Enzyme Functions

Each hydrolytic enzyme is named after the substances it hydrolyzes. Below is a list of the functions of specific carbohydrases, lipases and proteases. For more detailed data on these enzymes, please contact us.

CARBOHYDRASES

Alpha-Galactosidase

  • Helps digest gas promoting carbohydrates, such as raffinose, and stachyose
  • Especially helpful with cruciferous vegetables and legumes
  • Measured in FCC GalU (Galactosidase Units)

Amylase

  • Hydrolyzes carbohydrates, such as starch and glycogen
  • Measured in FCC DU (Dextrinizing Units)

Beta-glucanase

  • Breaks down polysaccharides known as beta D-glucans which are associated with grains, such as barley, oats, and wheat
  • Measured in FCC BGU (Betaglucanase Units)

Cellulase

  • Degrades cellulose and cellulose derivatives producing smaller polysaccharides and glucose
  • Helps free nutrients in both fruits and vegetables
  • Measured in FCC CU (Cellulase Units)

Diastase

  • Degrades maltose to glucose
  • Measured in DP (Degrees of Diastatic Power)

Glucoamylase

  • Converts starch completely into glucose which is the carbohydrate most usable for energy
  • Measured in FCC AGU (Amyloglucosidase Units)

Hemicellulase

  • Digests soluble fibers seen in plant cell walls
  • Used to release nutrients bound in the cellular structure of fruits and vegetables
  • Measured in FCC HCU (Hemicellulase Units)

Invertase

  • Splits sucrose into its component sugars, glucose and fructose, so they can be utilized
  • Measured in FCC SU (Sumner Units)

Lactase

  • Converts lactose (milk sugar) into its component sugars, glucose and galactose
  • Supports digestion of dairy products for those with lactose intolerance
  • Measured in FCC ALU (Lactase Units)

Pectinase

  • Degrades carbohydrates, such as pectin, found in many fruits and vegetables
  • Measured in AJDU

Xylanase

  • A type of Hemicellulase which specifically degrades the xylose-containing polymers found in wheat, oats and barley
  • Measured in XU (Xylanase Units)

LIPASES

Lipase

  • Breaks down triglycerides and improves fat utilization
  • Supports gallbladder function
  • Measured in FCC FIP

PROTEASES

Bromelain

  • Degrades many types of proteins into smaller components
  • Supports normal inflammatory response
  • Measured in FCC PU

Chymotrypsin

  • Hydrolyzes proteins preferentially releasing the aromatic amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine
  • Supports normal inflammatory response
  • Measured in USP Units

Nattokinase

  • Hydrolyzes fibrin
  • Used to improve blood circulation
  • Measured in FU (Fibrin units)

Papain

  • Breaks down protein
  • Supports normal inflammatory response
  • Measured in FCC PU (Papain Units)

Peptidase

  • Releases amino acids from proteins and polypeptides
  • Measured in FCC HUT units

Protease

  • Breaks down proteins into smaller polypeptide fragments and amino acids
  • Used to improve digestion of proteins for improved nutrition and to reduce allergenicity of the proteins
  • Measured in FCC HUT (Hemoglobin Units in a Tyrosine Base)

Serrapeptidase (or serratiopeptidase)

  • Degrades certain proteins associated with inflammation
  • Measured in SPU units

Trypsin

  • Hydrolysis of proteins with preferential release of lysine and arginine
  • Along with chymotrypsin, the proteolytic enzyme produced by the pancreas gland to digest dietary proteins

OTHERS

Catalase

  • Breaks hydrogen peroxide down into water and oxygen
  • One of the most potent enzyme antioxidants
  • Measured in FCC Baker Units

Pancreatin

  • Digests protein, starch, and lipids into smaller components
  • Measured in USP

Phytase

  • Hydrolyzes phytic acid, an indigestible organic form of phosphorous
  • Helps with mineral absorption
  • Measured in FCC FTU (Phytase Units)

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. The information contained in this website is intended for educational purposes only. If you are currently taking medications, or have other health-related conditions, consult a physician before adding supplements to your diet.