Re: Enzymes, from David

Ana,

I can certainly tell that you are serious about learning the true
facts about health and nutriition. I hope you enjoy the books and
the following informative email.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Why All Enzymes Are Not Created Equal

There are a number of enzyme supplement products on the
market today. Only by analyzing the contents' labeling to
compare products can you be sure you are getting the best
product available.

"Commercial enzymes" are one product you may come across.
Commercial enzymes are of a lesser grade and purity than
pharmaceutical enzymes. They are less expensive to produce.
They are also much less potent.

Another thing to watch for on the label is fillers. Fillers can be
many things including leftover fibers or cellulose. It is important
to use a product that has NO FILLERS in any of its enzyme
formulations!

Looking at labels of products you will find measurement units
you may not be familiar with. These are from the Food Chemical
Codex (FCC). The FCC is published by the National Academy
Press and is the accepted standard of the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. The system for determining enzyme potency used
by the American food industry is derived from the FCC. This is
the ONLY National Standard for evaluation of enzymes. This
system establishes activity levels and potency for enzymes.

Most food comparisons are based on weight. With enzymes the
key measurement is the " unit of activity and potency". There is no
direct relationship between weight and units of activity.

The enzyme activity of products should be measured and
reported in FCC units. These unit measurements are expressed
as follows:

Protease - HUT (Hemoglobin Unit Tyrosine base)

Amylase - DU (Alpha-amylase Dextrinizing units)

Lipase - LU (Lipase unit)

Cellulase - CU (Cellulase unit)

Invertase - IAU (Invertase Activity unit)

Lactase - LacU (Lactase unit)

Maltase - DP (degrees Diastatic power)

When comparing enzyme products make sure measurements are
listed using FCC standard codes. Some manufacturers make up
their own abbreviations. Others use weights such as milligrams (mgs).
Still others will list measurements based on dosage which may be
more than one ca psule.

Because of the variety of labeling formats used it is important to read
carefully and make sure you are not comparing apples to oranges.

Enzyme Tour #3 starts tomorrow and will cover Enzyme Nutrition.

See you then!
David

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