Product Formulations with Enzymes

Enzymes are important high molecular weight proteins made up of amino acids and linked by peptide bonds. They are catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in the body. In fact, the phenomenon of catalyzing enzymes allows all biochemical reactions to take place in all of lifes processes. The science of enzymes is fascinating, and new research continues to appear. For example, the enzyme amylase secreted by the salivary glands, which breaks down carbohydrates, has been linked to the sympathetic nervous systems fight or flight response and to stress. There are enzymes that digest food including protein, fat and carbohydrates, and metabolic enzymes, which operate to catalyze reactions.

Enzymes are primarily known for their role in digestion. When raw food containing enzymes is chewed, the enzymes are released in the mouth and digestion immediately begins, before food is swallowed. Foods such as nuts and oils require the enzyme lipase to aid in the digestion of fats. Meats need protease enzymes to break down the protein to amino acids. Carbohydrates require more amylase and less lipase and protease. Vegetables and fruits contain less protein and starch digestants, but contain large amounts of the enzyme cellulase, necessary to break down plant fiber. Heat destroys natures enzymes naturally found in food. It is theorized that todays diets are so highly processed that many of the enzymes necessary for normal digestion are lacking.

However, the benefits of enzymes are not limited to the digestive arena. Proteolytic enzymes support the body against inflammation, when taken on an empty stomach, and may inhibit platelet aggregation. They also help increase fibrinolysis, the process of breaking down the fibrin coat made up of protein that forms clots within blood vessels and blocks off inflamed tissue sites.

Studies in subjects with inflammation and acute infection of the urogenital tract have found the proteolytic enzyme bromelain yielded significant improvement and was well tolerated. Other proteolytic enzymes used in inflammatory support products are papain, trypsin and chymotrypsin from swine, and serratiopeptidase from a strain of bacteria of the genus serratia.

Formulating Enzyme Products

One concern in formulating dietary supplements with enzymes is that there is not much research supporting structure/function claims. Textbook data provides educational information on the function of enzymes in the body, which could be used as support. Given this issue, however, there are many enzymes available for formulation. Enzymes originating from swine, such as pancreatin, are made up of the enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin, which require a narrow alkaline medium with a pH above 7.

There are also vegetarian enzyme sources. Bromelain is a single proteolytic enzyme extracted from pineapple. It has five closely related enzymes, which have differences in substrate specificity and optimum pH for enzymatic activity. Papain is another proteolytic enzyme manufactured from the juice of the pawpaw, an unripe fruit of the Carica papaya. Papain is made up of papain and chymopapain, which break down polypeptides, amides and esters, especially at bonds involving basic amino acids yielding low molecular weight peptides.

Aspergillus oryzae is a fungal enzyme used in China, Japan and other Asian countries for preparing various foods, many derived from soybeans, including tamari, miso and soy sauce. These fungal enzymes have a high stability, including heat stability, and activity in a broad pH range (2 to 12).

For digestive enzyme dietary supplements, it is best to provide directions on the label of the products suggesting they be taken with meals. If the enzymes were consumed a few hours after meals they would not perform properly and would postpone the enzyme action needed in digestion.

In formulating dietary supplements using digestive enzymes, the formulator needs to review the foods of the diet that require certain enzymes. I developed an enzyme product for a high-protein, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet and reviewed the enzymes needed to digest the types of food of this particular diet. It is important for formulators to understand the target customer. For example, in formulating a digestive enzyme product for vegetarian consumers, it is important to acknowledge uncooked or raw food may already be a large part of their diet, delivering a high level of enzymes to help break down food.

Some consumers like to sprinkle their dietary supplements on food, and a digestive enzyme product may be one they would consider. Remember, opening a capsule and sprinkling enzymes on food could be deleterious, since there have been reports of allergic skin reactions. Enzymes are not known to have any adverse effects when taken internally. 

Judi Quilici-Timmcke, M.S., is president of Q-Tech Services Inc. (www.judiq.com). She was previously vice president for research and product development for Weider Nutritions Specialty Market, and head of product development for Rexall Showcase International. Quilici-Timmcke holds a masters degree in dietetics/exercise physiology.