Priority One's Enzy-Gest is a powerful two-phase formula that provides enzymes to maintain healthy digestion and intestinal enzyme activity. Enzymes promote absorption in a healthy gastrointestinal tract.*
Exclusive Enteric Matrix Formula Allows for pH Sensitive Release.
Different enzymes are active at different pH levels. The Enzy-Gest and Hypo-Gest’s exclusive enteric matrix formulation allow for a two-phase, pH-sensitive release of enzymes. The first phase is released in the stomach (gastric phase) and the second in the upper intestine (enteric phase).
Proper digestion is necessary for optimum health. Not only are foods and nutritional substances of little benefit when breakdown and assimilation are inadequate, but incompletely digested food molecules can also be inappropriately absorbed into systemic circulation due to temporary indigestion.
Enzymatic action originates in four areas: the salivary glands, the stomach, the pancreas, and the wall of the small intestine. Each enzyme breaks down only a specific substance. For example, an enzyme capable of breaking down fats cannot break down proteins or carbohydrates and vice versa.1
Gastric Phase Releases Pepsin, Papain and Needed Acids
The stomach is primarily responsible for the digestion of proteins and the ionization of minerals. The stomach secretes gastric acid, (hydrochloric acid) and various hormones and enzymes.2
In Enzy-Gest and Hypo-Gest, the gastric release phase supplies the protein digestive enzymes pepsin and papain. Betaine HCI (a source of hydrochloric acid) and glutamic acid provide the stomach with the necessary acids to support healthy digestion.
Papain - is a protein digesting enzyme isolated from unripe papaya fruit.
Pepsin – Aids with another function of the stomach breaking down large proteins into smaller peptides and peptones. The stomach’s acidic environment harbors few enzymes. The primary enzyme in the stomach, pepsin, used to digest proteins. Pepsin breaks up proteins into smaller peptides of varying lengths.
Several studies have shown that the ability to secrete gastric acid decreases with age. Low stomach acidity has been found in over half of people over age 60. 2-4
Common symptoms of low gastric acidity include the following:
- Bloating, belching, burning, and flatulence immediately after meals2
- A sense of "-fullness-" after eating2
- Occasional indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation2
- Undigested food in the stool2
- Upper digestive tract gassiness2
Enteric Phase Releases Digestive Enzymes and Bile
Regarding pancreatin, in a study on the therapeutic response of oral enzymes, researchers concluded that ...”the administration of these high potency digestive aids, along with meals, doesn't have a positive clinical influence on reducing malabsorption through improved digestion…when comparing a healthy pancreatic sufficient individual to one with pancreatic insufficiency, the use of pancreatin with meals greatly increases the fat splitting enzyme activity in the duodenum to nearly normal levels.”5
Digestive enzyme tablets have been effectively used in individuals who:
- Have occasional indigestion, diarrhea or constipation2
- Have occasional low gastric acid due to aging2-4
- Require enhanced B-12 absorption
The small intestine participates in all aspects of digestion, absorption, and transport of ingested materials. It secretes a variety of digestive and protective substances and receives the secretions of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.1
See also Hypo-Gest (double the strength). Priority One's Gastri-Gest offers a powerful combination of plant enzymes for vegetarian and vegan individuals.
1. Kirschmann, J, Dunne, L. Nutrition Almanac, 2nd ed. NY: McGraw Hill; 1984.
2. Murray, M, Pizzorno, J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing; 1991, :43, 50-56.
3. Rafsky, HA, Weingarten, M., "A study of the gastric secretory response in the aged-", Gastroent., 1946, ;VV(ii):348-352.
4. Davies, D., James, TG. “An investigation into the gastric secretory of a hundred normal persons over the age of sixty", Brit. Med. J., 1930, ;VV(ii):1-14.
5. DiMagno, EP. Comparative effects of antacids, cimetidine and enteric coating on the therapeutic response to oral enzymes in severe pancreatic insufficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 1997;VV(ii):854-858.
