Information on Digestive Enzymes
May 18th, 2012According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the human body produces 10,000 different enzymes, and some of these support digestion. Digestive enzymes break down food so it can be used by the body. Enzymes, a Food additive, are manufactured and released by different parts of the body. Individuals with enzyme deficiencies may need to take enzyme supplements or refrain from eating certain foods.
Carbohydrate Enzymes
Enzymes responsible for breaking down carbohydrates include salivary amylase, pancreatic amylase and maltase. Salivary amylase is produced by the salivary glands and secreted in the mouth. Pancreatic amylase and maltase are produced by the pancreas and small intestine, respectively, and digest carbohydrates in the small intestine. Enzymes break down complex carbohydrates, such as starch, into simple carbohydrates, or sugars. Once carbohydrates are broken down, they can be absorbed by the body and used for energy.
Protein Enzymes
Pepsin, trypsin and peptidase are enzymes that break down protein. Pepsin is produced and secreted in the stomach, while trypsin and peptidase work within the small intestine. According to the NIDDK, proteins are broken down into smaller molecules called amino acids, which are used to build and repair tissues in the body. According to Clinton Community College, other enzymes that digest proteins include chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase and aminopeptidase.
Lipase is produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine to break down fat. According to the NIDDK, lipase works with another digestive substance, bile, to break large fat molecules down into fatty acids and cholesterol. Once fat is broken down, it can be transported to different parts of the body for storage. An enzyme deficiency can be related to a medical condition or inherited. According to the NIDDK, a common enzyme deficiency is lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. Individuals who do not produce enough lactase may be lactose intolerant. They have to avoid dairy products or take lactase supplements to properly digest dairy products. Medical conditions that can cause a digestive enzyme deficiency include chronic pancreatitis, certain cancers, cystic fibrosis and digestive disorders that prevent enzyme production.
Digestive enzyme (Foodchem) supplements are available as pills, capsules and powders. Enzyme supplements can be extracted from animal organs or plants and have been used to treat cancer and other illnesses. Alternative medical practitioners have used digestive enzyme supplements to treat ulcers, food allergies, obesity, sore throat and arthritis. The ACS warns that digestive enzyme supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and that many have not been proven safe or effective. Enzyme supplements may interact with prescription medications, food and other herbs and supplements, and the ACS says they should not be used by people with weakened immune systems or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Enzyme supplements should not replace or be used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments without consulting a physician.