction of xylanase activity.[8],[9] Parallels have been drawn between the relationship of hemicellulose and cellulose in plant biomass.[8],[9] Cellulase obtained from Trichoderma longibrachiatum assists the breakdown of cellulose, an indigestible plant polysaccharide.[4],[8],[9]
Rhizopus oryzae: Lipases of rhizopus species family are important and versatile enzymes.[10]
Lipase obtained from Rhizopus oryzae is a lipid degrading enzyme (triglycerides and other lipids).[4] Lipase is also involved in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.[10]
Relieves Symptoms of Dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is characterised by a collection of symptoms that may include bloating, nausea, heartburn, burping and post-prandial fullness.[11] A multienzyme complex was evaluated to investigate its effects in adults with functional dyspepsia.[11]
Methods: 40 adults diagnosed with FD were enlisted in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Subjects were administered either a multi-enzyme complex three times daily or a placebo over a 60 day period.
Results: Supplementation with a multienzyme complex was significantly associated with reductions in all indicators of efficacy compared to placebo. Findings suggest multienzyme supplementation was shown to be both a safe and effective in managing symptoms associated with functional dyspepsia.[11]
Relieves Muscle Soreness
Multi enzyme supplementation was shown to statistically improve outcomes associated with delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) related to standardized eccentric exercise when compared to placebo.[12]
Methods: A double blind placebo-controlled trial was undertaken in 20 men (10 active, 10 placebo). Administration of either a placebo or a multi enzyme complex took place 3 times per day over a 3 day time-span. Multi enzyme supplemented participants showed statistically significant signs of efficacy compared to the placebo group on day 3 of the trial.[12]
Results: Subjective pain and tenderness assessments were undertaken with significant reductions noted in the enzyme supplemented group compared to placebo. Creatine Kinase (CK) is a marker associated with muscle damage. The multi enzyme supplemented group showed a lower CK response compared to placebo, suggestive of greater membrane integrity maintenance, although not clinically significant.[12]
The outcomes suggest supplementation with multi enzymes containing protease in combination with appropriate training programs may assist post exercise recovery associated with DOMS.[12]
Precautions & Considerations
- Studies have not been performed on Microbial enzymes in pregnancy and lactation.
- Use with care in individuals with gastric or duodenal ulceration and bleeding.
[1] Pizzorno JE, Murray MT. 2006. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 3rd Edition. Chapter 112. Pancreatic Enzymes. Page 1131-1146. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.