Enzymedica Blog

Enzymes are the sparks of life. Nearly every action that takes place within the body, including digestion, immunity, and cellular repair requires the action of enzymes. Enzymes are made by our bodies and can be found in fresh wholesome foods and supplements.

When it’s time to go to the health food store to buy an enzyme product, it can be a bit confusing. There are a variety of options available on the shelf, so let’s take a closer look at these supplements to investigate the differences.

Exploring Enzyme Supplement Varieties

The key to choosing the appropriate enzyme for your needs is to know what you are looking for. In general, protease enzymes break down protein, amylase acts on starches and sugar, and lipase breaks down fats and lipids. Formulas include plant and animal sourced enzymes, as well as tropical enzymes like papain and bromelain.

Tropical enzymes, like papain from papaya, and bromelain from pineapple, are commonly selected for their ability to ease the discomfort of muscle aches and inflammation. While ideal for discomfort, tropical enzymes are specific for protein digestion and will have no effect on the carbohydrates, fats, and fiber in our meals.

Most animal sourced enzymes are pancreatin formulas, enzymes manufactured in animal pancreas. This variety has a long history of use and has been well studied for inflammation and muscle repair. Animal sourced enzymes are specific to certain pH environments, unlike plant based-enzymes which are blended to function throughout the pH of the entire body.

For digestive distress, consumers choose high potency plant-based enzyme formulas. These enzymes are grown on plants and are vegetarian/vegan. Plant-based enzymes can break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fiber, making them an ideal digestive supplement. Plant-based enzymes function in wider pH ranges than both tropical and pancreatic enzymes.

Quick Tips: Choosing an Effective Enzyme[i]

1. Seek a Specialist: The best products come from companies not trying to be all things to all people. Look for a company that specializes in enzymes making reputable and efficacious products.

2. Read Labels: Look for high active units with multiple strains in each enzyme category. An active unit measurement is different from milligrams, which measure weight, not potency. Some companies will express enzyme ingredients as a blend. Blending allows enzymes to break down more over a longer period of time and in a varied pH range.

3. Seek a No-Filler Formula: Some manufacturers use fillers to fill out capsules or help bind tablets together. Fillers include magnesium stearate, cellulose, pectins,  maltodextrin, talc, or similar ingredients. The result: a product that is less potent per milligram and which runs a greater risk of containing an allergen.

4. Proven Potency: Often products are blended to meet the potency printed on the label, but their finished form fails label claim. Reputable companies will test their finished products to verify the label describes exactly what’s in the bottle.

5. Choose Capsules: Choose vegetarian capsules instead of tablets. Tableting is a harsh process for enzymes, which are more susceptible to heat and friction than ordinary vitamins. In addition, tableting generally requires binders or fillers which add no benefit to the end product.

Enzymedica has confirmed its activity for this year’s Natural Products Expo West Trade Show, held March 12th – 14th at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Enzymedica will launch their new Premiere Research line of science-based formulas at an educational lecture featuring neurobiologist Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D and author Jason E. Barker, N.D. Also planned is a book signing by pharmacist and syndicated columnist, Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

Visitors to Enzymedica’s booth #1558 will be the first to preview the Premiere Research product line, which includes science-based formulas for cognition, antioxidant, and blood sugar health.

The company will sponsor an educational seminar on Saturday, March 13th, from 3:00-4:00 pm in room 207C to present new research for healthy aging featuring enzyme-based nutraceutical blends. Speaking at the lecture are renowned researcher and neurobiologist Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D., along with author and lecturer Jason E. Barker, N.D. Lecture attendees will receive educational handouts and an opportunity to sample full size versions of the new Enzymedica products.

On Friday, March 12th at 2:00 pm Suzy Cohen, nationally syndicated author of the “Dear Pharmacist” column, will be signing her newest book, “Drug Muggers” in the Enzymedica booth. Considered America’s most trusted pharmacist, Cohen is a licensed pharmacist with over 20 years of clinical experience. A free copy of Cohen’s book will be available to the first 200 retailers and media who attend the signing.

Also available in the Enzymedica booth will be information and materials detailing the Autism Hope Alliance, a nonprofit foundation of which Enzymedica is a founding member.

Enzymedica manufactures the award winning formulas Digest and Digest Gold, the two top selling digestive enzymes on the US market according to SPINS, a market research and consulting firm for the Natural Products Industry.

Enzymedica has announced that they will unveil their new Premiere Research line of science-based enzyme formulas at the upcoming 2010 Natural Products Expo West Trade Show, held March 12th – 14th at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

The company will host an informational seminar and present new research for healthy aging featuring enzyme-based nutraceutical blends. Speaking at the lecture are renowned researcher and neurobiologist Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D., along with author and lecturer Jason E. Barker, N.D.

Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D

Jason E. Barker, N.D.

The lecture is entitled, “Premiere research unveiled: Enhancing memory and balancing blood sugar,” and examines research conducted on whole formulas that focus on enhancing memory, balancing blood sugar and reducing free radical damage.

The Premiere Research product line will debut in Enzymedica’s booth #1558, and includes science-based formulas for cognition, antioxidant, and blood sugar health. The innovative line features bottles in box packaging and metallic accents on the label. Premiere Research is a natural extension of Enzymedica’s award winning, best in class product line up.

The seminar will be held on Saturday, March 13th, from 3:00-4:00 pm in room 207C of the Convention Center. Attendees will receive educational handouts and an opportunity to sample full size versions of the new Enzymedica products.

Maday Labrador, Enzymedica’s Director of Scientific Affairs explains, “Enzymedica’s current efforts employ enzymes in a new approach, to address the common contributing factors of the aging process. With this new research on healthy aging, Enzymedica intends to transform the enzyme category, expanding beyond just digestion and healthy inflammation, into new territory, reaching new customers.”

Amidst growing concerns surrounding short and long term memory loss, as well as the recent increase in sugar imbalances such as pre-diabetes, universities and research scientists are finding success with enzymes in combination with unique blends of nutraceuticals.

“Some of the most common issues we typically associate with aging may be prevented or even reversed with these newly studied formulas,” continues Labrador.

Dr. Sanberg and Dr. Barker will be available for interviews in the Enzymedica booth throughout the weekend of the show.

Enzymedica manufactures the award winning formulas Digest and Digest Gold, the two top selling digestive enzymes on the US market according to SPINS, a market research and consulting firm for the Natural Products Industry.

In addition to the launch of Premiere Research, on Friday, March 12th at 2:00 pm Suzy Cohen, nationally syndicated author of the “Dear Pharmacist” column, will be signing her newest book, “Drug Muggers” in the Enzymedica booth. Considered America’s most trusted pharmacist, Cohen is a licensed pharmacist with over 20 years of clinical experience. A free copy of Cohen’s book will be available to the first 200 retailers and media who attend the signing.

Enzymedica is pleased to announce that they will host a book signing by Suzy Cohen, R. Ph., at the upcoming 2010 Natural Products Expo West Trade Show, in Anaheim, California.

Suzy Cohen, considered America’s most trusted pharmacist is the nationally syndicated author of the “Dear Pharmacist” column which reaches nearly 24 million readers coast to coast. Cohen will sign her newest book, “Drug Muggers: How To Keep Your Medicine from Stealing the Life Out of You!” on Friday, March 12th at 2:00 pm in Enzymedica’s booth #1558.

A free copy of Cohen’s book will be available to the first 200 retailers and media who attend the signing.

“We are thrilled to have Suzy in the Enzymedica booth,” shares Scott Sensenbrenner, Enzymedica’s CEO. “A licensed pharmacist with over 20 years of clinical experience, she seamlessly integrates holistic health and traditional pharmacology. Suzy’s advice compels individuals to take charge of their own health, using practical and science driven natural solutions to achieve wellness.”

Enzymedica manufactures the award winning formulas Digest and Digest Gold, the two top selling digestive enzymes on the US market according to SPINS, a market research and consulting firm for the Natural Products Industry.

In addition to the book signing event, Enzymedica will host an educational seminar and present new research for healthy aging featuring enzyme-based nutraceutical blends. Speaking at the lecture are renowned researcher and neurobiologist Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D., along with author and lecturer Jason E. Barker, N.D. The seminar will be held on Saturday, March 13th, from 3:00-4:00 pm in room 207C.

Many people begin the start of a new year with resolutions about healthier living. Exercise and making better food choices can help the body reach its full potential, but enzymes can enhance healthy living choices. Digestive enzymes enhance the body’s digestion and assimilation of food to help turn the food we eat into energy for the body. In addition to general digestive supplements, Enzymedica offers several products for special digestive needs.

Carbohydrate and Phenol Digestion

Phenol is an umbrella term for a sub-group of natural compounds that include, polyphenols, salycilates, flavanoids, catechins, anthocyanidins, and isoflavonoids, among thousands more. Some individuals have sensitivity to phenols, and experience difficulty digesting foods that contain them. While it may be possible to reduce one’s consumptions of the phenols found in food additives and such as colorants and flavorings, phenols are relatively omnipresent in all plant-based foods. For the general population these foods are important protective agents against degenerative diseases and should be consumed in abundance. But for some, normally healing foods can cause problems; a condition often referred to as phenol sensitivity.

CarbGest provides phenol-targeting enzymes such as xylanase to enhance the digestion of phenolic compounds in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and food additives. CarbGest contains a phenol-targeting enzyme blend that can assist the body in the proper digestion of phenols. CarbGest is safe for children and can be opened and mixed with food when desired.

Bean, Grain and Vegetable Digestion

Amylase is needed to break down and assimilate carbohydrates, which support every cell of the body. Some dieticians and nutritionists recommend that 30% - 50% of our diet be made up of a combination of these essential ‘complex’ (vegetables) and ‘simple’ (sugars) carbohydrates. These essential nutrients are needed to support protein and fat metabolism, help fight infection, promote the growth of bones and assist in skin rejuvenation.

Gastro contains four different types of enzymes that break down carbohydrates such as starch, glycogen and related polysaccharides. These are found in grains, seeds, legumes, vegetables and other plants. It is very common to experience discomfort when digesting these types of foods. Symptoms range from gas and bloating to indigestion and other imbalances. When added to your meal as a supplement, Gastro can assist the body in breaking down and assimilating these types of foods. Taking Gastro takes stress off the gallbladder, liver and pancreas. Moreover, Gastro has a very high amount of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase that is imperative in digesting the sugars from legumes and other foods that create gas and bloating.*

Gluten and Casein Digestion

Gluten intolerance symptoms result when there is difficulty breaking down specific amino acid links (called peptides) in the gluten molecules found in our food. Implicated in various disorders including intestinal inflammation and leaky-gut syndrome, common treatment for gluten intolerance is fairly simple: remove the offending foods from your diet.

Enzymedica offers GlutenEase™ a dietary supplement containing a specially modified protein digesting enzyme blend (protease), with an enzyme activity called DPP-IV. Proteases high in DPP-IV activity assist in normalizing inflammatory response to the gluten peptide, thus better digesting and utilizing gluten containing foods. This proactively supports the intestinal tract, allowing proteins to be properly broken down and absorbed in their digested state.

Dairy Lactose Digestion

Millions of Americans are suffering from cramps, gas and diarrhea after ingesting dairy sugar, or lactose. Often times, an enjoyable experience eating a scoop of ice cream  is followed by the onset of uncomfortable and painful digestive issues. Lactose intolerance affects people who lack the ability to break down and digest the dairy sugar, lactose. One common choice to battle lactose intolerance is food elimination diets, which not only consume time, but also prevent enjoying certain foods. Prescription and over the counter drugs may improve distress for a time, but often have their own side effects. Another choice is to supply the body with the enzymes needed to digest dairy products.

Lacto by Enzymedica is a dietary supplement that is safe for all ages and designed to be taken with meals containing lactose. Lacto contains lactase to assist in the digestion and absorption of dairy sugars, reducing the negative side effects of lactose consumption. In addition to providing the enzymes needed for digestion of dairy sugar, Lacto also assists in digestion of dairy protein, fats, carbohydrates, meat protein and fiber.

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