Ortho Molecular Products Digestzyme-V

Digestzyme-V is a comprehensive blend of acid-resistant enzymes designed to help maximize the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. Each capsule includes lipase, alpha-Amylase, lactase, CereCalase® (a blend of hemicellulose, beta-glucanase and phytase), and protease to aid in the digestion of protein, fat, starches, fiber and other difficult-to-digest foods known to cause food sensitivities. CereCalase® is specially formulated to digest the cell walls of plants, providing better nutrition from a plant-based diet.

Overview

Because of our hectic lifestyle, and the way we often consume food that is frequently overcooked, digestion can often be less than optimal. Thorough digestion of foodstuffs with enzymes prevents foods from being fermented in the gut and the proliferation of “bad” bacteria and yeast at the expense of “good” intestinal bacteria. More complete digestion of carbohydrates removes the

food source for these bad organisms. Another benefit of enzymes is that more nutrition can be derived from food.

Enzyme Depletion

Research has shown that the widespread chronic use of proton pump inhibitor medications contributes to side effects stemming from low acid production, including poor mineral absorption and poor absorption of B12 which have been linked with a multitude of health problems.1 The depletion of stomach acidity due to medications and age, are further compounded by the age-related decline of enzyme production which both influence the breakdown of foods into absorbable nutrients.2

Enzyme Blend

Digestive enzymes have a long history of use for those who need digestive enzyme support.3,4 In the past, animal enzymes were preferred to non-animal-based enzymes for their protein digesting strength though they required a narrower pH window of 6.5-7.5 in order to be activated. Digestzyme-V utilizes new, non-animal-based enzymes that function within a broader pH range of 2.5-8.5, and still offer the digestive strength of animal- based enzymes. This broad pH window of activity makes it especially helpful for individuals with lower gastric acid levels or inconsistent pH levels. Each enzyme has been tested in pH, temperature, and gastric survivability studies to ensure enzyme activity. In addition, Digestzyme-V also includes DPP4, one of the primary components of peptidase, which has been shown to digest and neutralize gluten.

Sustaining a Plant-Rich Diet

Digestzyme-V offers additional support for those who have difficulty digesting plant-based foods. Optimal breakdown of plant cell walls is complex and nutrients contained within the cell walls can be difficult to absorb. For this reason, CereCalase®, pectinase, xylanase, cellulose, glucoamylase and alpha- galactosidase, non-animal-based enzymes not produced in the body, are added to the formula.

Gentian and Artichoke

Herbalists have used bitters, including gentian, to stimulate natural digestive enzymes in the mouth and stomach for hundreds of years. Studies have shown that artichoke, categorized as a choleretic, stimulates the body’s natural production of bile, which is responsible for emulsifying fats in our diets. Artichoke also increases the surface area of fats, which allows enzymes to more efficiently break them down. Artichoke and gentian root provide an excellent vegetarian alternative to ox bile, which is traditionally used in digestive supplements to support bile production.