Education About Enzymes

Amylase is an important enzyme responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates in the human body. It facilitates the breakdown of large polysaccharide molecules, such as starches, into smaller disaccharide molecules like glucose and maltose. These molecules can then be absorbed by the body and used for energy production. In addition to its role in the digestive system, salivary amylase also initiates carbohydrate digestion in the mouth.

Deficiency in amylase can lead to a lack of glucose, which is a primary source of energy for the body. Carbohydrate intolerance can also occur when the small intestine fails to secrete enough amylase to break down starches. This can result in digestive discomfort and other symptoms. Supplementation with amylase-containing digestive enzymes can be helpful in supporting individuals with carbohydrate intolerance.

Some individuals may experience intestinal damage or dysfunction due to the gliadin fraction of gluten found in wheat and other grains. In such cases, a digestive enzymes supplement containing amylase can help break down carbohydrates and support overall digestive health. By ensuring adequate levels of amylase in the body, individuals can effectively digest carbohydrates and benefit from the energy they provide.

Lactose is a complex sugar found in milk and milk products, consisting of galactose joined to glucose. Lactase (also known as Tilactase) is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose into these simple sugars. In humans, lactase is normally produced by the intestinal mucosal cells. However, as individuals age, the amount of lactase secreted by these cells decreases, leading to lactose intolerance.

Therefore, lactase, also known as beta-D-galactosidase, plays a crucial role in breaking down lactose or ‘milk sugar’ into easily absorbed monosaccharides such as glucose and galactose. Absorption of these simple sugars is essential for proper nutrition and energy production.

Individuals without sufficient lactase may experience symptoms such as nausea, cramping, bloating, wind, and diarrhoea when consuming foods containing lactose. These symptoms can occur anywhere from fifteen minutes to three hours after ingestion. A lactase deficiency can be addressed by taking a lactase supplement, which can assist in the digestion of lactose and alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Lipase is a critical component of the body’s fat-digesting system along with bile, which helps to dissolve ingested fat for lipase to break it down. When there is a deficiency of lipase, the breakdown of essential fatty acids for absorption into the bloodstream and lymphatic system may be inhibited. This can lead to a lack of energy as the body’s fat stores, a vital source of metabolic energy, cannot be utilised efficiently.

Since lipase plays a crucial role in fat metabolism, it is responsible for breaking down the fats in our meals. Supplemental lipase is essential to catalyse the hydrolysis of triglycerides of simple fatty acids. Lipase has broad substrate applications on fats and oils of vegetable and animal origins, making it an important component in many dietary supplements.

A lipase deficiency may lead to difficulties digesting high-fat foods, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. A lipase supplement can aid in breaking down fats and helps with the absorption of essential fatty acids into the bloodstream, leading to improved energy levels and overall health.

Cellulase is a vital enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down cellulose, a fiber found in various fruits and vegetables. Unlike other enzymes, cellulase cannot be produced by the human body and must be obtained through dietary sources or supplementation. By breaking the bonds of fiber that encase nutrients in plants, cellulase enhances the nutritional value of plant-based foods by enabling the release of these nutrients for absorption.

Individuals who struggle to digest fiber often experience bloating within approximately two hours after consuming meals. This difficulty in digesting fiber can lead to discomfort and digestive issues. Supplementing with cellulase can aid in the breakdown of cellulose, potentially reducing bloating and improving digestion for those who struggle with fiber digestion.

Including cellulase in your dietary regimen can help optimise the digestion and utilisation of plant-based nutrients. By breaking down cellulose effectively, cellulase supplementation supports improved nutrient absorption and promotes better digestive comfort, allowing you to fully enjoy the nutritional benefits of a plant-rich diet.

Protease is a group of enzymes that break down proteins by cleaving internal bonds to produce shorter peptide fragments and releasing free amino acids by breaking terminal bonds. These enzymes play a crucial role in catalysing reactions, which help change the molecular structure of protein molecules. The ability to digest protein affects blood glucose levels as approximately 56% of amino acids are converted to glucose for use in energy metabolism.

In addition to aiding in the digestion of protein molecules, protease enzymes can also break down undigested food protein, cellular debris, and toxins in the blood, sparing the immune system from this task. Protease is also instrumental in breaking down the Casein present in dairy products. Individuals who experience digestive discomfort after consuming protein-rich foods may have difficulty digesting dietary protein.

Proteolytic activity of proteases can also be used as an anti-inflammatory to help relieve inflammation, reduce symptoms of soft tissue trauma, and help bring relief to muscle injuries. Protease supplements are frequently used to support protein digestion and overall health.

The intestinal wall contains several enzymes, including dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), which plays a crucial role in gluten breakdown. DPP IV is one of the rate-limiting enzymes that break down gluten peptides, and its deficiency is linked to the exacerbation of digestive disorders caused by certain peptide sequences resulting from the partial digestion of gluten proteins.

In normal conditions, DPP IV is considered one of the key enzymes responsible for regulating the breakdown of gluten. Partial digestion of gluten proteins can generate specific peptide sequences that have been associated with the aggravation of digestive disorders. Ensuring optimal activity of DPP IV and other BBM enzymes is essential for supporting gluten digestion and minimising the potential adverse effects associated with incomplete breakdown of gluten peptides.

Bromelain, derived from the Ananas comosus pineapple plant, has undergone comprehensive research in both experimental and clinical settings to assess its impact on the body’s inflammatory response. The research findings highlight the remarkable anti-inflammatory properties of Bromelain, showcasing its ability to combat inflammation, reduce swelling and pain. Moreover, Bromelain has been shown to inhibit the synthesis of fibrin, degrade fibrin, and break down fibrinogen.

The bromelain enzyme is a blend of enzymes obtained from various parts of the pineapple plant, including the ripe and unripe fruit, as well as the stem. This enzyme mixture plays a crucial role in breaking down proteins, converting them into peptides and amino acids. By facilitating protein digestion, Bromelain aids in the absorption of vital nutrients and supports overall digestive health.

Hypromellose, is a commonly used as a inactive ingredient in supplements providing various purposes such as capsule stability and promoting controlled release of active ingredients. We use ethically manufactured Vegecaps as our capsules which utilise all natural, vegetable sourced ingredients and do not contain gelatin or any other animal by-products. They are also fast-dissolving, providing a convenient and efficient option for consumption.

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a refined form of cellulose, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in plant cell walls. We use MCC as our filler due to its versatile properties, acting as a binder, filler, and stabiliser, while also promoting the consistent release of active ingredients. Cellulose is commonly consumed as part of a typical human diet from plant-based sources of fibre and is safe for human consumption.