Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Enzymes

Frequently asked questions about enzymes, from Houston Nutraceuticals FAQs - scroll down for answers.

1. Do I need all four of HNI's products?

2. What are enzymes?

3. How do enzymes work?

4. What enzymes are in HNI products?

5. Is No-Fenol dangerous?

6. Is there fungus in HNI enzymes?

7. Can these proteases be dangerous?

8. Can I use HNI enzymes with other medications?

9. What can I expect as far as reactions?

10. How long do these symptoms last?

11. Should I only use enzymes if my child is GFCF?

12. Will my child need enzymes for life?

13. I am using the GFCF diet, do I need enzymes?

14. Why use enzymes as dietary supplements?

15. Why take enzymes if I can just eat raw foods?

16. Are oral enzymes destroyed by stomach acid?

17. Will enzymes digest the proteins of my mouth?

18. Can one become dependent upon oral enzymes?

19. Can the rest of the family use these enzymes?

20. Dosing...How much do I need to give my child?

21. When is the best time for giving the enzymes?

22. Is it harmful to take an enzyme and not eat?

23. How can I give enzymes with a school lunch?

24. Can enzyme products replace the GFCF diet?

25. Can I sprinkle enzymes on my childs food?

1. HNI offers four enzymes products. Do I need all of them?

Probably not. Peptizyde™ and AFP Peptizyde™ are purely proteolytic; it only breaks down proteins (though there is some amylase activity present as a side activity of one of the enzyme blends). AFP Peptizyde™ is the better choice if one is sensitive to papaya-derived protein, or is bothered by the mild odor exhibited by Peptizyde™ (due to the papain).

HN-Zyme Prime contains proteases, carbohydrases, and lipase, which will break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively. Both can be taken together. The enzymes will insure bioavailability of all the nutrition in food, especially important for light eaters. The protease activity in HN-Zyme Prime is not nearly as great as in Peptizyde™, so you can customize your enzyme needs to your particular diet.

The Zyme Prime is slightly different from HN-Zyme Prime. One, we made Zyme Prime is made with cellulose filler instead of rice bran. Secondly, we removed the papain, bromelain, and acid-stable protease; thirdly, we upped the amount of lactase and alpha-galactosidase enzymes. So while there is less protease activity in Zyme Prime compared to HN-Zyme Prime, the amount of carbohydrase activity is much higher.

No-Fenol may be combined with the other enzymes, especially the Peptizydes, but is primarily for those with intolerances to the polyphenolic nature of some fruits and vegetables, and in supporting the environment for normal flora within the intestinal tract.

2. What are enzymes?

Enzymes are proteins made by cells in our bodies. They are specialized proteins in that they do work, such as synthesizing chemicals and compounds, rearranging molecules, adding elements to compounds, and breaking down compounds. There are many types of enzymes, and each type does one specific function. For an enzyme to work, it must have access to its substrate, the material upon which an enzyme exerts an action. If no substrate is available to the enzyme, the enzyme performs no function. For example, an enzyme called catalase is present in our blood. Catalase converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen, which is why peroxide bubbles when it is placed on a wound. Since peroxide is not usually in our blood, catalase circulates within the blood, doing nothing until peroxide is introduced into the system. A substrate works as an "on-off" switch for its particular enzyme. Catalase will only be activated in the presence of peroxide and nothing else.

3. How do enzymes work?

Peptizyde™ contains a blend of papain, proteases, and peptidases. All three are types of proteases, which means their function is to break down proteins. Papain is derived from papaya fruit; protease and peptidase are obtained from controlled fermentation of a fungus, Aspergillus oryzae.

HN-Zyme Prime contains 10 enzymes, but is primarily oriented towards the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats. HN-Zyme Prime contains amylase and glucoamylase which help with starches; lactase which breaks down lactose, a milk sugar; and galactosidase, which breaks down raffinose and stachyose, hard-to-digest carbs found in vegetables such as beans and cruciferous vegetables. This enzyme helps decrease gas production caused by fermentation of these carbs. Lipase is included to help with triglycerides fat digestion. HN-Zyme Prime also contains small amounts of bromelain and papain, which are derived from pineapple and papaya, respectively.

No-Fenol contains xylanase, cellulases, phytase, and beta-glucanase. These enzymes are helpful in solubilizing plant fiber and the components that make up plant cell walls. No fruit-derived enzymes are present.

AFP Peptizyde™ is similar to Peptizyde™, but has the papain removed and another fungal protease added. No fruit-derived enzymes are present.

4. What enzymes are in HNI products?

Peptizyde™ contains a blend of papain, proteases, and peptidases. All three are types of proteases, which means their function is to break down proteins. Papain is derived from papaya fruit; protease and peptidase are obtained from controlled fermentation of a fungus, Aspergillus oryzae.

HN-Zyme Prime contains 10 enzymes, but is primarily oriented towards the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats. HN-Zyme Prime contains amylase and glucoamylase which help with starches; lactase which breaks down lactose, a milk sugar; and galactosidase, which breaks down raffinose and stachyose, hard-to-digest carbs found in vegetables such as beans and cruciferous vegetables. This enzyme helps decrease gas production caused by fermentation of these carbs. Lipase is included to help with triglycerides fat digestion. HN-Zyme Prime also contains small amounts of bromelain and papain, which are derived from pineapple and papaya, respectively.

No-Fenol contains xylanase, cellulases, phytase, and beta-glucanase. These enzymes are helpful in solubilizing plant fiber and the components that make up plant cell walls. No fruit-derived enzymes are present.

AFP Peptizyde™ is similar to Peptizyde™, but has the papain removed and another fungal protease added. No fruit-derived enzymes are present.

5. Is No-Fenol dangerous? I read something on the Internet that concerned me.

No-Fenol is not dangerous. The article you read was written by someone who knew nothing about the product, other than the name; and assumed wrongly about how it works. The person making those statements is not an enzymologist, and knows little about how enzymes work. An abundance of safety studies on a number of plant-based enzymes indicates no toxicity or harm at any dose, so you can be assured that no harm will result from taking an enzyme product.

6. Is there fungus in HNI enzymes?

No. The enzymes derived from Aspergillus have been purified from the fungal matter using from 8 to 12 different methods of purification. No fungal matter is present in the enzyme product. If you have a known allergy to Aspergillus proteins, then caution should be used in taking any fungal-derived enzyme product, however, the allergenic portions of Aspergillus are usually those parts of the fungi removed from the enzymes during processing.

7. Can these proteases be dangerous?

Used appropriately, these enzymes pose no danger to the consumer. The biggest problem with enzymes is the inhalation of enzyme dust, or getting large quantities on one's skin, which, in both circumstances can cause irritation, itching, and discomfort. Those in enzyme manufacturing where large amounts of enzyme powder may be contacted need to take measures to limit skin contact and inhalation of enzyme dust.

8. Can I use HNI enzymes with other supplements and medications?

For the vast majority of medications, yes; with the exception of certain time-released meds that use cellulose as part of the time-release mechanism. It may be possible that enzyme products containing CELLULASE may break down the cellulose, causing more medication to be released. Enzymes will not interact with or be affected by the active ingredient in medications or supplements. This includes anti-depressants, seizure meds, and any other pharmaceutical product. Since these products are designed to withstand the digestive enzymes found in the small intestine, then obviously, they will not be harmed by oral enzymes.

9. I have never used an enzyme product with my child. What can I expect as far as reactions?

The reactions are variable. If you are not on the GFCF diet, the use of enzymes may cause an increase in hyperactivity or irritability. The child may actually appear to be worse, and may be due to the decrease of certain food-derived peptides in his or her system. Symptoms may appear as hyperactivity, being more sensitive to pain and stimulus, aggression, and sleep disturbances. In addition, digestive changes may be noticed, such as increased frequency of bowel movements (not diarrhea), less stool being passed, and a possible increase in gas production. All these are usually temporary and should be resolved in a matter of days.

10. How long is the adjustment period?

The problem behavior may not appear at all, but if they do, the majority get through this period in about a week. In a few instances, the problem behaviors may last for up to 3 months.

11. Should I only use enzymes if my child is on the GFCF diet?

No, it is perfectly fine to use these enzymes even if you aren't following the diet. In fact, it is more important to use enzymes if you are not GFCF, because the enzymes should more thoroughly break down food proteins such as gluten and casein, and decreases the chances of producing peptides such as casomorphin and gluteomorphin.

12. Will my child need enzyme products for life?

Firstly, one does not develop a dependence for enzyme products. Studies have shown little or no effect on pancreatic enzyme production in humans with long-term oral enzyme administration. Secondly, enzyme products may not necessarily be required for life. Some who have used Peptizyde and HN-Zyme Prime consistently for several months have noted that they often tolerate foods that previously caused problems, EVEN WITHOUT TAKING THE ENZYMES. Thirdly, many people have made enzymes the mainstay of their diet for years. Enzymes provide help with digestion, and as we age, problems with food tolerance may increase, such as becoming lactose intolerant. Taking enzymes will often help such intolerances.

13. But my child is already on the GFCF diet, do I still need enzymes?

In the opinion of many, yes. Sources of exorphins are not completely determined. While we know that gluten, casein, and possibly soy produce exorphins when exposed to pancreatic enzymes, there may be other sources that have not been identified. It is known that breakdown of hemoglobin, from within the body, or through eating meat not well drained of blood, is a source of hemorphins, which produce the same effects as exorphins. This may explain why some do not see much improvement with the diet; sources of exorphin production from within (normal breakdown of red blood cells, yeast, bacteria (good and bad)) may be contributing to the exorphin load.

14. Why would one need an enzyme product as a dietary supplement?

In short, to replace the food enzymes missing from our cooked diets. All raw foods, including meats, have some protease and enzyme activity present. For example, green bananas have amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch to glucose. In a number of days, the amylase converts the raw starch of the banana to sugar, which is why bananas which have darkened are so much sweeter tasting. Kiwis have an abundance of a protease known as actinidin, which is why you can't make jello with fresh kiwis. The protease degrades gelatin protein such that it cannot "harden" or set. Figs contain ficin, a protease similar to papain (from papaya) and bromelain (from pineapple).

Cooking or other types of processing destroys enzyme activity (which is the basis for "canning" of vegetables). It is thought that the enzymes present in raw food also contribute to its breakdown once eaten. These food enzymes can survive the pH of the fed stomach (about 4.5 to 5.5) for some time and so can contribute to the digestion of food while in the stomach.

15. So, why take an enzyme supplement if I can just eat raw foods?

One could, except that raw food diets are difficult to maintain. Eating raw meat, with the danger of bacterial toxins, is not recommended as a means of obtaining food enzymes. Also, the amount of enzymes present in raw food is such that it would take many hours to adequately digest the food (note how long it takes for a green banana to ripen). Enzyme supplements are a concentrated form of food enzymes that may be added to any diet so breakdown of food will occur at a faster rate.

16. Aren't enzymes taken orally destroyed by stomach acid or the body's own enzymes?

Most enzymes taken orally, including those made from pig pancreas extracts, are inactivated by the low pH of stomach acid. Fungal enzymes, however, are acid-resistant, having activity at pH as low as 2.0 and as high as 10. Fungal plants use their enzymes to break down and digest plant material that they grow upon. Since the site of fungal growth in nature can vary, the fungus has evolved enzyme systems that allow the plant to grow under a variety of conditions, including differences in pH. Pancreatic enzymes are designed to work under a much narrow range of pH, since its environment is more controlled. Pancreatic enzymes available as prescription drugs must be enterically coated to provide resistance to acidity. Some of the coatings contain methyl acrylate, which some speculate as the causative agent in fibrosing of the colon seen with prolonged high dosing of pancreatic enzymes.

17. Won't enzymes digest the proteins of my mouth, stomach, or intestine?

No. These enzymes much prefer the denatured (cooked, or exposed to stomach acid) proteins found in foods. Most proteins, in their natured state, are coiled and globular in structure, preventing access to cleavage sites of the enzyme. When heated or in extremes of pH (like stomach acid), the proteins uncoil, exposing sites where the enzyme can bind and cleave. Also, the cells of our bodies and the mucus lining the gastrointestinal tract contain protease inhibitors that inactivate protease enzymes. In addition, the mucus acts as a physical barrier to proteolytic activity on living cells.

Remember, the pancreas exposes your small intestine to a barrage of enzymes every time you eat, and the enzymes don't break down the intestine. Some report irritation of the mouth if enzyme powder remains on the cheeks or gums for a prolonged time. This is similar to what happens when one eats raw pineapple (a source of the protease bromelain) and gets sores in the mouth. A layer of dead cells covers our mouth and throat (the whitish-colored layer). Enzymes left in the mouth can start to break down this layer of dead skin, and when the fresh, raw layer of tissue is exposed to saliva, irritation can sometimes be felt. Just be sure if you open a capsule to mix it with food, that you eat additional food or drink a beverage afterwards to insure the entire enzyme is cleared from the mouth and throat.

18. Can one become dependent upon oral enzymes? Will the pancreas stop functioning if I take enzymes for a long time?

No. Pancreatic enzyme secretion is due to hormonal signals resulting from mechanical stretching of the stomach wall as food enters as well as from the act of chewing, tasting and smelling food. Research has shown some adaptability of the pancreas in animals; giving oral enzymes resulted in a slight decrease in pancreatic enzyme output that quickly returned to normal once enzymes were stopped.

19. Can the rest of the family use these enzymes?

Certainly. Anyone who eats food can benefit from enzymes, including babies and toddlers. Both Peptizydes and HN-Zyme Prime can provide benefits to anyone, primarily as digestive aids. These products will ease the bloating, gas, and heaviness associated with meals. No-Fenol may also help with those on high-fiber and vegetarian diets.

20. What about dosing? How much do I need to give my child?

We recommend starting with one (1) capsule (of each product if giving Peptizyde™ and HN-Zyme Prime) per significant meal, meaning not giving the products with light snacks (unless the snack has casein or gluten!), and giving more if no improvement is noticed. There is no upper limit to dosing, and no toxicity associated with enzymes. Dosing should be by size of meal, not body weight, since the enzymes are contained within the intestinal tract, and do not appreciably distribute to other areas of the body. Feel free to experiment with dosing to find the level that best suits your child's individual needs.

No-Fenol may be one of the few enzyme products that need only be given once or twice a day, or 1/3 to 1/2 capsule per meal. The enzymes in No-Fenol appear to be long-lasting, and given the fact that they are not working on proteins, may provide longer activity per dose than other enzyme products.

21. When is the best time for giving the enzymes?

Preferably with the first few bites of the meal or just prior to mealtime (10 -15 minutes). But the important point is to take the enzyme, if not at the beginning, then during or after eating. Food stays in the stomach for up to 90 minutes, therefore, introducing enzymes anytime during the meal will still provide benefits.

Some may find better results by giving the enzymes as much as 30 minutes before the meal. This extra time may be needed by some to allow the veggie capsule to dissolve. This obviously is not necessary if you open the capsules and mix it with foods or drink. Most laboratory dissolution testing indicates that vegetable capsules take only a little more time to dissove than gelatin capsules.

If one is a "grazer", that is, eats constantly during the day, you may wish to give the enzymes at fixed dosing intervals, such as every 4 or 5 hours during the day.

Giving enzymes with snacks is a judgement call. Obviously, if the snack is wheat or dairy, then giving Peptizyde would be helpful. Other types of snack may not require the additional enzyme dosing.

For maximum dosing, it is doubtful that more than 3 Peptizydes, or more than 4 Zyme Primes, will provide any additional activity.

22. My child took an enzyme, and then didn't eat. Is this harmful?

No, the enzymes only work on food. Since enzymes are protein, the body will eventually process the enzymes as any other food protein. Many take high doses of enzyme products on an empty stomach to facilitate systemic enzyme uptake, that is, the uptake of enzymes into the circulation. To do this requires large amounts of enzyme, as only a small fraction of the enzyme is absorbed.

23. How can I give the enzymes with my child's school lunch?

Often you can work with the school to arrange supplementation. If not, you may try mixing the enzymes into a cold drink in a thermos and adding ice cubes to keep it cold. The cooler (even frozen) you keep an enzyme, the longer it lasts. This is important because enzymes become activated, and then start losing their activity once put into a liquid solution.

24. Can I use enzymes as an alternative to the GFCF diet?

Some have wondered whether enzyme products such as Peptizyde™ are meant to replace the gluten-free/casein-free diet. After much feedback from parents on the use of these products, the answer is now: "Definitely" for some, and "quite possibly" for many others.

HNI believes that these enzyme products can produce as good, or even better results, than the GFCF diet. It is not the position of Houston Nutraceuticals to detract from the usefulness of the GFCF diet. We feel that high-quality enzyme products such as Peptizyde™ are meant to achieve the same purpose as that of the diet: to reduce the amount of exorphin peptides produced from diet. Based on well-characterized mechanisms of enzyme actions, one may assume that supplementation of the GFCF diet with Peptizyde™ helps to not only reduce or inhibit the production of exorphins from food proteins, but supports digestion, insures complete degradation of food proteins, and increases bioavailability of food proteins.

HNI is, however, committed to the advancement of effective enzyme products as an eventual proven and safe alternative to the GFCF diet. Due to the established safety and non-toxicity of enzyme-containing supplements, HNI is of the opinion that parents have the right to try any and all means to better the lives of their children and their family. As the wheels of science often turn slowly, parents should have the option to try SAFE alternatives to the GFCF diet. It is the opinion of HNI that sufficient historical, anecdotal, and scientific evidence is present from the use of hundreds of enzyme products to justify such experimentation in a prudent and responsible manner, and should be allowed without repercussion or harsh judgment put upon those who try.

HNI is neither for nor against the diet, but rather for a resolution of the dietary problems faced by many families.

25. My child won't swallow capsules. Can I sprinkle the enzymes on her food?

Yes. The enzymes will mix with food or beverages, although it may tend to clump. The enzymes have a "grassy" taste, which can be easily masked with fruit juice, ketchup, etc. Please be careful to not inhale the enzyme powder, and to clear any residual enzyme powder from the mouth and throat area with additional food or beverage.