TREATMENT DATABASE

Gastrointestinal enzymes are secreted in the GI tract for the purpose of breaking down large food molecules into smaller molecules that are more easily absorbed. They are secreted in the mouth by salivary glands, in the stomach, in the pancreas and throughout the small intestine. Enzymes are classed into groups according to their function: proteases split proteins into amino acids, lipases split fat into fatty acids and glycerol, carbohydrases split sugars and carbohydrates into glucose, and nucleases split nucleic acids into nucleotides, which form RNA and DNA. Nucleotides also potentiate the production of ATP.

The mouth is where the digestive process is initiated. Enzymes which are released by salivary glands include lingual lipase, to start the digestion of fats; and amylase, which starts the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose; as well as immune system chemicals such as IgA to battle bacterial toxins, and R-factor which helps with the absorption of B12.

The main enzyme produced in the stomach is pepsin, which breaks down proteins. There are a number of other gastric secretions in the stomach which aid the process of breaking down food, the most important of which are hydrochloric acid (HCl ), which activates pepsin and destroys bacteria; intrinsic factor, which aids in the absorption of B12 by protecting it from HCl ; and gastrin, the hormone which stimulates the stomach lining to produce HCl and intrinsic factor.

The pancreas produces trypsin, which further breaks down proteins into amino acids; pancreatic lipase, which breaks down fats; pancreatic amylase, which further breaks down carbohydrates into glucose; protease, for breaking down proteins; and several nucleases.

The small intestines, among many other chemicals, produce sucrase, to break down sugars; lactase, to break down lactose in milk; and maltase, which breaks maltose down into glucose.

USES IN ME/CFS: Given the broad range of GI disturbances in ME/CFS patients, as well as the importance of the GI tract in maintaining both nutritional health and immune system functioning, digestive enzymes can play a critical role in treatment.

Treatment rating for Digestive Enzymes