AMYLÄSE - Amylase Enzyme Powder

AMYLÄSE - Amylase Enzyme Powder

Concentrated enzyme complex.

This enzyme expedites the degradation of starch into dextrins and sugars. It enables starches to achieve various textures, sweetens products without the need for additional sweeteners, and enhances the fermentative power of the mixture.

Amylase, an enzyme responsible for starch degradation, is also known as saccharase and ptyalin. Anselme Payen first identified and isolated this enzyme in , naming it diastase.

Characteristics and Applications:

Available in 100g and 500g.

Amylases serve numerous applications, including the production of syrups with various oligosaccharides (such as maltose and glucose). In flour, amylases facilitate yeast action, reducing fermentation times and enhancing bread-making processes. They also accelerate fruit ripening; as fruits ripen, they synthesize amylases that convert starch into sugar, making the fruit sweeter.

Ingredients:

Maltodextrin, amylase.

Description:

This enzyme complex degrades starch into dextrins and sugars, solubilizing and liquefying starches while increasing the mixture's fermentative power. Amylase exclusively acts on starch; thus, it only works on starch-containing products.

Instructions for Use:

Apply in powder form on top of the product, or use vacuum impregnation or syringe injection.

Usual Dosage:

Dissolve 0.1-5% of Amyläse in water or the product itself.

For additional information, please visit our website.

The information in our articles is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice. Our team includes licensed nutritionists, certified health education specialists, personal trainers, and corrective exercise specialists. We strive for thorough research while maintaining objectivity and neutrality.

These articles are based on scientific evidence, written by experts, and fact-checked by our editorial staff. References in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) link to medically peer-reviewed studies.

Amylase, protease, and lipase are the three primary digestive enzymes essential for food digestion. A growing range of health issues can be linked to nutrient malabsorption caused by a deficiency of digestive enzymes.

Amylase helps your body convert carbohydrates into simple sugars. Protease breaks down proteins, while lipase addresses fat breakdown. Digestive enzymes act as catalysts, expediting critical chemical reactions that sustain life. Effective digestion relies on adequate levels of amylase and other enzymes for optimal health.

What Is Amylase?

Amylase is the primary enzyme responsible for starch digestion in the body. More specifically, it breaks down carbohydrates (polysaccharides) into disaccharides, eventually converting them into monosaccharides like glucose. Alpha-amylase (α-Amylase) is the predominant form found in humans and other mammals, produced mainly in the pancreas and salivary glands, with additional production by the small intestine mucosa, ovaries, placenta, liver, and fallopian tubes.

Salivary amylase initiates the enzymatic breakdown of starches in the mouth as food is chewed and mixed with saliva. Surprisingly, the breakdown of complex starches into simple sugars begins in the mouth, making thorough chewing essential for good digestion.

Amylase is part of a six-step digestive process starting with chewing in the mouth, triggering a series of mechanisms and secretions:

1. Salivary amylase released in the mouth is the first enzyme aiding the breakdown of food into its elemental molecules, continuing as food transitions into the stomach.
2. The stomach's parietal cells release acids, pepsin, and other enzymes, including gastric amylase, commencing the degradation of partially digested food into chyme (a semi-fluid mixture of partly digested food).
3. The acidic environment neutralizes salivary amylase, allowing gastric amylase to take over.
4. After about an hour, chyme is propelled into the duodenum (upper small intestine), where increased acidity triggers secretin release.
5. Secretin alerts the pancreas to produce hormones, bicarbonate, bile, and various pancreatic enzymes, notably lipase, trypsin, amylase, and nuclease.
6. Bicarbonate changes chyme from acidic to alkaline, facilitating both food degradation and the breakdown of bacteria unable to survive in an acidic environment.

At this point, if digestive enzyme levels are sufficient, most of the work is complete. However, many people require digestive enzyme supplementation to enhance this process effectively.

Health Benefits

Amylase has numerous health benefits beyond its essential role in carbohydrate digestion:

1. Improved Digestion

Digestion begins in the mouth, where chewing, aided by salivary amylase, breaks down food mechanically and chemically. Amylases are crucial for processing dietary starches, a primary source of glucose for energy.

It’s vital to combine your body’s natural amylase production with effective chewing. Proper breakdown in the mouth minimizes the body's workload for nutrient extraction. Thorough chewing ensures ample time for amylase to optimize carbohydrate processing, leading to improved digestion.

Additionally, pancreatic amylase, produced by the pancreas, is secreted into the small intestine to complete carbohydrate digestion.

2. More Energy

Food serves as a nutrient source and energy provider. Glucose, the primary carbohydrate utilized for energy, can be obtained from a healthy diet. Amylases convert starch into maltose and isomaltose, which are then hydrolyzed into glucose by maltase and isomaltase. Common high-starch foods include bread, grains, cereals, pasta, rice, beans, corn, potatoes, and peas. Efficient starch utilization relies on amylase presence.

3. Anti-Diabetic Properties

A study published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research examined serum amylase, blood glucose, and serum lipid profiles in 110 type 2 diabetes patients compared to healthy individuals. The findings revealed that higher blood sugar levels correlated with significantly lower serum amylase activity, indicating potential pancreatic dysfunction and underscoring the importance of healthy amylase production.

4. Stress Monitoring

Chronic stress poses significant health risks. Research indicates that amylase may serve as an accurate stress marker. A study measured salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol, alongside cardiovascular activity, during stress tests in young men, finding that salivary alpha-amylase reacted sensitively to psychosocial stress.

Amylase Levels

High amylase levels can indicate:

• Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)
• Pancreatic cysts or cancer
• Gallstones causing pancreatitis
• Salivary gland inflammation (e.g., mumps)
• Bowel obstructions
• Stomach ulcers
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Kidney failure
• Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
• Appendicitis or peritonitis
• Macroamylasemia (an uncommon, benign condition)

Low amylase levels can also signify potential health issues, including:

• Allergies
• Skin rashes
• Gas and constipation
• Mood swings
• Carbohydrate and sugar cravings
• Blood sugar irregularities
• Type 2 diabetes

Testing

Amylase levels in your blood can be measured through either urine or blood tests. Urine tests typically involve a two-hour or 24-hour sampling; blood tests require blood from a vein in your arm. Urine collection poses no risks or pain, making it a suitable alternative for those averse to needles.

Generally, low amylase levels are found in urine or blood. However, if the pancreas or salivary glands are compromised, more amylase enters the bloodstream and urine. Amylase levels in blood rise temporarily, whereas they may remain elevated in urine for several days.

Reasons for amylase testing may include:

• Evaluating swollen/inflamed salivary glands
• Diagnosing pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases
• Assessing treatment effectiveness for pancreatic illnesses

Before testing, abstain from alcohol for 24 hours. For blood tests, avoid food and drink (except water) for two hours prior. For 24-hour urine tests, ensure adequate hydration to facilitate sample collection.

Medications can affect amylase test results; inform your doctor about any prescriptions or supplements before the test.

Amylase Test Results

Test results are usually available within 72 hours. Normal ranges may vary among laboratories: typically, 2.6 to 21.2 international units per hour (IU/h) for urine tests and 23 to 85 units per liter (U/L) for blood tests.

Food and Supplement Sources

Natural dietary sources of amylase include raw fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Sprouting influences amylase activity, aiding glucose digestion—a valuable benefit for diabetics. Royal jelly is also an excellent source.

Amylase can be found in general digestive enzyme supplements, often as part of a full-spectrum enzyme blend. You may choose between vegetarian or animal-based supplements for optimal digestive health.

Risks and Side Effects

Digestive enzymes are generally nontoxic and seldom cause side effects. Possible mild side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, or allergic reactions. If symptoms persist or worsen, discontinue use and consult your healthcare professional.

If consuming supplements containing bromelain, be aware of potential allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to specific foods or plants. Consult a doctor before combining digestive enzymes with blood-thinning medications, as this combination may heighten bleeding risks.

Seek immediate medical attention if serious side effects occur after taking digestive enzymes, such as severe abdominal pain, joint discomfort, painful urination, or allergic responses.

Final Thoughts

• Amylase, protease, and lipase are essential enzymes for food digestion.
• Amylase is the primary starch-digesting enzyme in the body.
• Amylase testing is done via blood or urine samples.
• Both high and low amylase levels can indicate health concerns.
• Boost your amylase and other digestive enzymes by adhering to a whole foods diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted nuts, grains, seeds, and beans.
• Consider supplementing with full-spectrum enzyme blends to support digestive health and overall wellness.