Aren’t enzymes taken orally destroyed by stomach acid or the body’s own enzymes?
Some enzymes taken orally, including those made from animal pancreas extracts, become inactive in the low pH of stomach acid. Microbial-derived enzymes are acid-resistant, and can maintain activity at pH as low as 2.0 and as high as 10.0. Microorganisms use their enzymes to break down and digest the plant material that they grow upon. Since the site of fungal growth in nature can vary, fungi have evolved enzyme systems that allow the plant to grow under a variety of conditions, including differences in pH and temperature. Pancreatic enzymes work under a much narrower range of pH in the animal, since their environment is more controlled. Manufacturers often enterically coat pancreatic enzymes to provide resistance to acidity. Some of these coatings contain ingredients considered unhealthful.
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- Aren enzymes taken orally destroyed by stomach acid or the bodys own enzymes?
- Aren’t enzymes taken orally destroyed by stomach acid or the body’s own enzymes?
