Amylase
Naturally made in the pancreas and salivary glands, this enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in order for the body to absorb them easier, this is why it is recommended to slowly chew on your food in order to activate the amylase to improve digestion and absorption (13). Supplementation of amylase in a study displayed improved digestion on starches and intestinal microbiota diversity.
Protease
This particular enzyme is responsible for breaking down protein into smaller polypeptides. Aid in the proper digestion of food, Once broken down into amino acids, they are utilized into the bloodstream for various functions and cellular reactions within the body. Although high protein consumption is important in our diet, without the protease enzymes in our gut, we are not absorbing the amino acids in our food that function in growth and repair. Therefore optimal levels are extremely important for our health (15). It is also shown to improve recover after strenuous exercise, reducing inflammation and muscle strength loss (15).
Peptidase
Peptidase is a type of protease responsible for breaking down peptides into amino acids, further breaking down the proteins in order for growth, repair and digestion.
Papain
Extracted from the Papaya fruit, this enzyme is present and is used to make medicine, primarily to treat pain and swelling, inflammation, as well as aiding in digestion (16).
Lactase
This enzyme is responsible for breaking down lactose (a sugar present in milk products) Supplementing with lactase has been shown to improve digestion of dairy products and prevent symptoms of abdominal cramps and gas in people with an intolerance to lactose. A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that 70% of the world’s population is lactase deficient (17). As a large percentage of the population is deficient it is recommended to incorporate lactase supplementation in the diet in order to improve bone health and reducing risk of bone loss and osteoporosis, especially important in an aging population.
Lipase
An enzyme the body uses in order to break down fats in our food in order for them to be absorbed by the intestines. This aids in digestion. In a study conducted participants were given lipase supplementation before a high-fat meal, participants who took the supplement were shown to have significantly reduced stomach-fullness and bloating compared to the control group taking the placebo (18)
Find each of these Digestive Enzyme Blens in our Organic Superfood Smoothie Mixes.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32491670/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29545946/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19727022/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/papain
- https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/110/2/273/5512720
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477989/
