DigeZyme® contains a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes derived from microbial sources. DigeZyme® may assist breakdown of protein, fats and carbohydrates to aid digestive health.
Practitioner Information
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Digestive enzymes play an integral role in digestion.[1] Of leading importance are the pancreatic enzymes which facilitate breakdown of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Breakdown and absorption of macronutrients primarily takes place in the small intestine and is mediated by adequate production of pancreatic protease (to digest proteins), amylase (to digest carbohydrates) and lipase (to digest fats) and lactase (to digest lactose). Restoring levels and activity of digestive enzymes may support healthy digestive function.
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Digestive enzyme supplements derived from microbial species may provide comprehensive support to aid digestive function.[2] Microbe-derived enzymes are normally synthesised from fungal sources via a fermentation process. Some of these enzymes are also used in traditional food preparation. For example Aspergillus oryzae is used in the fermentation process of soybeans to produce soy sauce, tamari and miso.[3]
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DigeZyme® is a multi-enzyme supplement featuring enzymes synthesised from non-pathogenic fungal sources. DigeZyme® contains a broad spectrum of digestive enzymes; lipase derived from Rhizopus oryzae, cellulase derived from Trichoderma longibrachiatum and amylase, tilactase and protease derived from Aspergillus oryzae. Modern manufacturing technology provides a clean and pure product to ensure this multi-enzyme complex does not retain any microbial or fungal residue.
Enzyme Source Substrate
Amylase Aspergillus oryzae Carbohydrates (starches & other polysaccharides)
Cellulase Trichoderma longibrachiatum Cellulose (plant fibre)
Lipase Rhizopus oryzae Fats (triglycerides and other lipids)
Protease Aspergillus oryzae Protein (large amino acid chains)
Tilactase Aspergillus oryzae Lactose (milk sugar)
The enzyme tilactase obtained from Aspergillus oryzae is the Australian approved name for lactase.[4] Lactase (tilactase) is specific to assist lactose breakdown, the primary disaccharide found in dairy products.[5] Improved lactase activity may assist digestive health.[6] Lactase from Aspergillus oryzae is involved in the breakdown of lactose to glucose and galactose.[7]
Cellulase obtained from Trichoderma longibrachiatum aids breakdown of cellulose, an indigestible plant polysaccharide.[8] The human body does not produce cellulose so it is normally obtained from the diet. Lipase obtained from Rhizopus oryzae is a lipid degrading enzyme.[9] Lipase is also involved in absorption of fat soluble vitamins.
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Pancreatic enzymes have a long history of clinical use for a variety of digestive complaints.[10] However porcine derived pancreatic enzymes may display inherent limitations. Animal derived enzymes are susceptible to destruction by gastric acid and pepsin.[11] Supplementing with non-animal derived enzymes may offer advantages. In contrast to animal derived enzymes, microbial enzyme preparations may be more resistant to inactivation by stomach acid and possess broader activity throughout a wide range of pH conditions inherent to the digestive tract. [12],[13],[14],[15]
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DigeZyme® is suitable for vegetarians.
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DigeZyme® does not contain dairy or soy products.
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DigeZyme® multi-enzyme complex and Vcaps® are certified Kosher.
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DigeZyme® does not contain bromelains or papain making it suitable for individuals with hypersensitivity to pineapple (source of bromelains) or papaya (source of papain).
Each Vegetarian Capsule Contains:
Amylase (from Aspergillus oryzae) 147.75 DU
Cellulase (from Trichoderma longibrachiatum) 165 CU
Lipase (from Rhizopus oryzae) 30 LipU
Protease (from Aspergillus oryzae) 1500 HUT
Tilactase (from Aspergillus oryzae) 600 ALU
Measure of Potency
ALU = (Acid) Lactase Units
CU = Cellulase Units
DU = Alpha-amylase Dextrinising Units
HUT = Hemoglobin Units on the Tyrosine Basis
LipU = Lipase Units
Directions For Use
Adults: Take 2 -3 capsules after meals or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Precautions & Considerations
Studies have not been performed on DigeZyme® in pregnancy and lactation.
Use with care in individuals with gastric or duodenal ulceration and bleeding.
Store below 30°C.
References
[1] Pizzorno JE, Murray MT. 2006. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 3rd Edition. Chapter 112. Pancreatic Enzymes. Page 1131-1146. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
[2] Roxas, M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Dec;13(4):307-14.
[3] Roxas, M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Dec;13(4):307-14.
[4] CMEC 47 Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee, Extract Ratified Minutes Forty-seventh Meeting 13 August 2004. Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing, Therapeutic Goods Administration. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/cmec/cmecdr47.htm. Accessed 6 December 2010.
[5] CMEC 47 Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee, Extract Ratified Minutes Forty-seventh Meeting 13 August 2004. Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing, Therapeutic Goods Administration. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/cmec/cmecdr47.htm. Accessed 6 December 2010.
[6] Ojetti V, Gigante G, Gabrielli M, et al. The effect of oral supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri or tilactase in lactose intolerant patients: randomized trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2010 Mar;14(3):163-70
[7] CMEC 47 Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee, Extract Ratified Minutes Forty-seventh Meeting 13 August 2004. Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing, Therapeutic Goods Administration. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/cmec/cmecdr47.htm. Accessed 6 December 2010.
[8] Hendler S, Rorvik D. 2008. PDR for Nutritional Supplements. Second Edition. Supplemental Enzymes. Page 597-602. PDR Network.
[9] CMEC 47 Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee, Extract Ratified Minutes Forty-seventh Meeting 13 August 2004. Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing, Therapeutic Goods Administration. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/cmec/cmecdr47.htm. Accessed 6 December 2010.
[10] Pizzorno JE, Murray MT. 2006. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 3rd Edition. Chapter 112. Pancreatic Enzymes. Page 1131-1146. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
[11] CMEC 47 Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee, Extract Ratified Minutes Forty-seventh Meeting 13 August 2004. Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing, Therapeutic Goods Administration. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/cmec/cmecdr47.htm. Accessed 6 December 2010.
[12] Hendler S, Rorvik D. 2008. PDR for Nutritional Supplements. Second Edition. Supplemental Enzymes. Page 597-602. PDR Network.
[13] Rachman, B. Unique features and application of non-animal derived enzymes. Clin. Nutr. Insights 1997; 5(10): 1-4.
[14] Roxas, M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Dec;13(4):307-14.
[15] CMEC 47 Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee, Extract Ratified Minutes Forty-seventh Meeting 13 August 2004. Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing, Therapeutic Goods Administration. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/cmec/cmecdr47.htm. Accessed 6 December 2010.