Enzyme supplements offer digestive, systemic and retailer bottom-line health benefits
by Sandy Almendarez
Without enzymes, not too much would happen in the body. Almost all processes in a biological cell require enzymes, so without them, cell activity stops. That would make life pretty boring. To name a few things these little catalysts do for us: “Enzymes are the spark of life; they facilitate many functions within the body, from muscle contractions to blinking of the eyes,” said Guy Devin, Ph.D., national science educator, Source Naturals.
Justin Marsh, director of marketing and CEO, Arthur Andrew Medical, added, “Enzymes convert our food to energy, dissolve arterial plaque buildup, eliminate viruses, dissolve scar tissue and reduce blood clots and intimately purify our blood.”
Thankfully, enzymes give us some action in life. Enzymes are catalysts for biochemical reactions, meaning they speed up reactions using lower activation energy than would be necessary for the process to go on without the enzyme. Food can sit out at room temperature and biodegrade over a few days; but, enzymes in the digestive track speed up that process, so humans can get all of the nutrients during the course of a day or so. Enzymes also have a unique shape, which allows a lock-and-key method with the molecules involved in their reactions. This means enzymes are highly selective, only causing specific reactions.
Digestion is a major function of enzymes in all living creatures. Food processing starts in the mouth where salivary glands secrete carbohydrate digestive enzymes. In the gastrointestinal (GI) track, digestion continues with the secretion of hydrochloric (HCl) acid, the enzyme pepsin, and additional starch and protein hydrolases (another type of enzyme). Then, the small intestine secretes alkaline bicarbonate buffers and pancreatic enzymes to further the process. Specific enzymes target specific types of foods for digestion; for example, amylase digests carbohydrates, lipase tackle fats, protease target proteins and cellulase handlesfiber.
When these enzymes aren’t present or don’t work correctly, GI abnormalities can result, including constipation, diarrhea, malnutrition, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, Crohn’s disease, maldigestion, malaria, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and cancer, to name a few.
With most of today’s food grown in the depleted soil of corporate farms, we have lost the enzyme-rich foods our ancestors enjoyed. We are also living longer than our forefathers, and as we age, our bodies don’t produce as many enzymes. A study published in Gastroenterology found advancing age is associated with reduced enzyme output independent of atrophic gastritis, H. pylori infection and smoking.1
Add to that overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, diseases (patients with cirrhosis have a lower maximal enzyme output than that of healthy subjects),2 and a genetic predisposition, and consumers may look to supplement their diets with enzymes to help reduce the aforementioned ailments and other enzyme-deficiency illnesses.
“Consumers’ interest in natural enzyme products is increasing, slowly but surely,” said Nena Dockery, scientific and regulatory affairs manager, National Enzyme Co. (NEC). “Consumers are becoming more educated in how enzymes work, and the main driving force for that interest is the continuing increase in the number of individuals with digestive issues and the severity of those issues, despite the availability of multiple pharmaceutical products.”
After practicing chiropractic and enzyme replacement nutrition for 24 years, Dr. Paul S. Inselman, chiropractic physician, internal digestive health specialist, said he has noticed a tremendous shift in consumers’ overall interest in natural enzyme supplements and credits three driving forces. “First, I am finding people are dissatisfied with the traditional medical model of just being given drugs,” he said. “Second, people are realizing enzymes are essential nutrients that have been systematically removed from our food supply in order to increase shelf life. This removal of enzymes causes our bodies to have to work harder and eventually break down. Lastly, I believe consumers want to use safe and natural products that promote normal function, which is what enzymes do; they digest food and nourish the immune system.”
Digesting the Facts
Consumers are looking for ways to reduce their digestive woes, and are willing to put money toward a better gut feeling. In April 2010, market researcher Innova Market Insights said the $10-billion market for functional food and beverages aimed at digestive health is thriving, and noted more than 4,000 launches globally marketed for gut or digestive health platform in 2009, up from about 2,000 just five years prior.
“Digestion issues continue to be one of the most compelling problems that consumers have,” said Lisa Person Love, brand communications director, Sedona Labs. “Due to lack of enzymes in food, many consumers can benefit from an enzyme supplement. Enzymes may affect all aspects of digestion from occasional heartburn, gas, acid indigestion to poor nutrient absorption.” She added Sedona Labs offers two digestive enzyme products: NextZyme® Dual Action Enzymes, which contains 18 enzymes that work in the stomach and small intestine to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates; and its ZymaFlora® Acid Balance has the same enzyme formula plus a probiotic formula of five strains.
Originally, pancreatic enzymes were the first choice for digestive issues, noted Mike Smith, vice president, Specialty Enzymes & Biochemicals Co. “Today, blends of plant and microbial source enzymes are preferred,” he said. “Plant enzymes include extracts of pineapple stem (bromelain) or papaya latex (papain). The microbial enzymes are derived by submerged or surface fermentation of fungal or bacterial organisms. Specialty Enzymes manufactures enzymes by all three methods.”
Bromelain has demonstrated the ability to enhance the absorption of drugs, particularly antibiotics, as well as to reduce swelling, inflammation and formation of blood clots after oral administration in vitro and in vivo.3 That same article noted a wide range of therapeutic benefits has been claimed for bromelain, such as inhibition of platelet aggregation, chest pain, bronchitis and sinusitis.
As Smith mentioned, another chief digestive enzyme is pepsin, which is secreted by the cells in the stomach lining and is one of the first protein digestive enzymes secreted in the GI tract beginning the hydrolytic process of protein catabolism. It converts protein foodstuffs into water-soluble material and degrades food proteins into peptides. Other pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase and protease) secreted by the acinar cells of the pancreas are the major digestive agents in the GI tract. These pancreatic enzymes digest starches, lipids and proteins to absorbable forms in the small and large intestine.
American Health® offers a line of supplements made from papaya, which is a natural source of papain, fortified with other enzymes including protease, amylase and bromelain. And, Health Plus’ Digesti-Cleanse promotes healthy digestion with protease, amylase and lipase along with synergetic herbs like chamomile and gentian extract.
“Enzymes such as amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, lactase, acid protease, bromelain, amyloglucosidase, hemicellulase, alpha galactosidase, invertase, peptidase, and two probiotic strains (L-acidophius and B. Bifidum), ensure better breakdown and absorption of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, plant fibers, beans and dairy while supporting gut function, stability and immune system modulation,” said Janet Angel, Ph.D., vice president of sales, Nature’s Sources. She added Nature’s Sources produces the AbsorbAid® brand: AbsorbAid ® original in capsules and powders, AbsorbAid® Platinum (V caps) and AbsorbAid® probiotics (V caps).
The mainstay of Jarrow’s enzyme products is JARRO-ZYMES PLUS®, aimed at supporting digestive health, including the special needs of those who have difficulty in digesting legumes.
Jarrow’s product shows a hot trend in the enzyme market: condition-specific products. Instead of aiding digestion as a whole, these target specific digestive issues, such as Gluten Defense™ (from Enzymatic Therapy), which helps digest the proteins gluten, gliadin and casein normally found in wheat and dairy; Syntol (from Arthur Andrew Medical), which uses enzymes that digest harmful yeast from the intestines; LactoseSTOP (from ReNew Life), which combines lactase, lipase and papain to help digest the sugar, fat and protein found in dairy; Aminogen® (from Triarco), a patented enzyme system that increases the rate of protein absorption and amino acid levels; and Gastro (from Enzymedica), which contains a high amount of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase designed to aid the digesting of legumes and other foods that create gas and bloating . Dockery noted NEC also offers custom blends of enzymes that address specific digestive challenges like dairy intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
Many of these enzyme products are vegetarian, reflecting an increased consumer demand for animal-free supplements. “A popular trend is toward vegetarian formulas; vegetarian sources of enzymes as well as vegetarian capsules,” said Angelica Vrablic, Ph.D., nutrition research manager, American Health, adding American Health offers enzyme formulas suitable for vegetarians that are also gluten-free.
Keeping products plant-based may also help increase efficacy, as one study stated application of non-animal enzymes derived from Aspergillus and other microbial species may prove valuable in a broad range of conditions associated with digestive weaknesses, such as pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, maldigestion, malabsorption, steatorrhea, lactose intolerance, celiac disease and food sensitivities.4 The researchers hypothesized non-animal enzymes may be particularly well-suited for human use due to their ability to break down (hydrolyze) physiologically and/or pathologically important substrates over a wide pH range.
Wobenzym N is a clinically studied systemic enzyme that supports the body’s natural inflammation response. Wobenzym N provides temporary relief from aches, pains and muscle soreness due to everyday activity, increases flexibility and mobility, and supports joint and tendon health. www.GardenofLife.com
For nearly 20 years, Doctor’s Best has been providing science-based, innovative solutions of unsurpassed quality. This is ensured by our strict quality control processes, lab assays of raw materials and finished products and diligent monitoring of consumer feedback. Despite these uncompromising standards, Doctor’s Best has structured its business to keep prices affordable, so it can make the best available to everyone. www.drbvitamins.com
Naturally Its Clean’s pure enzymes from plants are truly a better way to clean and eliminate odors. Enzymes are nature’s most powerful cleaner because they rapidly biodegrade soils like grease, foods, oils, starches and proteins into their basic elements. Safe for you, safe for the planet and completely, honestly clean.” Learn all about us at www.NaturallyItsClean.com.
Systemic Changes
The health benefits of enzymes don’t stop with digestion. Supplemental enzymes fall into one of two categories, digestive or systemic formulations. Systemic enzymes include every health condition besides digestion, but tend to concentrate on inflammation, cardiovascular and immune health. Smith explained: “The systemic enzymes are an exciting area of investigation. Systemic enzymes are predominantly protease enzymes. One of the oldest and best known is bromelain, which is derived from the stem of pineapples. Newer protease enzymes include nattokinase, serratiopeptidase and blended combinations that employ one or both of these with other proteases. These two enzymes, in particular, exhibit profound fibrinolytic as well as anti-inflammatory activity. The potential for use in inflammatory and cardiovascular conditions is significant.” Smith added the demand for systemic enzymes is increasing as the Baby Boomers hit their 60s and face common age-related issues like joint disorders and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Inflammation is a culprit in both joint discomfort and heart problems. “Somewhat new is the awareness that enzymes can play significant roles in supporting normal inflammatory responses,” noted Dallas Clouatre, Ph.D., a Jarrow Formulas consultant. “For such purposes, it is best to take a product such as JARRO-ZYMES PLUS® on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.”
Angel echoed the inflammation-regulation abilities of enzymes. “Much research has been underway, especially in Europe, regarding the utilization of enzymes as natural anti-inflammatories in sports medicine and cardiovascular support,” she said. “Some studies show, for example, that bromelain when taken with food helps to break down proteins; however, taken between meals, [it] may act to reduce pain and inflammation allowing speedier healing.”
Indeed, a study from Pakistan reported an oral enzyme combination containing rutosid (a bioflavonoid) and the enzymes bromelain and trypsin can be considered an effective and safe alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac, in the treatment of painful episodes of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.5 Similarly, short-term evaluation indicated the same enzyme-rutosid combination was found to be an effective and safe alternative to diclofenac in the treatment of painful gonarthritis (inflammation of the knee),6 as well as hip OA.7
Joint issues can be reduced by more than just the bromelain and trypsin enzymes. A study from the Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, found protease therapy had anti-inflammatory efficacy in the early (inflammatory) phase of collagen-induced arthritis, similar to the NSAID ibuprofen.8
Serratiopeptidase, a protease enzyme, produced a significant reduction of cheek swelling and pain intensity in patients whose molars were surgically removed in a prospective, intra-individual, randomized, double blind, crossover study.9 The group that received 5 mg of serrapeptase experienced improvement during the second, third and seventh post-op days compared to placebo (P<0.05). Additionally, University of Naples, Italy, researchers found serrapeptase had anti-inflammatory, anti-oedemic and fibrinolytic activity in a multicenter, double blind, placebo-controlled study of 193 subjects suffering from acute or chronic ear, nose or throat disorders.10
These anti-inflammation abilities are behind Sedona Labs’ SerraPhase® Inflammation Response, designed to promote joint health and comfort by maintaining normal, low levels of inflammation. “The systemic enzyme serratiopeptidase works throughout the body to help break up cellular debris for a healthy, regulated inflammation response,” Peterson Love said, adding, “We have a strong loyal following of customers who rely on SerraPhase for joint and muscle comfort, and relief from everyday aches and pains.”
Marsh noted Arthur Andrew Medical’s Neprinol product blends enzymes designed to mimic a nontoxic version of aspirin by reducing inflammation, thinning the blood and blocking pain.
Reducing pain can help fuel athletes, and studies show enzymes provide this benefit as well. A Texas study found protease supplementation seemed to reduce muscle strength losses after eccentric exercise by regulating leukocyte activity and inflammation.11
Barb Braatz, associate business manager, Enzymatic Therapy, said ingredients found in its product Mega-Zyme have been studied for their effects on athletes after downhill running. Protease supplementation tablets (325 mg pancreatic enzymes, 75 mg trypsin, 50 mg papain, 50 mg bromelain, 10 mg amylase, 10 mg lipase, 10 mg lysozyme and 2 mg chymotrypisn) reduced muscle soreness after downhill running; and researchers noted supplementation may also facilitate muscle healing and allow for faster restoration of contractile function after intense exercise.12
Enzymes may also help sports players by increasing the amount of protein digested. A clinical study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed a combination of enzymes (as Aminogen® from Triarco Industries) increased amino acid levels by 100 percent, branched‐chain amino acid levels by 250 percent and nitrogen retention – an indicator of protein absorption –by 32 percent.13 “This can translate into real benefits such as building lean muscle, supporting muscle recovery after exercise, and promoting weight management,” commented Rodger Rohde Jr., president, Triarco Industries.
As noted earlier, studies on enzymes have also shown heart-health benefits. A German study found incubation of bromelain decreased platelet count in blood samples of 10 healthy male non-smokers.14 Excess platelets in the blood can cause clotting. In a 2008 study, researchers said bromelain revealed a novel mechanism of cardioprotective action, and was a potential therapeutic target against ischemia-reperfusion (deficient blood flow) injury.15 Aortic flow increased and blood clotting was decreased in bromelain-treated rats compared with those untreated. A separate German study found bromelain, orally applied at 60 mg/kg body weight, inhibited blood clot formation in a time-dependent manner.16
Nattokinase, a potent serine proteinase enzyme found in the traditional fermented food called natto, can also help the heart. Oral administration of nattokinase decreased certain factors of blood clotting and lipids that are associated with an increase risk for CVD (fibrinogen, factor VII and factor VIII) in a Taiwan study,17 and reduced systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in a Korean study.18
Some enzymes act as antioxidants in the body, reducing free radical damage. Enzymedica released Defenze™, a proprietary combination of catalase, super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid, as an antioxidant compound. The company reported Defenze was tested against vitamin C for its efficacy as an antioxidant. In the study, healthy men and women took either Defenze or vitamin C for five days. In comparison to vitamin C, subjects taking Defenze showed significant increases in the ability to clear caffeine as well as elevating cysteine levels, indicating the liver’s antioxidative capacities were increased; improved baseline measurements of detoxification systems; significant improvement over baseline measurements in three of the liver’s detoxification pathways (sulfation, glycination and glucuronidation); and impressive results in free radical markers.
The benefits of enzymes don’t stop there, as studies have recommended hydrolytic enzymes should be included in the therapy of HIV-positive patients to improve the immune system,19 found pancreatic enzyme extracts significantly prolonged the survival of mice with human pancreatic cancer xenografts and slowed the tumor growth,20 and shown complementary treatment of oral enzymes in colorectal cancer patients improved quality of life by reducing both the signs and symptoms of the disease and the adverse reactions associated with adjuvant therapies.21
Enzyme Entry
With all these health benefits, product makers want to get enzymes in the hands of consumers. So far, that has mostly been through tablets and capsules and not much else. The reason? Dockery said it is due to several formulation hurdles. “Enzymes present several challenges in regard to their use in product delivery forms other than capsules and tablets,” she said. “They are activated by water, so their use in beverages or foods with any degree of water content has been problematic. New and innovative coating technologies may soon open many doors for the use of enzymes in a wide variety of applications.”
Angel seconded the notion that enzyme-fortified foods are just around the corner. “Enzymes have the ability of exploding into the food category in the next several years,” she said.
Companies have not yet offered enzymes in fortified foods and beverages, but some have used microencapsulation methods so enzymes can be added to foods right before consumption. “Microencapsulation of enzymes allows for a convenient sprinkle delivery system,” Labrador said. “This delivery is excellent for individuals who have trouble swallowing capsules.” She added microencapsulation allows enzymes to maintain stability after being added to wet foods, and does not interfere with taste.
Still staying within the tablet and capsule market, some companies have released chewables and powders, or have added enzymes to other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, fiber and herbs to aid gut or immune health.
“Consumers are also quickly becoming more educated in enzyme technology, which includes demands for enzymes to be non-GM (genetically modified), gluten-free and, whenever possible, kosher,” noted Scott Ravech, CEO, Deerland Enzymes.
Formulators need to take care not to deactivate enzymes before they get to consumers. Smith explained, “Enzymes are proteins and a protein is a long chain of amino acids bound to each other by peptide bonds. However, this chain of amino acids is not in a straight line, it has twists and turns that give shape to the molecule. It is this shape that creates active sites on the protein molecule that allows it to do work. A slight change to the shape of the molecule renders it inactive or ‘denatured.’ Heat, sunlight, extremes of pH can denature the enzyme.”
One way manufactures can protect enzymes is by using enteric coatings. Ravech said this capsule-in-a-capsule technology allows a two-stage delivery with the ability to have a liquid product and a powered product delivered in the same capsule. Enteric coatings can also help enzymes reach the small intestine by shielding them from the stomach’s harsh acidic conditions. After the enzymes are taken orally, the acidic fluid of the stomach dissolves the outer layer on the capsule and the enzymatic formula is released in the intestines.
“Enteric coatings is primarily useful if the enzymes are intended to be added to the body’s general store of enzymes or to have proteolytic effects in situations such as inflamed joints,” Clouatre said.
One study from St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, found enteric-coated enzyme formulations are often most effective, but noted they are more expensive than conventional preparations.22
However, this study was preformed in 1987, which may make the conclusions outdated. “Enteric coating was necessary when products used pancreatic enzymes from cattle as far back as the 1950s,” Marsh said. “Animal-derived enzymes had a narrow pH range. Today, supplements made from animal by-products are rarely popular. Most enzymes today are made from microbial fermentation; a process of growing a particular mold or bacterial culture and extracting the enzyme from it. These enzymes have a very wide pH range and do not require the old enteric coating. Enteric coating can actually hinder the absorption of these enzymes across the intestinal walls.”
Braatz pointed out other methods besides for enteric coating to protect enzymes through the digestive tract. “Pancreatic enzymes need protection to get past the harsh environment of the stomach. We’ve found that buffering with bicarbonate works well to protect our Mega-Zyme product.”
Advertising Efficacious Enzymes
Retailers can ensure the products they carry are not denatured by stocking shelves with enzymes from reputable companies. How does one define a trustworthy company? “A reputable manufacturer works closely with FDA to monitor and report adverse events and never utilizes unjustified advertising claims,” Dr. Inselman said.
Sunil Kohli, COO, Health Plus Inc., recommended retailers get to know the brand marketer/manufacturer by asking questions and requesting literature. “Check ‘use by’ dates on incoming products to ensure you are not receiving product that has been languishing in the warehouses. With enzyme-containing supplements, this is important.”
Angel also suggested retailers check labels before adding a company to its supply chain. “Look for a label that says ‘Clinically Tested and Scientifically Proven’ along with regulatory stamps such as GMP certified.”
Companies that are GMP (good manufacturing practice)-certified allow retailers an assurance of quality. “GMP provides a system of processes, procedures and documentation to assure the product produced has the identity, composition, quality and purity that it is represented to posses,” Labrador noted.
Ravech added, “For most formulators and dietary supplement contract manufacturers, new more stringent GMP guidelines became effective last June and were a welcomed ally to those of us who pride ourselves on supplying high-quality and safe dietary supplements. These guidelines will help separate those who are truly committed to our industry and those who are not. Retailers and consumers (where possible) should insist that their products are manufactured in a GMP-compliant and registered facility.”
Along with GMPs, many companies conduct in-house lab tests to ensure efficacious and safe products. Enzymatic Therapy also relies on expert sources, according to Braatz. “We utilize the expertise of doctors and scientists who help create product formulations to ensure the utmost in safety and efficacy,” she said. “In addition, we have a state-of-the-art, in-house lab, ensuring all raw materials and finished products meet or exceed our rigorous standards, especially GMPs.” She added retailers should also ensure manufacturers list units of activity in at least one of several assay methods.
When it comes to touting tests results, Peterson Love said, “If a company talks about how many milligrams of enzymes a product has, that’s a red flag. Enzymes are measured in units of activity, not milligrams of weight.”
Smith echoed this statement. “Activity is an enzyme’s ability to do work, and that is the essential measure. To insure consistency in activity, enzyme manufacturers use standard assays. In North America, FCC VI (Food Chemicals Codex) or USP (United States Pharmacopeia) are most commonly used. There are some enzymes that do not have an FCC or USP assay. In that case, we use the most accepted assay, which might be from the Japanese Pharmacopeia or other similarly recognized Pharmacopeia.”
However, listing more than one testing method may leave shoppers without a reliable comparison. “Different manufacturers use different assay methods to show their products’ strength, so consumers are often confused about how to compare labels,” Braatz said. “That’s why it’s important for consumers to know the manufacturer/brand well—they should ask: Are they FDA-registered? Are they GMP-compliant? Do they have a long history of offering safe and efficacious products?”
Retailers are there to provide this information on all products they carry. “Education is the key,” Angel said. “Consumers need to understand what enzymes are, what they do to support life, and why they need to include them in their health regime. Just as probiotics have grown to high visibility, enzymes will surely follow suit in the next five to ten years.”
Part of that education means explaining to shoppers the high price tag that can come with enzyme supplements, as noted by Marsh. “Enzymes are among the most expensive supplements to manufacture,” he said. “While most dietary supplements cost pennies to make, many enzyme products can cost as much as a dollar per capsule. It requires educating the consumer on the costs-to-benefit ratios.”
Dockery also said the cost has been a marketing challenge. “Enzyme products can be expensive ,so marketers must be able to demonstrate that enzymes provide at least as good if not better digestive ingredients over probiotics and fiber.” And in store aisles, retailers and their staff can consider themselves marketers.
Alas, help is available for retailers who wish to educate themselves in order to sell more enzyme products. “ReNew Life believes the key to helping consumers achieve optimal digestive health is through education, which is why we provide comprehensive training for retailers and their staff via telephone as well as online through our Associate Education Program,” said Brenda Watson, president and founder of ReNew Life. “We also supply detailed educational materials about digestive conditions as well as how to best sell our products, so we recommend that retailers take full advantage of our education support program.”
Once retailers have quality products and an enzyme education, they need to position these products to shoppers. Including enzyme products in the digestive aid aisle is a good start, but because enzymes have many uses, they can be displayed in more than one area in the store. They can also be displayed in the heart-health, joint-health, inflammation and sports-nutrition sections as well.
However, these are not the only places a retailer can highlight enzymes. “Enzymes are unique in so much as they do not compete with other supplements,” Angel said. “Enzymes are complementary in nature and will assist the assimilation and absorption of nutrient formulations and foods. Whether someone purchases a B-complex vitamin formula, a protein powder, or an antioxidant, they will likely derive more benefit from that formula if they also include an enzyme.”
Devin recommended retailers highlight enzyme products through floor displays and end caps. “Retailers might also consider displaying supporting products with these displays; for example, retailers can build a display that provides a health protocol for customers, like metabolic inflammation management. As a store owner, you can work with your vendors to display supporting posters and shelf talkers about these products, as well as incorporate other creative methods of drawing attention to the benefits of digestive and systemic enzymes.”
Labrador added, “For those that have a food or deli section of the store, passive demos are a great way to promote digestive enzyme products. There’s no better time to try a digestive enzyme than when you are about to eat a meal or snack.”
Her idea may just be the convincing factor a digestive sufferer needs to buy an enzyme product, as Dr. Gaetano Morello, naturopathic medical doctor, noted, “The advantage is that you can tell the clients that they will notice a remarkable difference the first time they try the product.”
Quick-acting enzymes help boost sales, as shoppers spread the word among their family and friends. “Enzyme companies have to rely on marketing, professional recommendations and word of mouth,” Smith said. “Fortunately, since enzymes are one of the few supplements you actually feel working, word of mouth is certainly of equal importance.”
Indeed, with consumer need and interest at an increasing pace combined with solid science on enzymes’ digestive and systemic benefits, product manufacturers will be rolling out new enzyme products, maybe even food products. Retailers would be wise to educate themselves and their shoppers now to the benefits of these little catalysts that do so much for human health.
Cleaning with Catalysts
Enzymes don’t have to be digested to offer health benefits. They can be used in natural cleaning products as an effective alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. In natural home products, enzymes react with fat, cellulose-based materials and proteins like blood or urine and turn it into a safe liquid waste.
“Enzymes biodegrade the organic matter into its basic elements, such as proteins, hydrogen, oxygen, etc.,” said Mike Wallrich, co-founder/president, ChemFree Solutions. “Contrast this to Bleach, for example, where a germicide kills bacteria upon contact, but unfortunately, is a poor cleaner of the organic matter that mildew requires to live. Enzymes remove the mildew stain, but more important biodegrade the organic matter that the remaining mildew needs to grow and thrive.”
References
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Lo WC, et al. “Gastric secretion in Chinese patients with cirrhosis.” J Clin Gastroenterol. 1996 Dec;23(4):256-60.
Maurer HR, et al. “Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use.” Cell Mol Life Sci. 2001 Aug;58(9):1234-45.
Rachman B. “Unique Features and Application of Non-Animal Derived Enzymes.” Clinical Nutrition Insights. Vol 5 No 10. 1997;5(10):1-4.
Akhtar NM, et al. “Oral enzyme combination versus diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee--a double-blind prospective randomized study.” Clin Rheumatol. 2004 Oct;23(5):410-5. Epub 2004 Jul 24.
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Al-Khateeb TH, Nusair Y. “Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase on swelling, pain and trismus after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars.” Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008 Mar;37(3):264-8. Epub 2008 Feb 12.
Mazzone A,et al. “Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo.” J Int Med Res. 1990 Sep-Oct;18(5):379-88.
Buford TW, et al. “Protease Supplementation Improves Muscle Function after Eccentric Exercise.” Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009 Sep 2.
Miller PC, et al.” The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and DOMS following downhill running.” J Sports Sci. 2004 Apr;22(4):365-72.
Oben J, Kothari SC, Anderson ML. “An open label study to determine the effects of an oral proteolytic enzyme system on whey protein concentrate metabolism in healthy males.” J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008 Jul 24;5:10.
Gläser D, Hilberg T. “The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro.” Platelets. 2006 Feb;17(1):37-41.
Juhasz, B. “Bromelain induces cardioprotection against ischemiareperfusion injury through Akt/FOXO pathway in rat myocardium” Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2008 March
Metzig C, et al “Bromelain proteases reduce human platelet aggregation in vitro, adhesion to bovine endothelial cells and thrombus formation in rat vessels in vivo.” In Vivo. 1999 Jan-Feb;13(1):7-12.
Hsia CH, et al. “Nattokinase decreases plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII in human subjects.” Nutr Res. 2009 Mar;29(3):190-6.
Kim JY, et al. “Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial.” Hypertens Res. 2008 Aug;31(8):1583-8.
Stauder G, et al. The use of hydrolytic enzymes as adjuvant therapy in AIDS/ARC/LAS patients.” Biomed Pharmacother. 1988;42(1):31-4.
Saruc M, et al. “Pancreatic enzyme extract improves survival in murine pancreatic cancer.” Pancreas. 2004 May;28(4):401-12.
Popiela T, et al. “Influence of a complementary treatment with oral enzymes on patients with colorectal cancers--an epidemiological retrolective cohort study.” Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2001 Jul;47 Suppl:S55-63.
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