Did you know that the large majority of the digestive enzymes on the market, even those labelled as "plant enzymes", are not from plants (or animals), but rather are derived from various species of Aspergillus mould?
This little-known truth about digestive enzymes often comes as a surprise—even to people who have worked in the supplement industry for years.
This can be an extremely important fact to understand if you are taking digestive enzymes sourced from Aspergillus, but can't figure out why you are still dealing with:
• Unexplained digestive problems
• Food sensitivities, allergies, and/or asthma
• Fatigue and brain fog
• A poorly performing immune system
The Allergenic Potential of Mould-Based Enzymes
If you are wondering why a mould component could be allowed, it is because, in their manufacturing, these enzymes theoretically get "washed" so their cell-wall antigens—which would otherwise be identified and attacked by your immune system—are removed.
Yet, washing these enzymes is a very involved and expensive process, and just like so many other such processes, the procedure may not always be completed to the same standard. As a result, many enzyme products can vary greatly in how free they are from immune response-provoking antigens.
More Common Than Most People Realize
Such enzyme blends are also used, for example, to soften dough in mass-produced baked goods. When dough is treated with these enzymes, it cooks faster and reduces the time it has to spend on the conveyor belt.
These mould enzymes are typically listed on the label simply as "Enzymes", "Enzyme Blend", or individually as Amylase, Protease, or Lipase. It has been my experience that Aspergillus enzymes used in baked goods can be highly problematic for sensitive individuals.
The use of fungal enzymes in digestive formulations is one of the things that, as a practitioner, I have never been able to come to terms with. It seems painfully obvious, especially given the increasing prevalence of mould sensitivity, that the last thing sensitive individuals want to do is introduce a mould component that may still be antigenic directly into their gut.
A Mould-Free Alternative
It was this conviction, based on my own experience and that of countless clients, that led me to develop mould-free Digestion Synergy.
The goal was to improve whole gut function rather than simply breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
A More Comprehensive Approach To Digestion
Digestion Synergy uses pancreatic-based enzymes, which include:
• Amylase for carbohydrate digestion
• Protease for protein digestion
• Extra-strength Lipase for fat digestion
To further enhance the breakdown of proteins, Digestion Synergy also includes:
• Pepsin to ensure what should already be present
• Betaine Hydrochloride to help support adequate stomach acid levels, which are critical for the entire digestive process
• Bromelain and Papain from pineapple and papaya, which also provide anti-inflammatory support
For enhanced fat digestion, the formula also utilizes:
• Gentian
• Barberry
These herbs are known as bitters.
Bitters have long been used to stimulate the flow of digestive juices by activating the vagus nerve through bitter taste receptors. Gentian is particularly recognized for its effects in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and duodenum, while Barberry is well known for supporting healthy bile flow.
This can be especially helpful for individuals who no longer have a gallbladder, or for those who simply do not produce adequate bile to efficiently digest fats.
Supporting The Entire Digestive Process
To soothe the gastrointestinal tract lining and further enhance digestion, Digestion Synergy also includes:
• Peppermint
• Ginger
• Aloe Vera
And lastly, for its traditional use in supporting healthy colon function, the formula contains:
• Papaya Leaf
Hence, this highly synergistic formula was designed not only to help prevent unwanted immune responses, but also to support the gut and consider each stage of the digestive process along the way.
Until next time, be well!
John
A Note About Quality Standards
It is important to understand that this discussion is not intended as a criticism of the natural health products industry as a whole. Canada has the highest manufacturing and quality-control standards in the world for natural health products, and many companies work diligently to source high-quality ingredients and produce effective supplements. Rather, my concern has always been with the use of Aspergillus-derived enzymes and the variability that can exist in how these raw materials are processed and purified before they become finished ingredients.
Learn More About Digestion Synergy
John Biggs BSc., NCP, OHP explains the philosophy behind Digestion Synergy and why he developed a comprehensive, mould-free digestive support formula designed to support the entire digestive process.
Related article - Are you consuming mould without knowing it?