MULTI DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

Digestive enzymes are needed by the body to breakdown the complex foods we eat into small molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The pancreas produces the three major enzymes involved in fat, protein and carbohydrate digestion. The pancreas seeks to conserve valuable enzymes by recycling them, but in some situations supplementation is necessary. Supplementation has a sparing effect on the body’s own digestive enzymes, reducing the overall stress on the pancreas. Incomplete digestion of proteins creates a number of problems for the body including the development of allergies and formation of toxic substances produced during putrefaction (the breakdown of protein material by bacteria).

Proteases secreted in the pancreatic enzymes are largely responsible for keeping the small intestine free from parasites (including bacteria, yeast, protozoa and intestinal worms).

Indicators of digestive insufficiency include: stress, cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, hypoglycaemia, liver problems, irregular eating habits (ie. shift workers). Loss of gut function through surgery or injury, allergies and colitis.

Symptoms of digestive insufficiency include: indigestion, flatulence, burping, constipation, diarrhoea and bloatedness with meal.

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme extracted from the flesh and stem of the pineapple plant.

Pancreatin consists of pancreas enzymes, which digest protein, fat and carbohydrate and act in the alkaline environment of the small intestines.

Papain is a natural enzyme purified from the tropical fruit Papaya. It has the advantage as an enzyme of being pH independent, meaning it is able to digest protein in both the stomach and upper small intestine (duodenum).

Bile Salts are involved in the emulsification of fat, putting dietary fats into a suspension in water so that they can be broken down by enzymes. These also produce an alkaline environment in the small intestine, providing an optimum pH for the action of pancreatic enzymes.

Protease, Amylase, and Lipase are major enzymes for the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats respectively.

Stress obviously causes digestive upsets so it is wise to treat this cause. Taking extra nutrients that are involved in dealing with stress, such as those that are in Vita Fit Stress B-Complex can speed up the recovery of digestive functions.

Directions: Adults – Take 1-3 capsules with every main meal, or as professionally prescribed.

Stress plays a major role in the health of digestive processes and this problem must also be addresses. For this purpose take Vitafit Stress B complex.

At the time of manufacture each capsule contained not less than:

Bromelain 45mg

Pancreatin 100mg

Papain 60mg

Bile Salts 35mg

Protease 50mg

Amylase 20mg

Lipase 10mg

Dandelion Root 70mg

Nettle Leaf 60mg

Murray, M., Pizzorno, J. (1991) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Publishing, U.S.A. pp 52-4.

Osiecki, H., (1990) The Physicians Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. Bioconcepts Publishing, Australia pp. 11,113,116.