Enzymes are now regulated for their potency which adds to the challenge of determining which enzymes best meet your needs.
Sadly, not every enzyme company is following the proper labelling which only adds to our confusion. Some companies will state the enzymes in “mg” or “mcg”.
The FDA uses the Food Chemicals Codex for labelling, measured as HUT’s, FIP’s, CU’s, DU’s, etc. depending on the specific enzyme. For example, protease is measured always in “HUT” not “mg” or “mcg”. A few companies will show the “mg/mcg” value and the “HUT” for protease. Focus only on the Codex. Please note these codes are listed in most of the enzymes below for information.
Activity and Potency
Normally, we compare supplements by their weights but with enzymes, we need to look at their activity and potency instead.
The caveat here is to be careful of those products that include fillers or list contents by weight without listing proven activity units.
If you’re considering an enzyme which does not list the units of activity, call the company and ask for the units of activity first.
Let’s talk enzymes
We previously discussed the importance of enzymes in every chemical reaction in the body and how they work to assist absorption of vitamins and minerals.
We also discussed how these important proteins are no longer available in our food chain and are not a part of GMO products as they are not recognized in the body.
Below is a listing of enzymes to get you started with references to a reliable company you can contact and order from. Please note that many of these enzymes are combined into simple formulas to better assist a specific challenge that someone is experiencing.
You do not need to purchase all of the enzymes below individually.
Amylase (DU)
Amylase works in the digestion on starches and carbohydrates (namely breads and pasta).
It works with other enzymes to break down starch to sugar and other carbohydrates.
Bromelain
This enzyme, which we get from pineapple, works in the small intestine and then the blood to eliminate inflammation.
It works will in the mid pH range of 4.00 – 9.00. Using a molecule of water bromelain splits and breaks down food for digestion.
Papain
You may know of this from papaya fruit. Papain is best used topically on wounds.
Peptidase
Peptidase works on inflammation, protein digestion and immune modulation.
For those digested proteins that are not completely digested in the stomach, Peptidase completes their breakdown.
Protease 3.0 (HUT)
This protease works in the stomach and throughout the digestive tract on blood circulation and toxicity.
Protease 4.5 (HUT)
This level of Protease picks up on the previous one and works on inflammation later in the digestive tract and continues to work into the liver; It also helps with inflammation in the sinuses.
Protease 6.0 (HUT)
This final level of protease addresses pain and varicose veins. It carries away toxicity and reduces swelling (i.e. Edema).
This is essentially a blood cleaner.
Lipase AN (FIP)
Lipase AN works on the hydrolysis of triglycerides. It helps support the pancrease as one’s body ages so it can continue to produce lipase.
Lipase (FIP)
Lipase is another one of our digestion enzymes that addresses the fats and oils in our food.
It works in the stomach to break down fatty acids. It is carried by the lymphatic system to the liver.
Alpha-Galactosidase (CU)
Alpha-Gactosidase is an enzyme that helps with the additional breakdown of foods like greens or beans which challenge digestion and can cause gas.
These are sometimes referred to as polysaccharides.
Invertase (SU)
Invertase connects glucose and fructose. It works on the digestion of sugars and desserts.
Lactase (ALU)
This enzyme assists the digestion of dairy products and release nutrients in dairy and sugars for the body to use.
Beta-glucanase (BGU)
Geta-glucanase breaks down the glucans in wheat, barley, and rye. It therefore assists in the digestion of grains and rice.
Macerase
Macerase is a complex enzyme which breaks down fibers in fruits
Glucoamylase (GLU)
This relative to amylase helps break down starch foods and eliminates dead white blood cells from the body.
This enzyme is essentially a cleanup cleansing enzyme.
DIastase
Diastase is another enzyme that goes after the digestion of carbohydrates. It breaks down both sugar and starch in the grains we eat.
Xylanase (XU)
Xylanase is naturally produced in the body by good microorganisms to break down fiber.
Cellulase
Humans do not make this enzyme, but this enzyme is needed when eating man-made fibers or plant cells. So, it digests fiber, fruits and vegetables.
Hemicellulase (HCU)
This enzyme assists cellulase to break down the biofilm found in grains.
Pectinase (PGU)
Pectinase breaks down plant cell walls such as the skin of fruit.
Phytase
Phytase liberates minerals from grains and helps in bone health.
I plan to give you my testimonial on enzymes and how specific products have helped myself and clients in an array of situations ranging from pain, stress and digestive challenges.
To learn more about enzymes and which ones are good for you I would recommend the following company because of the independent studies performed on their products by Baylor University particularly their Proteases.
Transformation Enzymes Corporation
You can call 800.777.1474 and obtain actual studies if you like.
You can also email me should you have additional questions, and I would be happy to help you with them.
If you missed the previous article on enzymes please check the link below. We will continue this journey on enzymes and their benefits.