Gluten Relief Optimal Digestion

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Compare AST Enzymes’ Digestive Enzyme Blends

When choosing a digestive enzyme supplement, it is important to know the specific benefits of the product and how it meets your needs. Each of AST Enzymes’ digestive enzyme blends are specially designed to suit a variety of digestion concerns and issues.

DigeSEB®-GI is an all-encompassing digestive enzyme blend. Simply put – it has a little bit of everything. By including a variety of enzymes capable of digesting all food types, DigeSEB-GI is very versatile and can be taken with any meal to aid in the digestive process.

Gluten Relief® is specially formulated to assist with the digestion of gluten-rich foods. Products typically characterized by their gluten content such as breads and pasta are also carbohydrate heavy as well. To address this, additional carbohydrate-digesting enzymes are included in Gluten Relief to compliment the powerful DPP-IV activity.

Lacto-Relief has the same benefits of a general digestive enzyme blend; however its high concentration of lactase provides an added bonus to those who struggle with proper dairy and milk product digestion. By combining extra lactase with enzymes for all aspects of food digestion, Lacto-Relief acts as a “one-stop shop” for those seeking digestive relief from difficult-to-digest foods.

Research

The proteolytic enzyme dipeptidyl dipeptidase IV (DPP IV) is contained within the cells that line the villi of the small intestine. Celiac disease research has included the investigation of the role of DPP IV in the digestion of the portion of the protein found in gluten that is recognized as an “offender” by the immune system, also called an epitope.

The particular epitopes of concern in gliadin are rich in the amino acid proline. Studies show that endopeptidases, or enzymes that break protein bonds from within the molecule rather than at the ends, that are normally released by the pancreas do not effectively digest the epitopes. This suggests that DPP IV digestion in the small intestine is critical. Research has also found that DPP IV activity in patients with celiac disease is low and that they may not have the capacity to digest the protein after a gluten-rich meal, contributing to the development of the disease.^1,2,3

Autism research has included the investigation of the role of DPP IV in the digestion of the epitopes that can trigger an autoimmune response. These epitopes have also demonstrated the ability to pass, or permeate, through the lining of the intestines and travel through the blood to the brain where they interfere with normal cognitive processing.⁴

At this time, clinical studies relevant to gluten and casein functions in autism are limited to the removal of these factors from the diet rather than DPP IV supplementation to break them down. Proper maintenance of a gluten-free/casein-free diet is difficult, however, because many everyday foods and items are hidden sources. Researchers looked at supplementing with DPP IV, as well as other prolyl (proline-specific) endopeptidases in celiac disease. They found that supplementing with DPP IV can compensate for the slow protein digestion, and that supplementing with additional proteases like prolyl endopeptidase (PEP), in combination with DPP IV, may be useful in reducing or even eliminating the inflammatory response related to gluten.^5,6

There is growing evidence that suggests that taking a combination of proteases for gluten digestion is more beneficial than a single enzyme. In one study, activity of X-prolyl dipeptidyl aminopeptidase (X-PDAP), a non-specific DPP enzyme, was measured alone and in combination with another enzyme, non-specific monoanimopeptidase (AP). When AP was combined with subtilisin (a serine-specific endopeptidase), gluten digestion was measured at 47%. Upon adding X-PDAP, activity increased to 64%, suggesting a synergism in breaking down proteins when these enzymes are taken as a complex.⁷ Another study looked at the possibilities of a combination enzyme therapy in treating celiac disease. Researchers concluded that by combining 2 enzymes with normal digestive activity it should be possible to increase the safe threshold of ingested gluten, reducing the need for a highly restricted diet for celiac patients.⁸

Enzyme Activity

1.   Kozakova H, Steepankova R, Kolinska J, et al. Brush border enzyme activities in the small intestine after long-term gliadin feeding in animal models of human coeliac disease. Folia Microbiol (Praha). 1998; 43(5):497-500.

2.   Koch S, Anthonsen D, Skovbjerg H, Sjöström H. On the role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in the digestion of an immunodominant epitope in celiac disease. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2003; 524:181-7.

3.   Detel D, Persic M, Varljen J. Serum and Intestinal Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPP IV/CD26) Activity in Children With Celiac Disease. J Ped Gast Nutr. 2007; 45(1):65-70.

4.   Hemmins WA. The entry into the brain of large molecules derived from dietary protein. Proc Roy Soc London Ser B. 1978; 200:175-192.

5.   Marti T, Molberg O, Li Q, et al. Prolyl Endopeptidase-Mediated Destruction of T Cell Epitopes in Whole Gluten: Chemical and Immunological Characterization. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2005; 312(1):19-26.

6.   Hausch F, Shan L, Santiago NA, et al. Intestinal digestive resistance of immunodominant gliadin peptides. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2002; 283(4):G996-G1003.

7.   Resta-Lenert S, Barrett KE. Live probiotics prtect intestinal epithelial cells from the effects of infection with enterovasasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). Gut. 2003; 52:988-97.

8.   De Palma G, Cinova J, Stepankova R, et al. Pivotal Advance: Bifidobacteria and Gram-negative bacteria differentially influence immune responses in the proinflammatory milieu of celiac disease. J Leukocyte Biol. 2010; 87(5):765-78.

FAQ

What is digestive enzyme therapy?

Digestive enzyme therapy is the use of plant or animal-based dietary supplements to aid in digestion and promote balanced metabolism. *All of our products are of plant origin, meaning they are 100% vegetarian/vegan.  Although the body is equipped with enzymes that perform digestive actions, certain conditions can affect their production and effectiveness. States of disease and aging are both factors affecting enzyme production and action.

What is a digestive proteolytic enzyme?

 Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins into their building-blocks, which are called amino acids. The body requires 20 different amino acids, 8 of which are referred to as essential amino acids because they cannot be synthesized by the human body. These essential amino acids must be obtained from the food we eat. Without sufficient proteolytic enzymes, the body is unable to break down and absorb these necessary nutrients. Failure to fully digest proteins can result in undesirable symptoms such as bloating, abdominal cramping, flatulence and diarrhea.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein that is present in wheat, barley and rye products. Gluten is often used in manufacturing food because it provides structural stability and elasticity to the product. Americans are increasingly reporting intolerance to gluten, manifesting as symptoms of gastrointestinal disruption in response to ingestion of offending foods. However, it is difficult to eliminate gluten completely from the diet, as there are several hidden sources.

How long should I take Gluten Relief before feeling results?

Gluten Relief should be taken 5-10 minutes prior to eating. The typical, recommended dose is 1 to 2 capsules per meal. There are several variables that may affect the required dosage, for example:

Content of meal

Size of meal

Severity of intolerance

Nutritional status

Depending on these variables, along with one’s individual response to digestive enzyme therapy, the dose can be as high as 4-5 capsules per meal. It is advisable to experiment with dosage, considering there is no upper limit or adverse effects in exceeding your supplement needs.

What if I miss a dose?

Since digestive enzymes aid in digestion of food that is otherwise difficult to tolerate, finding yourself without them may be tricky. If you want to avoid the symptoms that can accompany indigestion, then the best advice would be to avoid the offending foods altogether.  Unlike systemic enzymes, the effects of digestive enzymes can be seen quickly. Adjusting food content and finding an appropriate dosage is an important balance to acheive.

Why is it important to take Gluten Relief with food?

Since Gluten Relief aids in digestion, it is contraindicated to use the enzyme without eating. Although it is not harmful to take Gluten Relief on an empty stomach, it is simply a waste of money.  If you take digestive enzymes too soon before a meal, you risk the enzyme becoming inactive. The food and enzyme must be in the stomach together for proper results.

Are there any side effects involved with Gluten Relief?

Side effects with Gluten Relief are rare, but not impossible. Mild cramping may occur, as the intestinal lining begins to cleanse. Other rare, but reported side effects include minor gastrointestinal disturbances, like bloating or gas. Starting off at a low dose can minimize any possible side effects. Side effects should clear with regular use, after a tolerance is established.

What does “proprietary blend” mean?

Proprietary refers to a patent, or ownership. Applying this concept to our digestive enzyme blend it means that we alone own the rights to the specific blend of enzymes found in Gluten Relief, making our product different from similarly marketed digestive enzyme supplements. Gluten Relief encompasses an all-inclusive digestive aid product that assists in the digestion of several nutrients, not just gluten.

Can I take Gluten relief with other systemic or digestive enzymes?

Although digestive and systemic enzymes arenot contraindicated in terms of ingredients, they should not be taken at the same time. The purpose of digestive enzymes is to aid in digestion of specific foods, so taking them with food is an obvious recommendation. Because systemic enzymes require an empty stomach for maximum absorption, they must be taken separately from digestive enzymes. There are no adverse interactions between systemic and digestive enzymes, but they serve different purposes, and thus should be taken as directed for best results.

Can I open the capsule and pour it onto my food instead of swallowing the capsule?

If you find that you have trouble swallowing the capsules, pouring its contents onto food is definitely an option. You may also open the capsule into a glass of water, being sure to drink the entire glass. If you choose to take the enzymes this way, it is best to consume the entire content as soon as possible to ensure you are receiving the full benefits within your body (rather than on your plate).