Enzymes are actually protein molecules that facilitate chemical reactions. Food must be metabolized into smaller molecules for the body to gain nourishment and energy. Digestive enzymes break down food into smaller components so the body can utilize the nutrients consumed. The stomach and pancreas are the primary digestive organs and they secrete many of the digestive enzymes needed for proper digestion. The three main digestive enzymes are amylase, protease and lipase; each has different functions. The process of digestion begins in the mouth, although most digestion and absorption occurs in the small intestine.
Carbohydrate Enzymes
As food is being chewed, digestive enzymes contained in the saliva begin to break down the consumed food. Amylase is a digestive enzyme secreted by the salivary glands. Its responsibility is to change the complex carbohydrates -- starch -- into three simple sugars: glucose, maltose and dextrin. Cellulase is another enzyme responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates, specifically cellulose, the fibrous plant membrane contained in fruits and vegetables.
Protein Enzymes
Protease and bromelain are the two enzymes, along with the gastric acid contained in the stomach, responsible for the breakdown of protein. The protein found in meat products is very difficult to breakdown and takes the digestive system a long time to perform the task. When protein is sufficiently broken down into its smaller molecules called amino acids, the body can then utilize them to rebuild soft tissue. Papain and pepsin, found in the gastric juices, are two other enzymes that assist with the digestion of protein. Sufficient protein enzymes can prevent heartburn and ease diarrhea.
Fat Enzymes
Lipases are the main enzymes responsible for the breakdown of fat and the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Lipase is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestines. Lipase helps the body utilize the beneficial omega fatty acids. Lipase also breaks down triglycerides into individual fatty acids. Undigested fats can cause high cholesterol, high triglyceride counts, high blood pressure and weight gain.
Dairy Products and Bile
Lactose is a substance found in dairy products that some people, who are lactose intolerant, have a difficult time digesting. Undigested lactose can cause intestinal cramps and diarrhea. The enzyme responsible for lactose digestion is lactase. The liver is another organ that becomes involved in the digestion/enzyme process. The liver makes bile, yet another enzyme that gets stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. When needed, bile is secreted and dissolves fat into the watery contents of the intestines, acting like detergent that dissolves the grease in a frying pan. Then the digestive enzyme lipase can further break down the fats consumed.
Pancreatin and Betaine
Pancreatin, secreted via the pancreas, consists of a mixture of the main enzymes protease, lipase and amylase. Betaine is the main enzymatic component of the gastric juice hydrochloric acid. A deficiency of gastric acid secretion increases the risk of developing bacterial and parasitic infections. Without the proper supply of enzymes, chronic disorders, such as allergies, candida/yeast, asthma, celiac disease and gallstones, is likely. If the body does not have the required enzymes and, therefore, cannot breakdown the food consumed into the individual components utilized by the body and supplementation of digestive enzymes is often recommended.
References
- Vitamins & health supplements guide: Digestive Enzymes
- Enzymes for digestion.com: Digestive Enzymes
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse -- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Your Digestive System and How It Works
- MayoClinic.com: See how your digestive system works
