There are countless digestive enzyme products on the market today. Does it matter which ones you choose? Are all digestive enzymes the same? Following we will give a brief overview of the two most popular types of digestive enzymes available: Animal and Vegetarian. Secondly, we will discuss the impact that each of these products has on the digestive tract and the body as a whole.
Animal Enzymes: Animal-based enzymes are extracted from the pancreatic tissue of slaughtered pigs and cows.
Vegetarian: Plant-based enzymes are derived from whole food sources including pineapple, papaya and mushroom-based fermentation.
So how do these enzymes effect my body?
The high pH environment of the small intestine is the only place animal-based enzymes can function, as they are extremely sensitive to low pH ranges. This means that animal based enzymes may not survive outside of this environment. Plant-based enzymes are not destroyed by the acidic conditions of the stomach and, therefore, are stable in the upper stomach where they can begin processing food immediately.
Will I experience any side effects when taking digestive enzymes?
There are no known side effects associated with vegetarian enzymes.
Digestive enzymes like pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, ox bile, and hydrochloric acid are all harvested from animals and can cause negative side effects as well as other major health problems. As discussed on WebMD some pancreatin products are contaminated by Salmonella bacteria and have caused illness. Common side effects of pancreatin are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. High doses can cause problems such as high levels of uric acid in the blood, as well as colon damage.
The Solution?
Look for a vegetarian enzyme product that utilizes a mineral delivery system. Ultra-Enzyme Support® contains L.E.A.D.S.® Live Enzyme Activated Delivery System® which supplies all the enzymes and cofactors necessary to enhance digestion and delivery. Other formulas not utilizing L.E.A.D.S.® will strip minerals and other nutrients from the body in their effort to activate the enzymes.
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