Are Your Digestive Enzymes Sourced From Mould?
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 is extremely important 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 is allowed in a supplement, it is because in their manufacturing, these enzymes get "washed" so their cell-wall antigens, which would otherwise be identified and attacked by your immune system, are removed!
Washing these enzymes is a very involved, expensive procedure, and just like so many other such processes, short-cuts are taken, or the job is not completed.. (“Ahhh, it’s good enough.”) Hence, many of the resulting enzyme products are not properly cleaned, and vary greatly in how clear of immune response-provoking antigens they really are.
Such “enzyme blends” are also used, for example, to soften dough in mass-produced baked goods. When the dough is treated with these enzymes, it cooks faster and reduces the time it has to spend on the conveyor belt (These mold enzymes are typically listed on the label as "Enzymes, Enzyme blend, or as Amylase, Protease or Lipase"). It has been my experience that aspergillus enzymes used in baked goods are highly problematic.
The use of fungal enzymes is one of the things as a practitioner I’ve never been able to come to terms with. It seems painfully obvious, especially given the increasing prevalence of mould sensitivity and toxicity, that the last thing sensitive individuals want to do is introduce a mould component that is still antigenic (ie. still able to trigger an immune response) directly into their gut.
It was this conviction, based on my own experience and that of countless clients, that lead me to develop mould-free Opti-Digestaway, which is aimed at improving whole-gut function, rather than only breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
A Synergistic Formula for Total Digestive Wellness
Opti-Digestaway uses pancreatic-based enzymes, which include amylase for carbohydrate, protease for proteins, and an extra-strength lipase for fat digestion.
To further enhance breakdown of proteins, Opti-Digestaway also includes:
- Pepsin to ensure what should already be present
- Betaine Hydrochloride to supplement adequate stomach acid levels so critical for the entire digestive process
- Bromelain and papain from pineapple and papaya (also providing anti-inflammatory supportt)
In addition to the extra-strength lipase, for enhanced fat digestion the formula uses gentian and barberry, which are bitter herbs. Bitters are well known for eliciting the flow of digestive juices. They do this by stimulating the vagus nerve through bitter taste receptors. Gentian is particularly known for its effects in the upper GI tract, like the stomach and duodenum. Barberry’s claim to fame is in eliciting bile flow. This can be very helpful for those missing their gallbladder, or who just don’t produce enough bile.
To soothe the GI tract lining, and further enhance digestion, Opti-Digestaway contains peppermint, ginger, and aloe. And lastly, papaya leaf is included for its traditional use in stimulating colon function.
This highly synergistic formula was not only designed to prevent immune responses, but to support the gut, and consider each portion of the digestive process along the way.
Until next time, be well!
John
Sources:
Surface Antigens of Intact Aspergillus fumigatus Mycelium: their Localization Using Radiolabelled Protein A as Marker By VERONICA M. HEARN Mycological Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WClE 7HT, UK Journal of General Microbiology (1984), 130, 907-917.