The Science Behind our Signature Series Digestive Enzyme Formula

When it comes to nutrition, it’s not just what you eat that matters, it’s what you can digest and absorb. Part of our Wellness Signature Series, Digestive Enzyme Formula was designed with this in mind, to help your body facilitate optimal digestion and maximize nutrient absorption.   

Our Signature Series Digestive Enzyme Formula consists of the following gluten-free, vegan, American-made ingredients: 

Protease and Peptidase 

Proteases and peptidases are enzymes that break down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids [1], which are the building blocks of muscle. In addition to building muscle, amino acids play a key role in reproductive, vascular and immune health [2]. 

Lipase 

Lipases are enzymes that breaks down fats (lipids) into smaller molecules, such as fatty acids and glycerol [3]. These have a host of critical biological functions, such as comprising cell membranes, storing energy, and modulating immune function [4]. 

Amylase and Glucoamylase 

Amylases are enzymes that break down carbohydrates, specifically starch and glycogen, into simpler sugars such as glucose [5]. Glucose is the brain’s preferred fuel source, and is used as an energy source in a host of biological tissues [6]. 

Lactase 

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, into simpler sugars such as glucose and galactose. Lactose intolerance – which is caused by a genetic deficiency in lactase – can cause severe bloating and abdominal pain. For many, lactase supplementation is a viable solution [7]. 

Alpha-Galactosidase 

Alpha-galactosidase, an enzyme produced by cells lining the small intestine, breaks down complex carbohydrates found in foods such as beans, lentils, and whole grains.  

Deficiency of alpha-galactosidase can lead to the accumulation of undigested alpha-galactosides in the body, causing various symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas, which supplementation has been shown to remedy [8]. 

Ginger Root Extract  

Ginger root extract, a natural compound obtained from the root of the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale), has been used traditionally to relieve nausea and vomiting and to improve digestion. Though we don’t fully understand its mechanism of action, research suggests that it is a harmless and helpful digestive aid [9]. 

Peppermint Extract 

Peppermint extract has been used for centuries to help alleviate digestive problems like indigestion, bloating, and gas. It works by relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract, which can help to relieve discomfort and improve the flow of gas through the intestines [10]. Peppermint has shown to be effective in treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome [11]. 

References  

[1] Whitcomb, D. C., & Lowe, M. E. (2007). Human pancreatic digestive enzymes. Digestive diseases and sciences, 52(1), 1-17. 

[2] Wu, G. (2010). Functional amino acids in growth, reproduction, and health. Advances in nutrition, 1(1), 31-37.  

[3] Santamarina-Fojo, S., González-Navarro, H., Freeman, L., Wagner, E., & Nong, Z. (2004). Hepatic lipase, lipoprotein metabolism, and atherogenesis. Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 24(10), 1750-1754. 

[4] Yaqoob, P., & Calder, P. C. (2007). Fatty acids and immune function: new insights into mechanisms. British Journal of Nutrition, 98(S1), S41-S45. 

[5] Azzopardi, E., Lloyd, C., Teixeira, S. R., Conlan, R. S., & Whitaker, I. S. (2016). Clinical applications of amylase: Novel perspectives. Surgery, 160(1), 26-37. 

[6] Dienel, G. A. (2019). Brain glucose metabolism: integration of energetics with function. Physiological reviews, 99(1), 949-1045. 

[7] Parker, A. M., & Watson, R. R. (2017). Lactose intolerance. In Nutrients in Dairy and their Implications on Health and Disease (pp. 205-211). Academic Press. 

[8] Di Stefano, M., Miceli, E., Gotti, S., Missanelli, A., Mazzocchi, S., & Corazza, G. R. (2007). The effect of oral α-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and gas-related symptoms. Digestive diseases and sciences, 52(1), 78-83. 

[9] Nikkhah Bodagh, M., Maleki, I., & Hekmatdoost, A. (2019). Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food science & nutrition, 7(1), 96-108. 

[10] Silva, H. (2020). A descriptive overview of the medical uses given to Mentha aromatic herbs throughout history. Biology, 9(12), 484. 

[11] Khanna, R., MacDonald, J. K., & Levesque, B. G. (2014). Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 48(6), 505-512.