Dr. Goodpet

Specially selected for compatibility with the body’s temperature, microbial enzymes also exhibit activity across a broad pH range. Unlike supplemental enzymes of animal origin, microbial enzymes work at the pH found in the upper stomach. Food sits in the upper portion of the stomach for as long as an hour before gastric secretions begin action.

Several studies conducted at major universities have shown that the enzymes in saliva continue their digestive activity in the upper stomach and can digest up to 30% of the ingested protein, 60% of ingested starch and 10% of ingested fat during the first 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. Although salivary enzymes accomplish a significant amount of digestion, their activity is limited to a pH level above 5.0. Supplemental microbial enzymes are active in the pH range of 3.0 to 9.0 and can facilitate the utilization of a much larger amount of protein, carbohydrate and fat before Hydrochloric acid is secreted in sufficient amounts to neutralize their activity. In contrast, supplemental enzymes of animal origin are destroyed by the low pH within the stomach unless they are enterically coated. Further, this coating may not dissolve, releasing the enzymes to aid digestion.

Studies have shown that the non-enteric coated products can be more effective than coated products. Furthermore, animal-based enzymes function only at the narrow pH ranges found at specific anatomical sites. Pepsin is only active in the highly acidic environment of the active stomach. Pancreatin, trypsin and chymotrypsin are only active in alkaline environment of the duodenum. Supplemental microbial enzymes exhibit activity throughout the entire digestive process. Therefore microbial enzymes can play a significant role in improving food nutrient utilization.

Another advantage of microbial enzymes is the variety of enzymes available for supplementation. While pancreatin offers only protease, lipase and amylase activities, microbial enzymes offer protease, peptidase, lipase, amylase, glucomylase, invertase, malt diastase, lactase, alpha-galactosidase, cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase and phytase activities. Pancreatin is a pre-defined blend and the only alternatives are proportional increases in total activity that may not be necessary. Customization and flexibility to match the appropriate enzymes to the diet is another strength of supplemental microbial enzymes.

Yet another advantage of microbial enzymes is that they are animal-friendly. These enzymes are vegetarian and cruelty-free.

References:

Beazell, J.M., "A Reexamination of the role of the stomach in the digestion of carbohydrate and protein." Am J Physiol 132: 42-50 (1941).

Graham, D.Y. Enzyme replacement therapy of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in man.

NEJM 296: 1314-7 (1977).

Griffin, S.M., et al. Acid resistant lipase as replacement therapy in chronic pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: a study in dogs. Gut 30: 1012-5 (1989).

Guyton, A.C. Textbook of Medical Physiology, 8th edition. (Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 1991).

Howell, E. Enzyme Nutrition. (Wayne, NY: 1985).

Lennard-Jones, J.E. "Functional gastrointestinal disorders." NEJM 308: 431 (1983).

Prochaska, L.J.: Piekutowski, W.V. "On the synergistic effects of enzymes in food with enzymes in the human body. A literature survey and analytical report." Med Hypoth 42: 355-62 (1994)

Schneider, M.U., et al. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: comparative effects of conventional and enteric-coated microspheric pancreatin and acid-stable fungal enzyme preparations on steatorrhea in chronic pancreatic. Hepato-gastroenterol 32: 97-102 (1985).

Schwimmer, S. Source Book of Food Enzymology. (Westport, CT: The AVI Publishing Company, Inc. 1981).

Thacker, P.A.; Campbell, G.L.; GrootWassink, J. The effect of enzyme supplementation on the nutritive value of rye-based diets for swine. Can J Anim Sci 71: 489-96 (1991).