Because of our hectic lifestyle, and the way we often consume food that is frequently overcooked, digestion can often be less than optimal. Poor digestion can produce bloating and gas, cramping, diarrhea or constipation, and even lead to incomplete digestion of food proteins that have been linked to food allergies. Conversely, more thorough digestion of foodstuffs with enzymes prevents foods from being fermented in the gut and the proliferation of “bad” bacteria and yeast at the expense of “good” intestinal bacteria. More complete digestion of carbohydrates removes the food source for these bad organisms. Another benefit of enzymes is that more nutrition can be derived from food. In addition, regular bowel movements result from this better digestion. This product is specifically designed to support digestion and help unlock more nutrition from food.

Research has shown that the widespread chronic use of proton pump inhibitor medications contributes to side effects stemming from low acid production, including poor mineral absorption and poor absorption of B12 which have been linked with a multitude of health problems.^[1] In addition, an estimated 30% of Americans suffer from low levels of acidity. The depletion of stomach acidity due to medications and age, are further compounded by the age-related decline of enzyme production which both influence the breakdown of foods into absorbable nutrients.^[2] This can lead to suboptimal nutritional status of certain vitamins and minerals and insufficient enzyme activation in the stomach.

Digestive enzymes have a long history of use for those who need digestive enzyme support. ^[3,4] In the past, animal enzymes were preferred to vegetable enzymes for their protein digesting strength though they required a narrower pH window of 6.5-7.5 in order to be activated. This product utilizes new, plant- based enzymes which function within a broader pH range of 2.5-8.5, and still offer the digestive strength of animal-based enzymes. This broad pH window of activity makes it especially helpful for individuals with lower gastric acid levels or inconsistent pH’s. Each enzyme has been tested in pH, temperature, and gastric survivability studies to ensure enzyme activity. In addition, this product also includes DPP4, one of the primary components of peptidase, which has been shown to digest and neutralize gluten. This action may help to support gluten-sensitive individuals who ingest it inadvertently. The blend of proteases in this product is also effective in breaking down proteins from soy, whey, and casein from milk products. Lipases for fat breakdown as well as amylases for carbohydrate breakdown are also included for full spectrum digestive support.

This product offers additional support for those who have difficulty digesting plant-based foods. Optimal breakdown of plant cell walls is complex and nutrients contained within the cell walls can be difficult to absorb. For this reason, CereCalase, pectinase, xylanase, cellulose, glucoamylase and alpha- galactosidase, plant enzymes not produced in the body, are added to the formula. The addition of CereCalase assists in the breakdown of plant cell walls and helps to release trapped nutrients from plant materials. Alpha-galactosidase is also included for difficult-to-digest foods such as beans, legumes and cruciferous vegetables, so as to help people maintain a plant-rich diet. Both animal and human trials indicate that the supplementation of phytase helps release these nutrients and improve the nutrition of the consumer.^[5,6,7] Furthermore, a large portion of the fibrous components of botanicals are composed of non-starchy polysaccharides (NSPs), the primary ones being hemicelluloses and beta-glucans. These two compounds can alter the transit times of foods, bind digestive enzymes and trap essential plant constituents. Enzymes which degrade these components have been shown to improve the digestibility and nutrient profiles of plant foods and products.^[8,9,10] Gentian and artichoke are also added to help stimulate the body’s own digestive processes for optimal digestive capacity.

Herbalists have used bitters, including gentian, to stimulate natural digestive enzymes in the mouth and stomach for hundreds of years. Studies have shown that artichoke, categorized as a choleretic, stimulates the body’s natural production of bile, which is responsible for emulsifying fats in our diets. Artichoke also increases the surface area of fats, which allows enzymes to more efficiently break them down. Artichoke and gentian root provide an excellent vegetarian alternative to ox bile, which is traditionally used in digestive supplements to support bile production.

1. http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/ do-ppis-have-long-term-side-effects.shtml
2. Greenberg RE, Holt PR. Influence of aging upon pancreatic digestive enzymes. Dig Dis Sci. 1986 Sep;31(9):970-7.
3. Halgreen H, Pedersen NT, Worning H. Symptomatic effect of pancreatic enzyme therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1986 Jan;21(1):104-8.
4. Scolapio JS, Malhi-Chowla N, Ukleja A. Nutrition supplementation in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 1999 Sep;28(3):695-707. Review.
5. Sandberg, AS et al. “Dietary Aspergillus niger Phytase Increases Iron Absorption In Humans.” J Nutr. 1996. 126: 476.
6. Ravindran, V et al. “Effects Of Phytase Supplementation, Individually and In Combination, With Glycanase On The Nutritive Value Of Wheat And Barley.” Poult Sci. 1999. 78:1588-95.
7. Nasi, M et al. “Comparison Of Aspergillus Niger Phytase And Trichoderma Reesei Phytase And Acid Phosphatase On Phytate Phosphorus Availability In Pigs Fed On Maize-Soybean Meal Or Barley-Soybean Meal Diets.” Arch Tierernahr. 1999. 52(1):15-27.
8. Graham, H et al. “Effect Of Pelleting And Beta-Glucanase Supplementation On The Ileal And Fecal Digestibility Of A Barley-Based Diet In The Pig.” J Anim. Sci. 1989.67:1293- 1298.
9. Almirall, M.; Francesch, M.; Perez,-Vendrell, A.M.; Brufau, J.; Esteve-Garcia, E. “The Differences In Intestinal Viscosity Produced By Barley And Beta-Glucanase Alter Digesta Enzyme Activities And Ileal Nutrient Digestibilities More In Broiler Chicks Than In Cocks.” J Nutr.1995. 125(4): 947-55.
10. Cowan, W.D. Animal Feed in Industrial Enzymology, 2nd edition (New York: Stockton Press, 1996).