Mega-Polyzyme

Full Spectrum Digestive Enzymes*

    Amylase   •   Protease   •   Papain   •   Bromelain   •   Lipase

Full spectrum vegetarian digestive enzymes to support the digestion of macronutrients*

Enzymes are complex proteins that act as catalysts to facilitate biochemical reactions without being changed themselves. They are important in many aspects of food production, including fermentation and meat tenderizing. Enzymes are also needed to produce sweeteners, cheese, alcoholic beverages, and soy sauce. Enzymes are also naturally found in varying amounts in raw fruits and vegetables.

Digestive enzymes are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, but the pancreas produces and secretes the majority of digestive enzymes. These enzymes are vital digestive components that are essential for optimal digestion. Factors such as increasing age, overeating, stress, and other negative lifestyle factors may interfere with enzyme production, resulting in digestive disturbances. Poor enzyme production may lead to occasional digestive issues such as indigestion, gas, and constipation, which can negatively affect the health and well-being of the entire body. Supplementation with digestive enzymes can assist with compromised digestive function, resulting in better health through improved absorption of essential nutrients and relieving the burden of enzyme production from the pancreas.*

Supplementation with Mega-Polyzyme™:

How does Mega-Polyzyme work?

Mega-Polyzyme™ is a full-spectrum vegetarian digestive enzyme formula providing microbial-derived and plant-derived enzymes. They are sourced from non-genetically modified organisms and are therefore GMO-free (non-GMO). When taken with meals, Mega-Polyzyme™ assists in the breakdown of macronutrients for improved digestion and absorption.*

When the diet consists mostly of processed or cooked foods without an ample supply of raw produce or when intrinsic enzyme production is poor, enzyme supplementation may be beneficial. This vegetarian formula is an effective way to supplement the enzymes our bodies need to promote efficient digestion.*

Importance of Enzyme Activity Labeling:

All of the enzymes in Mega-Polyzyme™ are reported in units of activity according to standards set by the Food Chemical Codex (FCC) or the European Pharmacopeia. For example, bromelain activity is reported in GDU or gelatin-digesting units. Standardized activity levels of enzymes, verified through laboratory testing, give physicians and patients the reassurance of the bioactivity of the enzymes found in Mega-Polyzyme™.

What the research and clinical use shows:

Digestive enzyme supplementation is part of the standard medical treatment for several chronic conditions, including exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and lactose intolerance.¹ Digestive enzymes have also been used clinically in conditions such as malabsorption, gas, bloating, and acid reflux, where improved digestive function and increased nutrient absorption are desired.

Amylase

Amylase,  which is present in saliva and pancreatic secretions, breaks carbohydrate strands into ready-to-use simple sugars like glucose to fuel the body. Amylase is critical for creating glucose from starches in the diet. Supplementation with amylase assists the body’s own enzymatic breakdown of complex carbohydrates.

Protease

Proteases break proteins into peptides and amino acids, allowing for proper digestion and efficient absorption. Proteases have been studied in the realm of physical function and performance and appear to reduce inflammation and improve injury recovery without side effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).²

Papain

Made from the latex found in the skin of papaya (Carica papaya), papain contains a complex of enzymes that promote the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.³ Studies show that supplemental papain assists in the body’s digestive process by encouraging the gastric mucosa to release more native enzymes.⁴

Bromelain

Bromelain, derived from pineapple (Ananas comosus), is the name of a group of proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes.³ An advantage of using pineapple-derived bromelain is its stability in a wide variety of pH environments. Because of its versatility, bromelain is active in both the stomach and the small intestine.³ Bromelain has been studied in a variety of contexts and shows promise in reducing pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.⁵

Lipase

Lipase assists in the breakdown of fats into smaller fatty acids for absorption. In the body, lipase is naturally produced by the pancreas. Fat malabsorption can lead to fatty stools (steatorrhea), and poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin K.⁶ Vegetarian lipase has a theoretical advantage over animal-sourced lipases in that it may be better able to withstand the varying pH levels in the GI tract.⁶

References:

¹ Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, et al. Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases. Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(2):187-193.

² Miller PC, Bailey SP, Barnes ME, et al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and DOMS following downhill running. J Sports Sci. 2004;22(4):365-372.

³ Roxas M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Altern Med Rev. 2008;13(4):307-314.

⁴ Muss C, Mosgoeller W, Endler T. Papaya preparation (Caricol®) in digestive disorders. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2013;34(1):38-46.

⁵ Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, et al. Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review. Biotechnol Res Int. 2012;2012.

⁶ Layer P, Keller J. Lipase supplementation therapy: standards, alternatives, and perspectives. Pancreas. 2003;26(1):1-7.