Digestive enzymes are chemical compounds that break down the macromolecules of ingested nutrients – fats, proteins and carbohydrates – into smaller building blocks to facilitate their absorption by the body. They are secreted by the body in the mouth, stomach, pancreas and small intestine, but sometimes in insufficient quantities, which leads to digestive disorders such as lactose intolerance. In such cases, taking them as a dietary supplement can be very useful.
This Double Wood brand product contains ten digestive enzymes or their plant-based analogues that act throughout the gastrointestinal tract:
Bromelain – It is a complex of protein-digesting enzymes that are extracted from the stem, fruit and juice of pineapple. It has been used for centuries as a remedy for various health problems, mainly by the peoples of Central and South America. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to which it helps in the treatment of inflammation and swelling. As a dietary supplement, it is mainly used to improve digestion and to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and muscle pain.
Lactase – Produced in the small intestine and involved in the breakdown of milk sugar, called lactose, into smaller carbohydrate molecules – glucose and galactose, for easier absorption by the body. Some people cannot synthesize sufficient amounts of the enzyme and this leads to lactose intolerance. In addition to overcoming this problem, lactose also contributes to maintaining bone health, reducing the risk of decreased bone density and osteoporosis.
Invertase – This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose (table sugar) to fructose and glucose through a process known as inversion. Invertase is produced by many plant and animal species. It has been found that honey owes its immunostimulating and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to counteract pathogenic microorganisms, to this enzyme.
Lipase – It is involved in the breakdown of dietary fats such as triglycerides into their structural units – fatty acids and glycerol, so that they can be absorbed in the small intestine. It is present in the blood, gastric juices, pancreatic secretions, intestinal juices and adipose tissue. In addition to absorbing nutrients, lipase supports immune function and maintains the health of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.
Papain – This proteolytic enzyme is extracted from the raw fruit of the papaya plant. It helps break down proteins into smaller particles called peptides and amino acids, which is why it is often used in meat tenderizers. Papain has been used traditionally to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling. It is also used to improve digestion and treat infections, diarrhea, and allergies.
Glucoamylase – Glucoamylase, also called amyloglucosidase or AMG, plays a key role in the absorption of nutrients in most plant foods. It is involved in the breakdown of starch, which is found in foods such as potatoes, corn, rice and wheat. Taken as a dietary supplement, this enzyme helps to overcome digestive and gastrointestinal problems, supports immune function and helps to normalize blood sugar levels.
Amylase – This is the main starch-digesting enzyme secreted by the body. Amylase hydrolyzes carbohydrates, which are polysaccharides, into smaller disaccharide units and then eventually into monosaccharides such as glucose. It is secreted by the salivary glands and begins to work in the mouth. In addition to improving digestion, the enzyme provides the body with more energy and helps control blood sugar and stress.
Maltase - It is directly involved in the hydrolysis of maltose, which is a disaccharide formed from two glucose molecules. Maltose itself is produced during the breakdown of starch macromolecules by the enzyme amylase. Maltase is synthesized by the cells of the mucous membrane of the human small intestine, as well as by various plants, bacteria and yeasts. Taken as a dietary supplement, the enzyme supports digestion and energy metabolism.
Cellulase – This enzyme, produced primarily by fungi, bacteria, and protozoa, catalyzes the breakdown of cellulose and some related polysaccharides to shorter compounds of the same group as oligosaccharides or to monosaccharides such as beta-glucose. Cellulase enables the absorption of nutrients from cellulose, which the human body cannot otherwise break down, and aids in the destruction of harmful microbial biofilms.
Neutralized bacterial protease – It belongs to a class of proteases that act in neutral, slightly acidic or slightly alkaline environments as catalysts for the hydrolysis of peptide bonds of proteins to break them down into amino acids or peptides. In addition to aiding digestive processes, this enzyme supports immune function, counteracts the formation of clots and deposits on the walls of blood vessels, and accelerates the repair of damaged tissues.
Dosage and administration
Application: Contributes to maintaining normal digestion.
Note: Not to be used by pregnant, lactating women or persons under 18 years of age. Not to be used as a substitute for a varied and nutritious diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Recommended daily dose of the product: For adults over 18 years: 1 capsule 1-2 times daily (morning and evening).
Storage: In a cool, dry place, out of reach of children, away from direct sunlight!
Expiration and batch: Marked on the packaging.
