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Digestive Enzymes
DESCRIPTION
Enzymes are protein catalysts produced by the body which are
identified by the suffix -ase. Enzymes are responsible for
the breakdown of compounds and for regulating the speed at
which metabolic processes take place. In this case, the processes
involved are concerned with digestion. Digestion is a complex
process, whereby foods and complex nutrients are broken down
into units that the body is able to use.
FUNCTIONS
Digestive enzymes are all
involved in the hydrolysis (breakage of a bond with the addition
of water) of large food molecules. There are 3 major types
of digestive enzyme: those digesting proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Proteins:
The proteolytic enzymes are involved exclusively in the digestion
of proteins. Protease is found in the stomach, pancreatic
and intestinal juices. Other proteolytic enzymes include pepsin,
trypsin, pancreatin and chymotrypsin. In addition, there are
the enzymes bromelain and papain from pineapple and papaya
respectively. These enzymes work together in the body to provide
units small enough to be absorbed.
Fats:
The enzymes that are used for the digestion of fats are called
lipases. These work to break down fats into their components
- fatty acids and glycerol. These end products of fat digestion
are absorbed in the small intestine.
Carbohydrates:
Amylase is the main enzyme used for the breakdown of carbohydrates.
It is produced in the mouth and is therefore present in saliva.
Amylase is also secreted into the pancreatic and intestinal
juices.
In addition to these basic
digestive enzymes, there are a whole range of other complementary
enzymes that work together to produce the appropriate end
products.
Lactase:
Lactase is the enzyme responsible for the digestion of the
milk sugar lactose so that it can be easily absorbed in the
small intestine (1).
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Enzymes are normally produced
in adequate amounts to digest the foods that are eaten. However,
as we mature in years or as a result of illness, the Digestive
System may become less efficient and the amounts of enzymes
produced may become insufficient.
Lactose Intolerance:
Due to insufficient secretion of the enzyme lactase, some
people may experience difficulty digesting the lactose in
milk and other dairy products. Lactose Intolerance is identified
by symptoms including severe Bloating, Pain in the abdomen,
Diarrhoea and weight loss. Supplements containing the enzyme
lactase are effective in the management of these symptoms
and helping with the breakdown of lactose (1,2).
Digestive disorders:
Some people experience Bloating and a feeling of "fullness"
that persists long after a meal is consumed. This can cause
disturbed sleep, flatulence, Headaches and abdominal Pains.
Others may produce an abnormally small amount of digestive
enzymes. This may result with increasing age or after major
surgery concerned with the Digestive System. Supplements providing
a mixture of the major digestive enzymes may help to reduce
these symptoms and also help to digest the dietary components
into fuel for the body.
Injuries:
Digestive enzymes may help increase healing time of Bruises
and mild athletic injuries, as shown in two controlled studies
(3,4).
SAFETY
Digestive enzymes appear
to be safe for prolonged use. However, they may increase damage
to exposed tissue in an ulcer. Also, one enzyme, pancreatin,
may disrupt folate absorption (5).
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Extra folate may be needed
if taking pancreatin.
REFERENCES
1. "The Natural
Pharmacy", S Lininger, Prima Health, 1998.
2. Shukla H. Lactose Intolerance in health and disease. Nutrition
and Food Science, 2:66-70 1997.
3. Zuschlag JM. Double-blind clinical study using certain
proteolytic enzyme mixtures in karate fighters. Working paper.
Mucos Pharma GmbH (Germany): 1-5, 1988.
4. Rathgerber WF. The use of proteolytic enzymes (Chymoral)
in sporting injuries. S Afr Med J 45: 181-183, 1971.
5. Russell RM, et al. Impairment of Folic Acid absorption
by oral pancreatic extracts. Dig Dis Sci 25: 369-373, 1980.
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