For best results, we recommend that you take 1-4 capsules, approximately 15 minutes before each meal. For larger, heavier meals, take 3-4 capsules. For smaller meals with more raw fruits and vegetables, take 1-2 capsules. And if you forget to take them before the meal, taking them with the meal or just after will still provide you with benefits.

Digestive enzymes break down food so that it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. Raw food has enzymatic activity, and the body has a limited supply also. When our pets eat the raw food that their physiology is designed to thrive on, they receive plenty of food enzymes, which aid digestion and nutrient utilization. When they eat cooked food, which is devoid of enzymes, they can deplete the body's supply, and the enzyme-producing organs must work overtime to compensate.

The presence of food in the stomach will always trigger production of enzymes, whether supplemental enzymes are used or not. Supplemental enzymes make it easier for the body to function but do not affect the body's ability to function naturally.

None of the ingredients in BioVitale's Digestive Enzyme Complex have been shown to interact with medication. The ingredients used are all-natural and contain no chemicals.

Yes, absolutely. You can give digestive enzymes to infants, toddlers, and young children. For toddlers and young children, Enzyme Essentials recommends the basic protocol of Digestzyme, Purezyme, and Plantadophilus. Many children like to chew the capsules and/or are able to swallow them. But if you prefer, the capsules can be pulled apart easily and mixed with water or juice.

The body can make digestive enzymes; however, the more digestive enzymes it is required to produce for digestion, the fewer enzymes it can create to maintain optimal health. It is very important that we preserve the body’s ability to make enzymes. If supplemental plant digestive enzymes are taken with a meal, these digestive enzymes begin their work immediately.

Most people feel better in terms of energy, digestion, and elimination. Occasionally persons may experience a period of increased detoxification when beginning enzyme therapy. This is actually a good sign as the body is now able to eliminate excess toxins, although you may feel tired or achy for a few days. Increasing enzyme dosages and water intake is often the best recommendation to help you through this natural process. [back to top]

Enzymes are added to coagulate the milk in the cheese production process. We use microbial-based enzymes.

No. It is the presence of hormones, not enzymes, that signals for secretion of more or less enzymes. Whether from internal or external (supplemental) enzymes, complete hydrolysis of food macromolecules is the indicator for the hormones secretin and cholecystekinin to signal the pancreas to stop secreting pancreatic juices. Taking supplemental digestive enzymes supports and assists the digestive function; it does not inhibit it. [back to top]

Most of our digestive enzyme formulas are vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free and they come in vegetarian (cellulose) capsules. In fact, the digestive formulas are very effective in breaking down gluten, lactose and casein the food molecules that often cause problems for those with gluten or dairy intolerance. See individual products specifications for more information. [back to top]

The stomach has two distinct divisions: Fundus (upper part) and Pylorus (lower part). The eaten food remains in the upper part for approximately one hour. This is where predigestion takes place. The fundus is where digestive food enzymes begin to break down the food into carbohydrates, fats and protein. Raw foods supply their own digestive enzymes, thus saving the stomach from supplying all the enzymes.

ANSWER: Digestive enzymes can be used with every meal and snack if that is necessary. Because their function is to thoroughly digest foods they can be used with all food exposures. Generally however most individuals will use the enzymes with the primary meals (three times daily) or if a problem food is eaten between meals and there is a need to provide optimal digestion for that food exposure.

Realistically, and within reason, NO. Many people with severe digestive problems or those who use digestive enzymes as part of a prescribed therapeutic regimen take 10 and 20 times the amounts per day recommended here and they have for years. We are not aware of anyone overdosing on digestive enzymes. [top]