Enzyme

Supplement
Applications
White Paper
01.17.13
Enzyme Supplement Applications
White Paper
Over the last year, the digestive health product category
grew more than 12% with enzyme-based products con-
tributing substantially to increased sales. Digestive health
impacts every aspect of our lives, both directly and in-
directly. Gastric discomfort, bloating, gas and fatulence
are directly linked to poor digestion but low energy, poor
sleep, and the lack of general wellbeing may also result.
According to Enzymes, Inc.s Director of Operations,
Sam Lingo, Tere is no question digestive enzymes have
shifed into high gear becoming more main stream than
ever before. It seems digestive enzymes are everywhere;
from small, online Etailers to the large box stores on every
corner. In addition, enzymes consumed for systemic ben-
efts are gaining in popularity.
Tere are many diferent enzymes used in dietary supple-
ments but most may be categorized as proteases, carbohy-
drases, lipases or antioxidant enzymes. Protease is a gen-
eral term that refers to all enzymes that break the amino
acid bonds of proteins. A diverse group of enzymes,
the carbohydrases break down carbohydrates includ-
ing starch, sugars and various fbers. Lipases help digest
dietary fats ensuring the availability of fatty acids and fat
soluble nutrients. Antioxidant enzymes are also common-
ly used as supplements to help combat damage caused by
free radicals. Table One summarizes some of the digestive
and systemic uses of supplemental enzymes.
DIGESTION CARBOHYDRASES PROTEASES LIPASES OTHER
Indigestion X X X
Vitamin/Mineral Delivery fber-breaking enzymes X Phytase
Flatulence fber-breaking enzymes &
-galactosidase
X
(including DPPiv)
X
Gluten Intolerance X
(including DPPiv)

Dairy Intolerance Lactase X X
Autism X
Xylanase X
(including DPPiv)
X
Body building (BCAA) X
Athletic Training Support X X X SOD
Oral Enzyme Replacement Amylase Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, Lac-
toperoxidase
Probiotic Support Transglucosidase Lactoferrin
Weight Management Transglucosidase X X
DIGESTION CARBOHYDRASES PROTEASES LIPASES OTHER
Immune Support X X X Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, SOD
Cardiovascular Support X X SOD
Antioxidant Support Lactoferrin, Lysozyme,
Lactoperoxidase, SOD
Joint & Sof Tissue Recovery X Lactoferrin, SOD
TABLE ONE. Condition-Specifc Nutritional Enzyme Supplement Summary
01.17.13
01.17.13
DIGESTION and DIGESTIVE DISCOMFORT
Enzyme supplements have a long history of use as digestive
aids. Before the turn of the 20th century, Dr. Jokichi Taka-
mine had developed a fungal amylase supplement to aid
digestion. In the 1920s, Dr. Edward Howell recognized the
vital role that food enzymes play in promoting digestion and
formulated products to replace those enzymes lost in the
cooking and processing of food. Te loss of food enzymes
creates a digestive burden for the human body that results in
discomfort and indigestion. Supplemental digestive enzymes
work with the bodys digestive enzymes to enhance the
digestive process and may reduce the occurrence of
digestive discomfort.
Nearly everyone can beneft from digestive enzyme supple-
ments. According to Lisa Helfrich, Director of Education
for Transformation Enzyme Corporation (TEC), Processed
foods, use of pesticides, herbicides and GMOs and fast paced
high stressed lives all compromise digestive function and
delivery of nutrients to our cells. Te astronomical rise in
allergies, asthma, autism and ADD in our children is proof
that our food and environment is signifcantly diferent today
compared to just 50 years ago. Every cell of the body, regard-
less of its location, structure, or function requires nutrients.
Digestive enzymes, along with a healthy diet, support the
availability of nutrients to the cells. Everyone can beneft
from better digestion. Every cell, tissue, organ and system of
the body depends on optimal nutrient intake and optimal
digestive function in order to achieve health and wellness.
In 2004, the USDA Food and Nutrition Information Cen-
ter reported that acid refux or GERD afected 60 million
Americans. Helfrich explains, Te root cause is a lack of
enzymes, not excess acid production. Undigested food in
the stomach increases the pressure on the lower esophageal
sphincter (LES) which increases the chance for stomach
contents to re-enter the esophagus. Te undigested food also
signals continued secretion of acid. But when food is digest-
ed, with the support of supplemental enzymes, there is less
pressure on the LES, less risk for regurgitation and the signal
is received to stop secreting acid. Te answer is to promote
digestion with enzyme supplements not to neutralize or
block acid production.
FOOD INTOLERANCES
Gluten intolerance is also a growing concern through-
out the world. Gluten is a group of complex gluconated
peptides found in wheat, barley, rye and certain other
cereals. Rich in the amino acid proline, glutens are re-
sistant to digestion and may cause gastric discomfort in
sensitive individuals. Typically the only option for sensi-
tive individuals is a gluten-free diet, however researchers
are investigating the ability of diferent proteases to digest
glutens. Tis research has identifed certain supplemental
proteases that can increase the digestion of gluten. Bio-
Core DPPiv is a blend of proteases that provides dipep-
tidyl peptidase IV acitivityan enzyme that has been
shown to hydrolyze gluten. Other proteases including
bromelain and papain may also help break down glutens
and help reduce the associated discomfort. Proteolytic
blends may provide digestive benefts for low levels of glu-
ten consumption. TEC ofers a comprehensive digestive
blend containing 10 carbohydrases, lipases and a DPPiv-
containing protease blend known as TPP Carbo-G. Ac-
cording to Helfrich, health care professionals utilizing
this blend with their patients have reported improvements
in both digestive health and infammation. Many allergy-
like reactions start in the gut with compromised diges-
tion. When you support complete digestion of all foods
you strengthen intestinal integrity and lessen the triggers
for systemic infammation. Tis is benefcial for everyone,
not just those with known food intolerances.
Dairy intolerance is experienced by the majority of the
worlds population and while much of the problem is at-
tributable to lactase defciency, digestion-resistant pro-
teins such as -lactoglobulin may also contribute to the
condition. Lactase defciency is the most widely recog-
nized enzyme defciency with nearly 70% of the worlds
adult population producing defcient levels of the enzyme.
Dairy foods contain the sugar lactose normally digested
by lactase. Insufcient levels of lactase can result in gastric
discomfort including bloating, fatulence, diarrhea and
abdominal pain. Studies indicate that supplemental lac-
tase can help reduce this discomfort and allow individuals
to consume dairy foods3 Milk protein includes casein and
-lactoglobulin along with certain other proteins that are
resistant to both acid hydrolysis and enzymatic digestion
by either pepsin or the pancreatic proteases. In vitro test-
ing indicated that blends of supplemental fungal prote-
ases are able to break down these proteins. Products that
combine lactase with blends of proteases that digest milk
proteins may be especially suited for individuals who have
digestive issues associated with dairy foods.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is ofen associated
with an increased incidence of digestive complaints and
food intolerances. Broad spectrum digestive enzyme
supplements may be benefcial in reducing occasional
gastric discomfort. Specifc enzyme combinations may be
especially relevant for this population including certain
carbohydrases and proteases. TEC recently introduced
an easy to use powdered formula, Kidz Digest Powder.
Helfrich states, In our testing phase we asked practitio-
ners to give it to their ASD patients. Te feedback was
very positive for acceptance of taste and texture, tolerance
and efcacy in terms of improving digestion health and
behavior patterns.
According to Devin Houston, Ph.D., President and CEO
of Houston Enzymes, Some studies have shown an actual
decrease in certain carbohydrase enzymes in the guts of
children with autism. Many of the digestive complaints
associated with autism including gas, bloating and loose
stools may be associated with undigested or partially di-
gested carbohydrates. Supplementing amylase, glucoamy-
lase, and lactase insure conversion of carbohydrates to
simple sugars, helping maintain normal levels of bacterial
populations and providing better formed stools.
Houston also discussed sensitivity to foods high in poly-
phenolic compounds which may occur among certain
individuals including those with ASD. Common dietary
sources of these compounds include certain fruits, veg-
etables, spices, cocoa, tea, preservatives, artifcial favors
and food colors. Sensitivity related symptoms include
red blushing of the chest, face and ears with occasional
behavioral problems. Fortunately, Houston and others
have observed that enzymes such as xylanase may allow
individuals to consume polyphenol-containing foods.
Houston believes that the mechanism of action may be
related to the conversion of the non-absorbable form to
the absorbable aglycone polyphenol.
Other research indicates that some individuals with ASD
may beneft from dietary elimination of wheat and dairy
foods due to intolerances. Houston explains that these
proteins can produce small peptides with bioactive
properties during normal digestion. Te large majority
of people are not afected by these peptides but those on
the autism spectrum can exhibit behavioral and dietary
problems associated with these opiate-like peptides.
Unfortunately, gluten- and casein-free diets are ofen
difcult and expensive to maintain. Tese proteins are
also sometimes hidden in packaged foods. According
to Houston, many parents have found similar results by
supplementing certain protease enzymes with their childs
meals. Tese enzymes begin the process of breaking
down gluten, casein, soy and other dietary proteins in the
stomach, supporting more complete digestion and poten-
tially eliminating the opportunity for intestinal absorption
of the bioactive peptides.
Enzyme supplements may have the ability to signifcantly
impact the quality of life for these children. Houston
indicated that supplementation of lipase blends may be an
area of future innovation. Many children on the spec-
trum beneft from ketogenic or high-fat diets. Many oth-
ers have increased supplementation of omega-containing
oils. Tis increase in fat intake can be uncomfortable for
many. Te use of high-lipase enzyme products may be
recommended in these cases. Dr. Houston reported that
two studies investigating the use of enzyme supplements
in children with ASD are currently under way.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Broad spectrum digestive enzyme products can be an
excellent addition to a healthy diet and exercise to support
healthy weight management. Digestive enzyme supple-
ments help ensure that individuals have a healthy nutrient
baseline and may help eliminate cravings. Transglucosi-
dase is relatively new to the US supplement market and
has been acknowledged by the FDA as a New Dietary
Ingredient (NDI). Tis enzyme has the ability to convert
glucose from starch to non-digestible oligosaccharides.
Tis reduces the availability of absorbable glucose and
caloric intake. Lipases may also support healthy weight
management through satiation mechanisms. Epidemio-
logical studies and animal research indicates that omega-3
fatty acids may increase satiety or the feeling of fullness
afer a meal. Free fatty acids are believed to play a key role
in the brain to regulate energy homeostasis.
Proteolytic enzymes may also be benefcial in weight
management programs. High protein diets are a common
approach and National Enzyme Companys Director of
Product Development and Innovation, Richard Mihalik
explains that proteases may be added to high protein diets
or shakes to support complete digestion and satiation.
TECs Helfrich emphasizes the role of systemic prote-
ases in a healthy weight loss regimen. Proteases taken
between meals improve circulation supporting timely
removal of toxins and metabolic waste. Also, in our clini-
cal practice we have seen a reduction in infammation and
fuid retention as evidenced by lab testing and bio-imped-
ance analysis. Tis is another way proteases can support
healthy weight management programs.
PROBIOTIC SUPPORT
Certain enzymes may be an excellent addition to probi-
otic, prebiotic and synbiotic products. Transglucosidase
has the ability to create prebiotic oligosaccharides from
ingested starch to support a healthy balance of intestinal
microfora. Lactoferrin is another enzyme that supports
probiotic microorganisms. In 2010 researchers examined
the impact of lactoferrin supplementation on various mi-
croorganisms. Tis in vitro study found that the enzyme
signifcantly inhibited the growth of potentially harmful
species but not common probiotic species. Addition of
lactoferrin to supplements can help shif the intestinal
environment to favor probiotic microorganisms.
SPORTS PRODUCTS
Body building requires consumption of protein beyond
the typical daily requirement to increase muscle mass.
Soy and whey are common protein supplements but they
can be difcult to digest and pre-hydrolyzed proteins
are expensive. Blends of supplemental proteases, such as
BioCore EDGE, can improve digestion and may increase
the availability of key amino acids. NECs Strategic Ac-
count Manager, Patrick Kuruk, MS in exercise physiology,
explains that adding EDGE to a sports nutrition protein
product can indirectly increase protein synthesis and
muscle growth via improved availability of the branched
chain amino acids including leucine.
Exercise Recovery may also be enhanced by the use of
systemic proteases. Research indicates that these enzymes
may be absorbed into the bloodstream where they ex-
hibit antiinfammatory and fbrinolytic efects. Clinical
researchers have found that systemic protease supple-
mentation may decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness
associated with exercise. Tis randomized, double-blind,
placebo controlled study showed that use of the product
signifcantly reduced measures of pain and tenderness
associated with exercise. SOD is another enzyme which
may be benefcial afer intense training. Intense exercise
produces free radicals that disturb the balance and can
damage tissue. In 2010, researchers reported on the ability
of SOD to reduce pro-infammatory and oxidative stress
bio-markers in training horses.
In 2003, researchers investigated the efect of TECs
systemic protease supplement, TPP Protease, on muscle
function. Te researchers concluded the results of the
present study indicate that 21 days of dietary supple-
mentation with orally ingested proteases signifcantly
improves muscle function. Te study showed an increase
in force production of quadriceps fexion and extension
in the protease group compared to placebo group from
baseline measures. It is hypothesized that reduced muscle
infammation is a major contributing factor.
JOINT & SOFT TISSUE HEALTH
Proteases have been shown in laboratory studies to pos-
sess potent antiinfammatory action that may be benef-
cial to support joint and sof tissue health. Likewise, the
antioxidant enzyme lactoferrin has been reported to pos-
sess antiinfammatory properties that may beneft joint
health and sof tissue recovery.
Virtually all proteases possess this ability though the
animal proteases trypsin and chymotrypsin as well as
the plant protease bromelain have been the most studied
in clinical trials. Bromelain has a long history of traditional
use as an antiinfammatory and to support wound healing.
Modern research supports the enzymes ability to support
joint health. Researchers have reported that bromelain is
efective in reducing physical symptoms associated with
mild knee pain. Others have reported on the use of a com-
bination of trypsin, chymotrypsin and bromelain conclud-
ing supplementation inferior to NSAID treatment using
a WOMAC scale for pain, stifness and physical function
associated with osteoarthritis.
Lingo discussed a clinical trial showing the acceleration of
sof-tissue wound healing conducted with Enzyme Inc.s
InfammEnz. Tis formula primarily contains a blend of
proteolytic enzymes with supporting vitamins and herbs.
Researchers found that 77% of participants experienced a
17% acceleration in wound healing time. Subjects taking
InfammEnz also reported less redness in their wounds
which may have been associated with less infammation.
IMMUNE SUPPORT
Antioxidant enzymes are especially suited to provide sup-
port for the immune system. Lactoferrin is an amazingly
diverse protein that possesses antioxidant, proteolytic, im-
munostimulatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and
antiviral activities. Extensive research has been conducted
investigating the role of lactoferrin in maintaining immune
health especially as a mediator of immune responses to in-
fection, trauma and injury. Numerous studies on lactoferrin
document its capacity to modulate the immune system and
impact health and healing. Te enzyme is also reported to
increase T-cell activation and antioxidant status in healthy
male adults.
Systemic proteases have a long history of use in Europe to
support the immune system and may be combined with
antioxidant enzymes for optimal action. Studies indicate
that systemic proteases may bind to various serum pro-
teins including -2-macroglobulin, TNF- and TGF- and
modulate the immune system.
TECs Helfrich emphasized the role of digestive enzyme
supplements for helping provide a strong nutritional foun-
dation, stating It is a known fact that a nutrient dense diet
is essential to a strong immune system. What we eat is the
frst priority and how well we digest is the second priority.
Supplemental digestive enzymes promote optimal digestion
and therefore promote a strong immune system.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Enzyme supplements may also support a healthy cardio-
vascular system. Lipases help provide essential omega-3
and omega-6 fatty acids. In vitro studies show blends of
lipases efectively increase the availability of essential fatty
acids from various vegetable oils as well as fsh oils. Tese
fatty acids have been linked to decreased infammation and
improved cardiovascular health. Te role of infammation
in cardiovascular disease also supports the use of systemic
proteases and antioxidant enzymes. Systemic proteases are
also known to break down fbrin which may help to pro-
mote healthy circulation. Helfrich emphasized that system-
ic proteases play an important role in maintaining healthy
blood and blood vessels which supports a healthy heart.
FUTURE INNOVATIONS
Enzyme supplements have the ability to impact the nutri-
tional value of our diets, decrease the occurrence of food
intolerances, and to act systemically to support various body
systems. Current medical research has identifed a consis-
tent link between infammation and disease which may be
impacted by certain enzymes. Te ability of enzymes to act
systemically to promote health will continue to prompt new
product development and innovation. Research continues
to identify both new applications and novel enzymes with
nutritional benefts. In addition, innovations in delivery
forms can also help expand the future enzyme market.
By Danielle Harrison
Danielle Harrison serves as Scientifc and Regulatory Afairs Manager at
National Enzyme Company. Her focus is educating NEC staf, customers
and the world about the role of enzymes in health and nutrition. She has
also taken an active role in working with various governmental agencies to
establish the role of enzymes as supplements.
*The information contained in this paper is intended for educational purposes only. It is neither to be used to market or advertise a product nor to make labeling claims. The FDA and FTC have strict regulations
concerning how information can be used in promoting a dietary supplement, and it is recommended that adherence to these regulations be followed.