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Published on: 4/20/2000
Last Visited: 5/3/2004
According to Gary Bennett, marketing manager at National Enzyme Co., Forsyth, MO, "Without enzymes, human life would cease to exist…digestive enzymes help break down food into smaller components so that the body can absorb nutrients."
More than a dozen digestive enzymes exist, and each type breaks down a specific type of nutrient.For example, amylase in the saliva breaks down carbohydrates; protease helps break down protein; and lipase aids in digestion of fats.Deficiency in a specific type of enzyme can cause trouble, as in the case of lactose intolerance.The primary sugar in milk, lactose, is broken down by an enzyme called lactase."Thirty percent of Americans lack an ability to produce lactase, and therefore experience major discomfort due to their inability to digest milk and milk products," said Bennett.
According to Bennett and other sources, everyone can benefit from digestive enzyme supplementation."People don't necessarily need to have a digestive problem to need enzymes; if you eat cooked or processed foods, you need them," he said.