Overview

Why use supplemental digestive enzymes?
Because the more fully broken down a food is, the more useful it is.^†
The digestive system requires a variety of enzymes to break down food into simple components that can be used by the body. Supplemental digestive enzymes can help unlock nutrition from food.^†

Why use CompleteGest^®†?
It provides superior support of carbohydrate, protein, fat and fiber digestion.^†
CompleteGest^®† is a combination of plant enzymes to support complete digestion of all types of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.^† The blend of enzymes is unique because it is active across a broad pH range in the digestive tract.^†

It is a potent, vegetarian source of digestive enzymes:
CompleteGest^®† is perfect for people who prefer not to get their digestive enzymes from animal sources.^†

Directions

One or two UltraCaps^™ with meals three times daily.

Pill Size

Interactions and Depletions

Technical Data

Description

The digestive system requires a variety of enzymes to break down food into simple components that can be used by the body. CompleteGest^® provides a combination of plant enzymes to support complete digestion of all types of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.^† The blend of enzymes in CompleteGest^® is unique because they are active across a broad pH range in the digestive tract.† This formula contains no animal products in the ingredients or the capsule components; it is a vegetarian formula.

Introduction

Enzymes are complex proteins that are produced by living cells and initiate or catalyze specific biochemical reactions in the body.¹ Each enzyme has a specific action it carries out. This action is made possible by the enzyme's ability to interact with and cause changes to occur in its unique substrate or set of substrates.

Enzymes are present in the digestive juices. They act upon food, breaking down the complex food components into simpler ones that can be used by the body for energy.² Digestion cannot take place without the enzymes that are produced in our bodies or that are ingested in foods. Therefore, the food that we eat would not be absorbed and utilized were it not for the actions of enzymes.

There are many enzymes that are part of the digestion process. The three main types of enzymes involved in digestion are amylase, protease, and lipase.^2,3 Enzymes that break down the starch (carbohydrate) in food are called amylases. Proteases break down the protein in food and lipases break down fat.

Other enzymes, such as sucrase, lactase, and maltase, have a secondary function in digestion.³ These enzymes break down complex sugars into simple sugars which can be utilized by our bodies for energy. The enzyme sucrase acts on sucrose (a sugar) in food, breaking it down into glucose and fructose.³ Lactase breaks down the dairy sugar, lactose, into glucose and galactose.³ Maltase breaks down the sugar maltose into glucose.³

The digestive tract, which includes the stomach, small intestines, and large intestines, has varying pH levels throughout. The stomach's pH is very acidic while the pH of the intestines is alkaline. Because of this pH variation, the enzymes involved in the digestion process need to be optimally active at different pH levels.⁴ The following chart summarizes the optimum pH ranges in which CompleteGest's different digestive enzymes are most active.

The measurement of enzyme potency in dietary supplements is more complex than measuring the potency of vitamins, minerals, or herbs. Accurate measurement depends on enzyme concentration, environment (pH and temperature), and substrate (the fuel for the enzyme).

There are many scientific systems used for measuring enzyme activity. The most common enzyme measurement systems are Food Chemical Codex (FCC), United States Pharmacoepia (USP), and Federal Internationale Pharmaceutique (FIP). Each different enzyme measurement system has an enzyme assay method with its own units of measurements.

ACID	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	ALKALINE
Protease I
Protease II
Protease III
Protease IV
Amylase
Cellulase
Phytase
Lactase
Sucrase
Maltase
Lipase I
Lipase II

For example, the enzyme amylase has an activity over a very wide pH range. This means that the enzyme “works” or is active in a pH range of 3 – 8. Because of this wide range of activity, it is often tested using different analytical methods to measure its enzyme activity at different pH's. Using the USP Method XXI that tests the enzyme activity at a pH of 6.8, the amylase had an activity of 16,000 USP units. Using the FCC Method IV that tests the enzyme activity at a pH of 4.8, the amylase had an activity of 11,900 DU (Dextrinizing units).

The amylase enzyme example above applies to all the different types of enzymes, such as proteases, lipases, etc. This example shows that the same enzyme can have two different activity levels when exposed to different pH's. This illustrates that enzyme activity is not based on the amount of enzyme present, but rather how fast the enzyme breaks down the substrate within the given parameters of the test method such as pH or temperature.

It is impossible to make direct comparisons between different measurement units (such as the FIP unit, USP unit, and FCC unit). Different enzymes act upon different substrates and their enzyme activity are measured using different methods. The enzymes used in CompleteGest^® are tested for potency and activity using the most validated test method that is applicable to that type of enzyme.

How Does It Work?

CompleteGest^®† is a proprietary blend of vegetarian enzymes that are active across a broad pH range in the digestive tract.^† It provides a higher potency and broader range of digestive enzymes than other products.^† As a result of the higher potency and broader range of the digestive enzymes' activity, CompleteGest^®† provides superior support of carbohydrate, protein, fat, and fiber digestion.^†

Protease I, II, III, IV
Proteases are enzymes that break down protein during the digestion process. These enzymes primarily work in the neutral to alkaline environment of the intestine; however they can function in the stomach as well. Proteins are ultimately broken down into amino acids.³

CompleteGest^®† contains four different proteases to enhance protein digestion in different pH ranges of the digestive tract.^† The blend of the four proteases is active in a pH range of 2 – 10, meaning that this blend is enzymatically active in both the stomach and the intestine.^† This range of enzyme activity enhances protein digestion throughout the digestion system.^†

The four proteases in CompleteGest^®† are from different species of Aspergillus. Protease I is from Aspergillus melleus. Proteases II and III are from Aspergillus oryzae. Protease IV is from Aspergillus niger.

Because of the broad range of enzyme activity, the activity of the blended proteases is measured using different analytical methods that require different substrates and different pH's.

Enzyme(s)	Active pH Range	Test	pH of Test	Enzyme Activity	Substance Digested
Proteases I-IV	2-10	FCC IV	4.7	41,000 HUT	Protein
Proteases I-IV	2-10	FCC IV	7.0	24,375 PC	Protein
Proteases I-IV	2-10	USP XXIV	7.5	15,000 USP	Protein

Amylase
Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. Some examples of food that are high in carbohydrates include bread and pasta. Saliva contains amylase, which initiates the digestions of dietary starches. Pancreatic secretions also contain amylase as well. Amylase breaks down starch into several smaller molecules, including maltose, a disaccharide, and dextrins.³

The amylase in CompleteGest^®† is active in a pH range of 4-6, which means that it is active in both the stomach and the intestine.^† This range of enzyme activity enhances starch digestion throughout the digestion system.^†

The amylase used in this formula is from Aspergillus oryzae.

Enzyme(s)	Active pH Range	Test	pH of Test	Enzyme Activity	Substance Digested
Amylase	4-6	USP XXIV	6.8	16,000 USP	Carbohydrate
Amylase	4-6	FCC IV	4.8	11,900 DU	Carbohydrate

Cellulase
Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down cellulose, a type of carbohydrate. Cellulose is an indigestible fiber found in many fruits and vegetables. This enzyme is used as a digestive aid to break down this complex carbohydrate, which is an important source of short-chain fatty acids.⁶

The cellulase in CompleteGest^®† is active in a pH range of 4-6, which means that it is active in both the stomach and the intestine.^†

Aspergillus niger is the source of the cellulase used in this formula.

Enzyme(s)	Active pH Range	Test	pH of Test	Enzyme Activity	Substance Digested
Cellulase	4-6	FCC IV	4.5	175 CU	Carbohydrate

Phytase
Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. It specifically breaks down phytates, which are present in the leaves of plants. Phytase also supports mineral absorption and bioavailability of iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.⁷

The phytase in CompleteGest^®† is active in a pH range of 5-7, which means that it's activity peaks in the intestine.^†

Aspergillus niger is the source of the phytase used in this formula.

Enzyme(s)	Active pH Range	Test	pH of Test	Enzyme Activity	Substance Digested
Phytase	5-7	Phytic Acid	6.0	0.85 PU	Carbohydrate

Lactase, Sucrase, Maltase
Disaccharides, which include lactose, sucrose, and maltose, are further broken down during the digestive process into simple sugars by the enzymes lactase, sucrase, and maltase respectively. Simple sugars or monosaccharides can then be absorbed from the small intestine to be used by the body for energy production.³

CompleteGest^®† contains three different sugar enzymes to enhance sugar digestion in different pH ranges of the digestive tract.^† The blend of the three sugar enzymes is active in a pH range of 3 – 8, meaning that this blend is enzymatically active in both the stomach and the intestine.^† This range of enzyme activity enhances sugar digestion throughout the digestion system.^†

Aspergillus oryzae is the source of the lactase used in this formula. This enzyme is active in a pH range of 4 – 7.

The sucrase used in this formula is from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This enzyme is active in a pH range of 3 – 6.

Barley malt is the source of the maltase used in this formula. This enzyme is active in a pH range of 3 – 8.

Enzyme(s)	Active pH Range	Test	pH of Test	Enzyme Activity	Substance Digested
Lactase	4-7	FCC III	4.5	800 LacU	Carbohydrate
Sucrase	3-6	FCC IV	4.6	150 INVU	Carbohydrate
Maltase	3-8	FCC IV	4.6	16,050 DP	Carbohydrate

Lipase
Lipases are enzymes that break down fat during the digestion process. Fat digestion begins in the second portion of the small intestine with the action of the pancreatic lipases. These enzymes break down fat into fatty acids. The lipase enzymes, along with bile salts, are responsible for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K.³

CompleteGest^®† contains two different lipases to enhance fat digestion in different pH ranges of the digestive tract.^† The blend of the four lipases is active in a pH range of 4 – 8, meaning that this blend is enzymatically active primarily in the intestine where fat absorption occurs.^†

Lipase I is from Rhizopus oryzae. Lipase II is from Aspergillus niger.

Enzyme(s)	Active pH Range	Test	pH of Test	Enzyme Activity	Substance Digested
Lipase I, II	4-8	FIP	7.0	1,050 LU	Fat
Lipase I, II	4-8	FCC III	6.5	1,050 LU	Fat

Recommendations

One or two UltraCaps™ with meals three times daily.

Precautions

This use of this product has not been studied in pregnant or nursing women; therefore, consult a licensed health care practitioner prior to use in this situation.

How Is It Supplied?

• 04239;90 UltraCaps^™

Storage Recommendations

Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86° F (15°-30° C)

References

1. Enzyme. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary. Available at: http://www.m-w.com. Accessed October 4, 2001.
2. Lee L., Turner L, Goldberg B. Enzymes. In: The Enzyme Cure. Tiburon, Calif: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc.;1998:19.
3. Porth C. Digestion and Absorption. In: Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. New York, NY:Lippincott;1998:715 – 718.
4. Lee L., Turner L, Goldberg B. Digestion. In: The Enzyme Cure. Tiburon, Calif: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc.;1998:17-18.
5. Cichoke A. Cellulase. In: The Complete Book of Enzyme Therapy. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group; 1999:47.
6. Phytase. Ibid., p. 51.
7. Cellulose. In: Murray MT, Pizzorno JE, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine, Vol 1. 2nd ed. Edinburgh; New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1999:509.
8. Maldigestion. Ibid., p. 495.
9. Heidelberg pH capsule gastric analysis. Ibid., p. 173
10. Cichoke AJ. Carbohydrate intolerance. In: The Complete Book of Enzyme Therapy. Garden City, NY: Avery Publishing Group; 1998:163-5.
11. Lactase deficiency. Ibid., pp. 284-6.
12. Constipation. Ibid., pp. 192-5.
13. Abdominal gas. Ibid., pp. 228-30.
14. Pancreatic insufficiency. Ibid., pp. 324-5.




Additional Information


Proper digestion, absorption, and elimination are necessary in order to gain nutritional benefits from food. Any disruption of these functions may cause health problems throughout the body.⁸

The problem with sub-optimal digestion is that the ingestion of the best nutritional substances may be of little benefit when breakdown and assimilation are inadequate.9 Since digestive enzymes act upon food by breaking it down into simpler components that can be used by the body for energy, digestive enzyme therapy can be used to enhance the digestive process and ensure complete digestion of food.^2,7†

There are many problems associated with incomplete digestion. Digestive enzyme supplementation alleviates many of these signs of sub-optimal digestion.^9†

Carbohydrate intolerance is one example of a type of incomplete digestion. Some individuals suffering from carbohydrate intolerance may lack adequate enzymes to break down disaccharides.¹⁰ This inability to break down carbohydrates into simple sugars may cause bowel changes, flatulence, and bloating.¹⁰ Individuals with carbohydrate intolerance can greatly benefit from supplementing their diet with amylase, sucrase, maltase, and lactase.^10†

Lactase deficiency is a specific form of carbohydrate intolerance, which only involves one enzyme, the enzyme lactase. A deficiency of the enzyme lactase causes lactase deficiency, also known as lactose intolerance.¹¹ Common symptoms of lactase deficiency include gas, intestinal bloating, and other intestinal effects.¹¹ Supplementing the diet with lactase, amylase, protease, and lipase enzymes will help alleviate the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.^11†

Occasional constipation is another malady of the digestive system. The term “occasional constipation” has come to indicate any absence or irregularity of bowel movements on an occasional basis.¹² Symptoms of occasional constipation include difficulty emptying the bowels or straining at stool. Digestive enzyme supplementation using amylase, protease, and lipase enzymes can be used to relieve occasional constipation by improving the digestion of food and improving elimination.^12†

Abdominal gas is a typical symptom of occasional indigestion and may be the result of inadequate digestion or enzyme deficiencies. Abdominal gas can create a bloated feeling, fullness, pressure, belching, and flatulence.¹³ Supplementation with amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, phytase, sucrase, maltase, and lactase enzymes will provide any missing or insufficient enzymes and alleviate gas symptoms associated with the digestion of food.^13†

Digestive enzyme supplementation using amylase, protease, and lipase enzymes can be used to support the digestion of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.^14†

Ingredients

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