Frequently Asked Questions
About Enzymes

by the, National Enzyme Company

What are Enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts, in other words, they make chemical reactions run faster. They accomplish this while remaining unchanged. Enzymes are present in every cell in both plants and animals; and are responsible for regulating the biochemical reactions necessary to sustain life.

Enzymes are highly specific, both in the substrate they affect, and in the reactions they catalyze. They can exist both in active and in inactive forms, and many enzymes are present naturally in cells in both their active and inactive forms. They can, however, be permanently inactivated by altering their environmental conditions, such as pH or temperature.

There are six main groups of enzymes - hydrolases, isomerases, ligases, lyases, oxidoreductases, and transferases. The enzymes involved in food decomposition and in the digestive process are hydrolases. They break down proteins (proteases), carbohydrates (carbohydrases) and fats (lipases). Plants also contain enzymes to break down fiber (cellulases).

The enzymes most often utilized in dietary supplements function in the same way as the enzymes found naturally in food and as digestive enzymes in the human body. There are supplemental enzymes available that are capable of breaking down almost any food. For example, there are several different carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, such as amylase (for starches and polysaccharides), lactase (for milk sugar), invertase (for sucrose), and cellulase (for plant fibers).

Do enzymes survive digestion?

The enzymes involved in digestion are very specific as to the type of food they break down, as well as the conditions under which they work. The process of chewing begins digestion by the action of salivary enzymes, predominantly salivary amylase that begins breaking down starch. These enzymes along with others produced in the stomach, are active at a pH of around 5.0 and continue to break down starches and some fats in the upper part of the stomach until hydrochloric acid is released, lowering the pH to around 3.0. At this point another enzyme, pepsin, becomes active, beginning protein digestion. As the food proceeds to the small intestine, the pH again rises, inactivating pepsin, but enabling other enzymes produced in the pancreas and small intestine to begin their work to complete the digestive process. These enzymes are active in a more alkaline pH of between 6.0 and 8.0. The enzymes that are naturally present in raw food can assist in their own initial breakdown, but are also inactivated when the pH drops in the stomach. Supplemental enzymes can be of great benefit in contributing to the digestive process. However, supplemental enzymes of animal origin are only active in the alkaline pH of the intestine and risk being permanently inactivated or denatured in the lower pH of the gastric region. Microbial enzymes on the other hand not only survive the acid environment of the stomach, but also are active at that low pH. This is where enzymes from microbial or plant origin can be a real advantage because they are stable and active throughout a broad pH range, from about 3.0 – 8.0.

What is the difference between pancreatic enzymes, plant enzymes, and microbial enzymes?

Supplemental pancreatic, plant, and microbial enzymes, including those from bacterial or fungal sources, are all designed to enhance digestion. Pancreatic enzymes work in the small intestines. However, plant and microbial enzymes use a "proactive" approach and begin working on foods sooner after ingestion. Because of their stability in the acidic environment of the upper stomach, plant and microbial enzymes can begin their digestive action immediately after the food reaches this region. With the increased exposure to digestive enzyme activity, food has a better chance of being broken down into small, more readily absorbed particles.

Is supplementation really necessary?

The enzymes naturally present in food play an important role in digestion by helping to predigest the ingested food in the upper stomach before hydrochloric acid has even been secreted. This predigestion is hindered when food is cooked or processed because the enzymes are destroyed by the processing procedures, placing the full digestive burden on the body. The body’s digestive process can become over-stressed and incomplete. As a result, vital nutrients may not be released from the food for assimilation by the body, and gastrointestinal problems may result.

The primary purpose of enzymes in supplement form is to replace those enzymes lost when food is cooked or processed. In addition, supplementation enables digestion to begin in the gastric region, easing the burden on the digestive system as a whole. The earlier that digestion can begin, the greater the likelihood that no undigested food will enter the colon where bacteria can feed upon it, causing such problems as gas and bloating.

Nearly every person can benefit from supplementation with enzymes. Even healthy people may improve their absorption and utilization of nutrients through the use of digestive enzymes. Of course the benefits will vary, depending upon the individual’s diet and general health. Individuals in good health can expect to notice less fullness after meals, increased energy, faster emptying of the stomach contents, decreased gas, and more regular bowel habits.

What are some short and long term benefits of taking enzymes?

The benefits will vary depending upon the individual, diet, and general health. For the most part, people notice less fullness after meals, faster emptying of stomach contents, decreased gas, and more regular bowel habits. Long-term benefits have yet to be clinically demonstrated, but is an area of active research.

How stable are digestive enzymes, can they be taken to work or on travels?

It is recommended that digestive enzymes be stored in a cool dry place after they are opened. Digestive enzymes are stable until the expiration date as long as they are kept away from moisture and extreme heat. Enzymes can always be taken to work or on travels. Digestive enzyme products will not be inactivated if they stay in a pocket or in a bag for a couple of days or more. Airport X-ray machines will not lessen the activity of enzyme formulas.

Can digestive enzymes be mixed with drinks (e.g. Fruit juices, sodas, etc.)

It is recommended that digestive enzyme supplements not be mixed with drinks (except water). These enzymes will break down the ingredients in drinks and alter the taste and maybe the texture of the drink. Although this is not dangerous, the aesthetic value of the beverage will be affected.

How stable are these enzymes in water?

Most digestive enzymes are generally less stable in water than in powder form. However enzymes can always be mixed with water if the mixture will be consumed within an hour.

When does one need to take digestive enzymes for maximum benefit?

Digestive enzyme supplements should be ideally ingested with a meal or snack. Taking enzymes right before a meal is highly recommended since they will work on digesting the food while one is eating. Enzymes can also be taken after a meal to receive similar if not better results. If desired, enzymes can also be dissolved in water. Capsules may also be opened and the enzymes sprinkled on food, provided that the food is not too hot and is eaten right away. Digestive enzyme supplements are not as effective if there is a period of more than an hour between their use and ingestion of food. For example, one cannot expect digestive enzymes to work on lunch if they are taken in the morning before leaving for work. Digestive enzymes should always be taken with food.

Why are food enzymes missing in cooked and processed foods?

Modern food processing techniques and all types of cooking destroy nearly 100% of the naturally occurring enzymes in food. Enzymes are completely denatured when exposed to high temperatures for any length of time. The modern diet consisting of cooked and processed food is essentially devoid of active enzymes.

For more information about enzymes, please visit www.enzymeuniversity.com

This information is not intended to provide medical advice on a personal health condition, nor to replace recommendations made by health professional and product manufacturers. ©2003 National Enzyme Company. All Rights Reserved.