Protein absorption
Clinical studies have shown that supplementation with high quality proteolytic enzymes enable the body to better absorb proteins.1
Proteins are large molecules made up of amino acids. The large protein molecules must be broken down in to these smaller amino acids before absorption can occur. This process begins in the stomach where hydrochloric acid breaks apart protein bonds so that a naturally occurring proteolytic enzyme (pepsin) can begin to break them down further down into amino acids.
The digestion of the protein continues in the upper small intestine, known as the duodenum. Proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin) manufactured by the pancreas allow for further breakdown of the proteins. Enteric coated systemic enzymes are unique in that they are formulated for optimum performance in this duodenum region. Highly proteolytic enzyme mixtures are able to supplement your body's own enzymes to help break down the protein in the duodenum to prepare it for absorption. This process, known as hydrolysis, must occur to allow for proper amino acid absorption.
If the protein molecules have been properly broken down in to amino acids, they are absorbed by tiny capillaries in the small intestine and pass through to the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the amino acids are distributed by both red blood cells and by the liquid blood plasma to tissues throughout the body where they are used in the creation and repair of cell structures.2
If the protein is not properly broken down, small amounts of whole or partial proteins may be absorbed into the bloodstream. The presence of protein instead of amino acids in the bloodstream may lead to food allergies, to a shock reaction called anaphylaxis, to other symptoms typical of an allergy, such as sneezing, breathing difficulties, skin rashes, headaches, nausea, or even, in severe cases, death.3
Contributed by Express Naturals © 2010 All Rights Reserved
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
1 Glade MJ, Kendra D, Kaminski MV, Jr. Improvement in protein utilization in nursing-home
patients on tube feeding supplemented with an enzyme product derived from Aspergillus niger
and bromelain. Nutrition 2001;17(4):348-50.
2 Anne Collins, annecollins.com Guide to Digestion of Protein 2007
3 Dr. Beth Gruber, carbsmart.com Protein Digestion and Absorption 2001
