Category: Gastrointestinal

Butyrate is one of the three most abundant short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by anaerobic bacterial fermentation of polysaccharides/fiber in the colon, where it serves as an energy source for epithelial cells. Butyrate plays a major role in intestinal physiology, supporting both physical and biochemical protective barrier function, bowel motility, nutrient absorption, and immune activity of intestinal cells. It also promotes the proliferation, differentiation and renewal process of the colonocytes. Research suggests that SCFAs produced by intestinal bacteria activate key players in the regulation of energy metabolism in the gut as well as regulate healthy gene expression for mucin production, supporting tight-junction assembly, healthy mucous production, and a healthy intestinal barrier. In a four-week study comparing a standard low-fiber Western diet to a high-fiber diet with high levels of resistant starch from potato and wheat bran concentrated in the hemicellulose fiber arabinoxylan, levels of butyrate, acetate and other SCFAs significantly increased, as did epithelial mucin 2 (MUC2) and the tight junction protein occludin. SCFAs also help protect epithelial cells by modulating oxidative stress and immune mediators, including prostaglandins; cytokines such as TNF-a, IL-6, IL-10; and the transcription factor NF-kB. Clinical trials indicate that butyrate supplementation supports intestinal function and promotes healthy cytokine balance in the G.I. tract. In a 30-day trial involving 50 subjects, 1 g butyrate promoted healthy G.I. motility and abdominal comfort, and reduced bloating in 68% of subjects. Preliminary research suggests SCFAs could also offer support for blood vessel and blood-brain barrier integrity, as well as relaxation and satiety. Animal studies suggest that SCFA supplementation may moderate corticosterone response and promote the secretion of peptide YY, to inhibit gastric emptying and intestinal transit time. As butyrate is typically produced in the colon, oral butyrate salts have poor palatability and are easily degraded by stomach acid, preventing delivery to the colon. Novel triglyceride-form SunButyrate offers a light and pleasant-tasting, unique triglyceride-form sunflower-based oil designed to protect butyrate from degradation in the stomach and upper G.I. tract. G.I. models and in vitro tests reveal 6-8% breakdown in the stomach compared to 70% breakdown in other forms, while maintaining >90% breakdown in the intestine.‡

This formula is designed to aid the body’s natural digestive process. It provides a highly concentrated form of enzymes naturally secreted by the pancreas which are essential to the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. The formula contains lipase, which digests fat; proteases, which digest protein; and amylases, which digest starch. This formula is offered in acid-resistant capsules to maximize delivery to the G.I. tract.‡

This formula is designed to aid the body’s natural digestive process. It provides a highly concentrated form of enzymes naturally secreted by the pancreas which are essential to the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. The formula contains lipase, which digests fat; proteases, which digest protein; and amylases, which digest starch. This formula is offered in acid-resistant capsules to maximize delivery to the G.I. tract.‡

This enzyme blend provides a broad acting formulation derived from the plant sources Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger. It is a vegetarian alternative to Pancreatic Enzyme Formula for carbohydrate, lipid and protein digestion. These enzymes have several unique properties that enhance their ability to promote the optimal breakdown of foods and nutrients, including broad substrate specificity. This means that these enzymes have the ability to recognize and help digest a large number of target molecules. Plant enzymes are also active in a wide pH range, from about 3.5-8.5, indicating that their actions begin in the stomach and continue in the small intestine, promoting complete digestion. Pure Encapsulations Pancreatic VegEnzymes is designed to be comparable in amylase, protease and lipase profile to Pancreatic Enzyme Formula/500 mg pancreatin.

This patented, 1:1 chelate of zinc and l-carnosine provides a unique configuration that is important to this compound’s activity. Zinc-carnosine has a slow disassociation rate and adheres to the stomach lining, allowing for prolonged protection. Once dissociated, zinc and carnosine provide synergistic antioxidant protection, support the stomach’s mucosal defenses, buffer gastric acid and maintain healthy cytokine release. Studies have suggested that this combination has greater effects on the integrity of the gastric lining than either ingredient alone. One Japanese multi-center, double-blind study involving 299 subjects described a positive effect of zinc-carnosine on objective and subjective parameters of normal gastric health and repair functions, especially after 8 weeks. Seven additional clinical evaluations with more than 550 volunteers indicate similar results. In recent in vitro and in vivo studies, zinc-carnosine stimulated healthy gut repair by supporting healthy colon cell reproduction and maintaining healthy villous function. In a double-blind, randomized, crossover trial, zinc-carnosine maintained healthy gut permeability. Extensively studied and utilized in Japan, this zinc-carnosine combination has an excellent safety profile.

Artemisia, which contains artemisinin, has been used traditionally for thousands of years to promote healthy microbial balance within the body. Oregano oil powder offers antioxidant and microbial-balancing properties. In vitro and animal research suggests that oregano oil and clove can diffuse through microbial cell membranes, promoting membrane permeability. Berberine sulfate is a highly concentrated microbial-balancing compound. Olive leaf extract contains the active constituent oleuropein, a phenolic glucoside that helps maintain healthy G.I. microorganism balance and may help support immune function.‡

Artemisia, which contains artemisinin, has been used traditionally for thousands of years to promote healthy microbial balance within the body. Oregano oil powder offers antioxidant and microbial-balancing properties. In vitro and animal research suggests that oregano oil and clove can diffuse through microbial cell membranes, promoting membrane permeability. Berberine sulfate is a highly concentrated microbial-balancing compound. Olive leaf extract contains the active constituent oleuropein, a phenolic glucoside that helps maintain healthy G.I. microorganism balance and may help support immune function.‡

MotilPro supports serotonergic and cholinergic neurotransmission in the G.I. tract. 5-HTP is absorbed by enterochromaffin cells in the epithelium, in which it is decarboxylated to serotonin using pyridoxal 5′ phosphate as a cofactor. 5-HTP stimulates enteric neurons through activation of 5HT4 receptors. Ginger modulates serotonin signaling by additional 5HT4 stimulation and by binding type 3 (5HT3) receptors in the enteric nervous system and brain stem, supporting gastric emptying, intestinal transit, healthy visceral sensation and upper G.I. comfort. Acetyl-l-carnitine supports autonomic neuronal health and contributes acetyl groups for the synthesis of acetylcholine, supporting neurotransmission of signals to encourage healthy motility.‡

Gluten/Dairy Digest contains a blend of digestive enzymes targeting gluten and dairy digestion. It provides a blend of proteases specially formulated with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) activity to help break down gluten peptide fragments in normal digestive systems. Studies suggest that it may also promote a healthy cytokine balance to support G.I. comfort and function. Additionally, this formula provides a unique mixture of protease enzymes and lactase to assist digestion of multiple constituents of milk and dairy products. Protease enzymes targeting casein and beta-lactoglobulin proteins support dairy protein digestion. Casein is the predominant protein in milk and cheese. Beta-lactoglobulin occurs primarily in the whey fraction of milk. It is an acid-stable protein and therefore may not be broken down by pepsin and pancreatin. Lactase breaks down the milk sugar lactose, helping to relieve occasional bloating or gas that some people can experience from dairy consumption. If you are on a controlled diet and/or under the care of a health professional for dairy and/or gluten digestion, continue to follow those recommendations. This product is not intended to substitute for the recommendations of a health professional. ‡

Gluten/Dairy Digest contains a blend of digestive enzymes targeting gluten and dairy digestion. It provides a blend of proteases specially formulated with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) activity to help break down gluten peptide fragments in normal digestive systems. Studies suggest that it may also promote a healthy cytokine balance to support G.I. comfort and function. Additionally, this formula provides a unique mixture of protease enzymes and lactase to assist digestion of multiple constituents of milk and dairy products. Protease enzymes targeting casein and beta-lactoglobulin proteins support dairy protein digestion. Casein is the predominant protein in milk and cheese. Beta-lactoglobulin occurs primarily in the whey fraction of milk. It is an acid-stable protein and therefore may not be broken down by pepsin and pancreatin. Lactase breaks down the milk sugar lactose, helping to relieve occasional bloating or gas that some people can experience from dairy consumption. If you are on a controlled diet and/or under the care of a health professional for dairy and/or gluten digestion, continue to follow those recommendations. This product is not intended to substitute for the recommendations of a health professional. ‡