Frequently Asked Questions About Enzymes and Systemic Enzymes

01. What Are Enzymes?
02. How Do Enzymes Work?
03. What is a Digestive Enzyme?
04. What is a Proteolytic Enzyme?
05. What is a Lipase Enzyme?
06. What is an Amylase Enzyme?
07. What is Systemic Enzyme Therapy?
08. What Else are Enzymes Used For?
09. Are Enzymes Considered "Anti-Inflammatory Drugs"?


10. What is the recommended dosage for Systemic Enzymes?
11. How long before the Systemic Enzymes take effect?
12. How effective are Systemic Enzymes?
13. Are there any side effects with taking Systemic Enzymes?
14. Are there any compatibility issues with other nutraceuticals?
15. Are there any compatibility issues with any prescribed drugs?
16. Why do you call Systemic Enzymes a vegetarian product?
17. How are Systemic Enzymes produced?
18. What is serrapeptase and where does it come from?
19. Does weather affect your product?
20. Where can I learn more?



01. What are enzymes?
Enzymes are found in every cell of every living plant and animal, including humans. Enzymes are biocatalysts, which means that they either begin a reaction or cause a reaction to speed up. Without enzymes, life would not exist.


02. How do enzymes work?
Enzymes work by virtue of their shape. An enzyme molecule can be compared, in shape at least, to many short strings of pearls (amino acids) strung together. This long string folds in on itself as certain sequences of amino acids (pearls) are more attracted to each other than to other sequences, thus giving the enzymes a specific shape. At one point, on the surface of this string of pearls there exists something which looks like a keyhole. This is called the "active site" on the enzyme. When matched with its specific coenzyme (a vitamin, mineral, or trace element) this "lock" has the exact inverse contour of the "key" which is contained in the molecule of the enzyme's "substrate" (the molecule that the enzyme wants to transform into a different molecule). When the substrate appears, it inserts the "key" into the "lock". The molecular structure of the substrate is transformed into a different molecular structure, and both enzyme and the newly transformed molecue go on their merry ways.


03. What is a digestive enzyme?
A digestive enzyme breaks down the proteins, fats and carbohydrates in food during the digestive process, allowing the body to better utilize the food you eat.


04. What is a proteolytic enzyme?
Proteolytic enzymes digest protein. Some examples of proteolytic enzymes are protease, serrapeptase, bromelain, and papain.


05. What is a lipase enzyme?
Lipase enzymes digest fat.


06. What is an amylase enzyme?
Amylase enzymes digest carbohydrates.


07. What is systemic enzyme therapy?
Systemic enzyme therapy utilizes enzyme supplementation to increase the enzymes throughout your body to assist in restoring the body to health.


08. What else are enzymes used for?
Enzymes are widely used in the food industry. Enzymes are also essential in the manufacture of beer.


09. Are enzymes considered "anti-inflammatory drugs"?
Proteolytic enzymes are considered anti-inflammatory agents.


10. What is the recommended dosage for Systemic Enzymes?
The recommended dosage is 3 capsules, 1 to 3 times daily. Take capsules at least 30 minutes before a meal, 60 minutes after a meal or any time in-between meals. However, since each individual is different, a higher or lower dosage may be appropriate for each individual. It is important to understand each person's "activation" dosage.


11. How long before the Systemic Enzymes take effect?
It depends on the individual's physiological make-up. Everyone is different. Testimonials have reported positive effects ranging from 3 days to 2 weeks. Taking the right activation dosage is critical to the success of the product.


12. How effective are Systemic Enzymes?
The FDA does not allow the nutraceutical industry to make claims about their products without scientific studies being performed that substantiate the claims.


13. Are there any side effects with taking Systemic Enzymes?
We currently have no documented evidence of any adverse side effects based on the use of Systemic Enzymes. You should not take this product without the consent of your physician if you are currently taking anti-coagulants, commonly known as blood thinners.


14. Are there any compatibility issues with other nutraceuticals?
No. In fact, since vitamins are coenzymes and minerals are cofactors to enzymes, enzymes are needed in the body for both of them to be able to have their full effect. In addition, the vitamins and minerals assist the enzymes. Thus, Systemic Enzyme use enhances the effect of other supplementation programs.


15. Are there any compatibility issues with any prescribed drugs?
Yes. Those using anti-coagulants, or blood thinners, should not use Systemic Enzymes without the consent of their physician. The enzymes enhance the effects of the blood thinning medications, making them stronger.


16. Are Systemic Enzymes a vegetarian product?
The enzymes used in Systemic Enzymes are plant derived with no animal products. This allows everyone, including strict vegetarians, to use them. Some enzyme products use ingredients that are derived from bovine (cow) sources.


17. How are Systemic Enzymes produced?
The enzymes in Systemic Enzymes come from two sources: the fruit enzymes, along with Amla and Rutin, are from fruit grown in organic plantations; and the protease and serrapeptase are lab grown in a protein (fungus) medium. The enzymes are then extracted from the medium so that not a trace of fungus is left on the enzyme and the purity is assured.


18. What is serrapeptase and where does it come from?
Serrapeptase is a powerful proteolytic enzyme. In Japan, it is a registered anti-inflammatory medicine sold under the product name Dasen®. Serrapeptase is laboratory grown.


19. Does weather affect Systemic Enzymes?
Exposure to heat over 150 degrees for an extended period of time can destroy the enzymes. They should be stored in a cool, dry place with the lid of the bottle tightly closed.


20. Where can I learn more?
Visit our Systemic Enzyme page for more information.