Enzymes can be broken down into three categories: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes and food enzymes. Metabolic enzymes are the catalysts for the chemical reactions inside the body cells which allow us to convert food to energy. Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas break down nutrients contained in the food that we eat. Food enzymes are supplied to us through the food we eat itself. Most plants have natural plant enzymes, but these are destroyed by the cooking process. Food enzymes break down the food even before the body's digestive enzymes are secreted. In short, life cannot exist without enzymes. When raw foods containing enzymes are consumed, the natural plant enzymes help to digest the food. When cooked or processed food are eaten, the body must produce it's own enzymes. Enzymes cannot be produced by the body without the presence of other enzymes. In other words, if the body were to be depleted of enzymes it could not produce it's own without an enzyme. This could be a factor in why the enzyme concentrations of the body decreases as we age. Enzyme supplementation assures that there is always a supply of active enzymes to the body when they are needed most.

What are the types of enzymes and what do they do? Protease enzymes digests proteins, amylase enzyme digests carbohydrates and lipase enzymes digest fats. As mentioned, raw foods have live food enzymes within them that will help break down that particular food.

When should enzymes be taken? Take digestive enzymes during or immediately following meals. Don't take them before meals as they may become inactive before they can be used by the body.

Multi Enzyme Rx Ultra^TM contains 200 mg of betaine HCI, as we age natural HCI production decreases, 50 mg of pepsin enzyme, 50 mg of Bromelain which is a natural plant enzyme derived from pineapple, 100 mg of cellulase, 100 mg of alfalfa leaf powder containing natural plant enzymes, 50 mg of papain enzyme, 100 mg of protease enzyme, 30 mg of ox bile and 200 of pancrease substance. You will not find a more complete digestive enzyme formula at this price.

"Life, as we know it, could not exist without the action of enzymes."