Digest Dairy Plus - 60 V-Caps

PROTEASE

The enzyme that breaks down protein into subunits that we can absorb...

One of the three major digestive enzyme classes in our bodies are proteases. Protease enzymes are produced by the stomach and pancreas and released into the digestive tract from these organs. These enzymes are responsible for the breakdown and proper digestion of protein the protein that we eat, into amino acid precursors. Once in amino acid form, these nutrients can be absorbed by our bodies and reassembled to create our own proteins.

What is protein?

Protein is the major building block of much of the structure of our bodies. It is used as the building block for: muscles, skin, hormones, cell signaling molecules, and immune response molecules. It is even part of our bones. Protein is also the major building block for most other organisms, so we get protein in a lot of the food that we eat, but particularly from meats, dairy products, nuts and legumes.

Types of Proteases

There are a wide variety of proteases in the body and each is specialized to its particular niche and task in the body. The digestive proteases form a smaller subgroup of three main enzymes: pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin. Proteases are excreted in the digestive tract in two main locations: the stomach and the intestines. An acid protease called pepsin is released into the stomach by "chief cells" in the stomach lining, and other proteases called trypsin and chymotrypsin are released into the small intestine by the pancreas. Both types of protease are essential for proper digestion of the foods we eat.

Optimal pH

Different proteases require different pH levels to be activated and function optimally. Acid proteases such as pepsin work best in the stomach, as pepsin requires activation by stomach acid. Once the partially digested food moves to the small intestine, pancreatic juices neutralize the stomach acid and prevent further digestion by pepsin. At the same time, the pancreatic juice contains proteases called trypsin and chymotrypsin which both function at the more basic pH found in the small intestine, where they continue to digest any protein present.

Blood Protein Digestion?

Some claims have been made that taking digestive enzymes between meals can have other functions in the body for breaking up blood clots or reducing the risk of some conditions. There is little research to back this up. The body naturally produces a vast number of different proteases that perform internal functions. These enzymes are distinct from digestive enzymes, and are designed to work in the environment in which they are found. Pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin function in the various digestive environments where they are excreted. They are not readily absorbed into the bloodstream, as they were designed to stay in the digestive tract and act on our food. Although trypsin and chymotrypsin are in the same family (serine peptidases) as many of the blood peptases, they do not perform these functions. There are better treatment options available and other enzymes that are more effective for treating these health conditions.

Deficiency

When the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of protease in the digestive tract, any protein ingested cannot be properly broken down. This protein maldigestion has twofold consequences. When the body does not absorb sufficient amino acids it cannot create new proteins of its own. This means that there is not enough protein to build new muscle, bone, skin, hormones, cell signaling molecules, and immune response molecules. This can cause a litany of problems, including muscle wasting, peeling skin, hormonal imbalances, blood pressure variation, edema (water retention), and an increased susceptibility to infections. In addition to these problems, any protein left in the digestive tract continues through the intestines where it is digested by gut microbes. Digestion of protein in this way causes the production of extremely foul smelling gas. This "rotten egg" gas, and putrid smelling stools are the two main signs that protein maldigestion is occurring.

How can I get more proteases?

Proteases can be found in a number of different digestive aid supplements, often in combination with other digestive enzymes such as amylase and lipase. The recommended dosage for protease depends on your natural body chemistry and the protein content of the foods you are eating. It also depends on the source and activity of the particular enzyme preparation. A dose of between 75,000 and 300,000 USP is a general guideline based on recommendations for pancreatin supplementation. Please note that the dosing of these supplements can be confusing, where the amount per gram may be listed, when the actual dose is a fraction of that (eg. 50mg is 0.05g). In general, because of the lack of standardization, dosing protease will require a bit of trial and error on your part.

Important Information

It is not known if supplementation of digestive enzymes during pregnancy or breastfeeding can cause harm to the baby so avoid supplementation during these times. Taking too much protease at one time may cause diarrhea or stomach pain.

Protease – QUICK FACTS

SOURCES
· Ripened fruit, meat, gut bacteria, digestive juices.

APPLICATIONS
· Protein digestion.

OPTIMUM DOSAGE
· Not well standardized. Generally between 75,000 and 300,000USP. (Clinical doses may differ as recommended by your healthcare practitioner).

WORKS WELL WITH
· Other digestive enzymes, ox bile.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
· The effects of supplementing digestive enzymes during pregnancy and lactation is unknown, so use should be avoided during these times.
· Taking too much amylase at one time may cause diarrhea or stomach pain