Frequently Asked Questions

What are enzymes?

Enzymes are found in every cell of every living plant and animal, including humans. Enzymes are biocatalysts; which means that they either begin a reaction or cause a reaction to speed up. Without enzymes life would not exist.

How do enzymes work?

Enzymes work by virtue of their shape. An enzyme molecule can be compared, in shape at least, to many short strings of pearls (amino acids) strung together. This long string folds in on itself as certain sequences of amino acids (pearls) are more attracted to each other than to other sequences, thus giving the enzymes a specific shape.

At one point on the surface of this string of pearls there exists something, which looks like a keyhole. This is called the "active site" on the enzyme. When matched with its specific coenzyme (a vitamin, mineral, or trace element) this "lock" has the exact inverse contour of the "key" which is contained in the molecule of the enzyme's "substrate" (the molecule that the enzyme wants to transform into a different molecule). When the substrate appears, it inserts the "key" into the "lock." The molecular structure of the substrate is transformed into a different molecular structure and both enzyme and the newly transformed molecule go on their merry ways.

What is a digestive enzyme?

A digestive enzyme breaks down the proteins, fats and carbohydrates in food during the digestive process allowing the body to better utilize the food you eat.

What is a proteolytic enzyme?

The proteolytic enzyme digests protein. Some examples of proteolytic enzymes are protease, serrapeptase, bromelain, and papain.

What is a lipase enzyme?

Lipase enzymes digest fat.

What is an amylase enzyme?

Amylase enzymes digest carbohydrates.

What is systemic enzyme therapy?

Systemic enzyme therapy is utilizing enzyme supplementation to increase the enzymes throughout your body to assist in restoring the body to health

What else are enzymes used for?

Enzymes are widely used in the food industry. Enzymes are also essential in the manufacture of beer.

Are enzymes considered "anti-inflammatory drugs"?

Proteolytic Enzymes are considered anti-inflammatory agents.

Vitälzym

What is the recommended dosage of Vitälzym?

The recommended dosage to be taken at least 45 minutes prior to or after meals is 3 capsules, once a day. However, since each individual is different, a higher or lower dosage may be appropriate for each individual. It is important to understand each person's "activation" dosage. See the information from Dr. Wong on the activation dosage.

How long before the Vitälzym takes effect?

It may depend on the individual's physiological make-up. Everyone is different. Testimonials from some of our customers reported positive effects ranging from 3 days to 2 weeks. Taking the right activation dosage is critical to the success of the product.

What claims do you make about the effectiveness of Vitälzym?

The FDA does not allow the nutraceutical industry to make claims about their products without scientific studies being performed that substantiate the claims. Our customers can share their experience with the product but World Nutrition does not make specific claims.

Are there any side effects at all with your product?

We currently have no documented evidence of any adverse side effects based on the use of Vitälzym. You should not take this product without the consent of your physician if you are currently taking anti-coagulants, commonly known as blood thinners. .

Are there any compatibility issues with other nutraceuticals?

No. In fact, since vitamins are coenzymes and minerals are cofactors to enzymes, enzymes are needed in the body for them to be able to have their full effect. In addition, the vitamins and minerals assist the enzymes. Thus, systemic enzyme use enhances the effect of other supplementation programs.

Are there any compatibility issues with any prescribed drugs?

Yes. Customers using anti-coagulants, or blood thinners, should not use Vitälzym without the consent of their physician. The enzymes enhance the effects of the blood thinning medications making them stronger.

Why do you call Vitälzym a vegetarian product?

The enzymes used in Vitälzym are plant derived with no animal products. This allows everyone, including strict vegetarians, to take Vitälzym. Some enzyme products use ingredients that are derived from bovine (cows).

How does World Nutrition grow their enzymes? Is the process ecologically safe? Does the process use any chemicals?

The enzymes in Vitalzym come from two sources; the fruit enzymes along with the Amla and Rutin are from fruit grown in organic plantations, and the protease and serrapeptase are lab grown in a protein (fungus) medium. The enzymes are then extracted from the medium so that not a trace of fungus is left on the enzyme and the purity is assured.

What is serrapeptase and where does it come from?

Serrapeptase is a powerful proteolytic enzyme. In Japan, Takada sells serrapeptase as a registered anti-inflammatory medicine under the product name Dazen. Serrapeptase is laboratory grown

Does weather affect your product?

Exposure to heat over 150º for an extended period of time can destroy the enzymes. Store your Vitälzym in a cool, dry place, with the lid of the bottle tightly closed.

How is Vitälzym shipped to me?

We ship our product via UPS.

Where is Vitälzym made?

World Nutrition uses ingredients from the purest sources. Vitälzym is manufactured at World Nutrition's facility in Phoenix, AZ.

Vitalzym Ingredients

Proteolytic enzyme (Protease)

The term "proteolytic" refers to all enzymes that digest protein. Other classes of enzymes include Amylase a digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates and Lipase a digestive enzyme that breaks down fat during the digestive process. Each of these help in the digestion of food which in turn helps with absorption of those essential nutrients in the diet. In the body, proteolytic digestive enzymes are produced in the pancreas, but supplemental forms of enzymes may come from fungal or bacterial sources, extraction from the pancreas of livestock animals (trypsin/chymotrypsin) or extraction from plants (such as papain from the papaya and Bromelain from pineapples). The primary uses of proteolytic enzymes in dietary supplements are used as digestive enzymes, anti-inflammatory agents and pain relievers.

There are a number of clinical trials showing the benefit of using oral proteolytic enzymes as a digestive aid. Proteolytic enzymes are also theorized to help reduce symptoms of food allergies and as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases

Perhaps the strongest evidence for benefits of proteolytic enzyme supplements come from numerous European studies showing various enzyme blends to be effective in accelerating recovery from exercise and injury in sportsmen as well as tissue repair in patients following surgery. In one study of footballers suffering from ankle injuries, proteolytic enzyme supplements accelerated healing and got players back on the field about 50% faster than athletes assigned to receive a placebo tablet(1). A handful of other small trials in athletes have shown enzymes can help reduce inflammation, speed healing of bruises and other tissue injuries (including fractures) and reduce overall recovery time when compared to athletes taking a placebo(2-8). In patients recovering from facial and various reconstructive surgeries, treatment with proteolytic enzymes significantly reduced swelling, bruising and stiffness compared to placebo groups (9-11).

Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase, also known as Serratia peptidase, is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the non-pathogenic enterobacteria Serratia E15. The enzyme is found naturally in the intestine of the silkworm, which is used by the silkworm to dissolve the cocoon and emerge as a moth. When consumed in unprotected tablets or capsules, the enzyme is destroyed by acid in the stomach. However, when enterically coated the enzyme passes through the stomach unchanged, and can be absorbed in the intestine.

It has many clinical uses including:

• as an anti-inflammatory agent (particularly for post traumatic swelling)
• for Fibrocystic breast disease
• for Bronchitis (Serrapeptase loosens and expels mucous)
  
  Serrapeptase digests dead tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque. The late German physician Dr. Hans Nieper, used serrapeptase to treat arterial blockage in his coronary patients. Clinical studies show that serrapeptase induces fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic (prevents swelling and fluid retention) activity in a number of tissues, and that its anti-inflammatory effects are superior to other proteolytic enzymes(12). Besides reducing inflammation, one of serrapeptase's most profound benefits is reduction of pain, due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues(13) Physicians throughout Europe and Asia have recognized the anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking benefits of this naturally occurring substance and are using it in treatment as an alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs(14).

Bromelain & Papain

Both Bromelain and Papain are plant derived proteolytic enzymes. Bromelain, also known as bromelin, is a protein-digesting enzyme extracted from the flesh and stem of the pineapple plant, Ananas comosus. Papain, is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the papaya plant, Carica papaya. Bromelain is most notable for its effectiveness in the reduction of inflammation and decreasing swelling, but the scope of its benefits continues to increase. As a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme, bromelain has many uses. Arthritis patients may reduce the swelling that causes joint pain by taking bromelain. Bromelain may also be helpful for the pain, numbness, tingling, aching, and loss of motor and sensory function in the fingers resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) (15,16). Prevention of the adhesiveness of platelets to endothelial cell walls was accomplished with 0.1 mcg/ml of Bromelian(16a). Thus the benefit of bromelain occurs over a broad range of doses, and even small amounts may be beneficial to anyone at risk to thrombotic heart attack or stroke. Papain has been shown to be effective in preventing burn wound infection and helping remove dead cells(17). Papain is also used for the following:

• Defibrinating wounds in hospitals
• Preventing cornea scar deformation
• Used in treatments of jellyfish and insect stings
• To treat edemas, inflammatory processes, and in the acceleration of wound healing
• In low doses as an indigestion medicine

Papain has been used to treat ulcers, dissolve membranes in diphtheria and reduce swelling, fever and adhesions after surgery.

Amla

Also known as Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) is the richest source of Vitamin C. It also contains tannic acid, glucose, protein, cellulose and Calcium. Amla is useful for stomach problems, it is antipyretic, hair tonic and nerve brain tonic. It's also useful in anemia, hyperacidity and in gynecological problems and epistaxis. Amla is considered to have restorative and preventive properties.

Rutin

Is one of the many existing Flavonoids. Flavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments. Flavonoids support health by strengthening capillaries and other connective tissue, and some function as anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and antiviral agents. Rutin and several other flavonoids may also protect blood vessels. Rutin was shown to stimulate wound healing in rats and augment the tensile strength of scar tissue significantly(18).

Vitälzym Dosing By: William Wong N.D., Ph.D., Member World Sports Medicine Hall of Fame

Finding your "Activation" dose. When Vitälzym "kicks in"' there will be no doubt in your mind that it is working! An activation dose is the amount of enzymes you need to begin to feel a benefit from the product. The recommended dosage given on the label is meant as a maintenance dose for those without any complaints. Consumers with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Arthritis, Auto Immune Conditions, Fibrosis complaints and Inflammation symptoms need to find the dose at which they begin to feel better. They can then maintain that dose or after 3 months try to reduce the dose and see if the benefits are still felt. Finding the right dose for you: Start taking 3 capsules, 3 times a day in-between meals. If in 3 days no benefits are felt, increase the dose to 4 capsules, 3 times a day for 3 days. Continue increasing the number of capsules taken until a benefit is felt. Most will feel the Vitälzym kick in somewhere between 3 and 5, 3 times a day. There is no toxicity from enzymes, (no LD-50). Some customers who have suffered accidents have been placed on 10 Vitälzym capsules 3 times a day by their doctors for a few weeks until the bulk of their inflammation and its resultant pain are gone. Then they are brought down to a much lower maintenance dose to prevent the formation of scar tissue. Hemophiliacs and those on prescription blood thinners should not use this or any other systemic enzyme as the enzymes help the drugs to work better and may overly thin the blood. Vitälzym dosing for common and chronic conditions: The dose listed on the label is the maintenance dose for those without complaints. The therapeutic doses listed below are generalizations of what has worked for most consumers of Vitälzym with those conditions. Your final activation dose may vary. Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia: 3 capsules, 3 or 4 times a day. Auto Immune Conditions: During periods of remission: 3 capsules, 2 to 3 times a day. During periods of attack: 5 capsules, 3 times a day. Osteoarthritis: Severe: 3 capsules, 3 to 4 times a day. Moderate: 3 capsules, 2 to 3 times a day. Mild: 3 capsules, 2 times a day. Opening Circulation: 5 capsules, 3 times a day for 1 to 3 months; then 3 capsules, 3 times a day thereafter. New Sprains and Strains: Severe to Moderate: 5 capsules, 3 times a day for one week; then 3 capsules, 3 times a day. Chronic Pain: Severe: 5 capsules, 2 or 3 times a day. Moderate: 3 capsules, 3 times a day. Mild: 3 capsules, 2 times a day. Edema: Severe: 5 capsules, 3 times a day. Moderate: 5 capsules, 2 times a day. Mild: 3 capsules, 2 times a day. Post-Operative Scar Tissue, Keloids and Fibrosis of the Organs: 5 capsules, 2 times a day for 2 months, then to prevent reoccurrence 3 capsules, 2 times a day. Traumatic Inflammation: Severe: 5 capsules, 3 times a day. Moderate: 3 capsules, 3 times a day. Mild: 3 capsules, 2 times a day. Post-Surgical Recovery: 3 capsules, 3 times a day. To Aid Physical Training: 3 capsules, 2 times a day.   Return to Vitalzym Main Page   NOTE: The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the above information. This product or the listed information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. For all conditions or illnesses see a health professional for a full evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan. References 1. Buck JE, Phillips N. Trial of Chymoral in professional footballers. Br J Clin Pract.1970 Sep;24(9):375-7. 2. Craig RP. The quantitative evaluation of the use of oral proteolytic enzymes in the treatment of sprained ankles. Injury. 1975 May;6(4):313-6. 3. Fisher JD, Weeks RL, Curry WM, Hrinda ME, Rosen LL. Effects of an oral enzyme preparation, Chymoral, upon serum proteins associated with injury (acute phase reactants) in man. J Med. 1974;5(5):258-73. 4. France LH. Treatment of injuries with orally administered Varidase as compared to Chymoral and Tanderil. Praxis. 1968 May 14;57(19):683-5. 5. Gal P, Tecl F, Skotakova J, Mach V. Systemic enzyme therapy in the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Rozhl Chir. 1998 Dec;77(12):574-6. 6. Hingorani K. Oral enzyme therapy in severe back pain. Br J Clin Pract. 1968 May 5;22(5):209-10. 7. Rathgeber WF. The use of proteolytic enzymes (chymoral) in sporting injuries. S Afr Med J. 1971 Feb 13;45(7):181-3. 8. Schwinger O. Results of oral enzyme therapy in wounds of muscles, tendons and bones after accidents. Wien Med Wochenschr. 1970 Sep 5;120(36):603-5. 9. Duskova M, Wald M. Orally administered proteases in aesthetic surgery. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 1999 Jan-Feb;23(1):41-4. 10. Hoernecke R, Doenicke A. Perioperative enzyme therapy. A significant supplement to postoperative pain therapy? Anaesthesist. 1993 Dec;42(12):856-61. 11. Lie KK, Larsen RD, Posch JL. Therapeutic value of oral proteolytic enzymes following hand surgery. Arch Surg. 1969 Jan;98(1):103-4. 12. Mazzone A, Catalani M, Costanzo M, Drusian A, Mandoli A, Russo S, Guarini E, Vesperini G. Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res. 1990; 18(5):379-88. 13. Mazzone A, et al. Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double blind, randomized trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res. 1990; 18(5):379-88. 14. Aso T et al. Breast engorgement and its treatment: Clinical effects of Danzen an anti-inflammatory enzyme preparation. The world of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Japanese). 1981; 33:371-9. 15. Petry, Judy J. "Nutritional supplements and surgical patients." AORN Journal (June 1997). 16. Kelly, G.S. "Bromelain: A Literature Review and Discussion of Its Therapeutic Applications." Alternative Medicine Review (November 1, 1996). 16a. Metzig, C et al Bromelain Proteases reduce human platelet aggregation in vitro, adhesion to bovine endothelial cells and thrombus formation in rat vessels in vivo. In Vivo 13 (1): 7-12 Jan-Feb 1999. 17. Starley, I. F.; Mohammed, P.; Schneider, G.; Bickler, S. W. The treatment of paediatric burns using topical papaya. Burns 1999 nov 25 (7) 636-9 18. Wilhelmi, G. Effect of O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutiside on wound healing in the rat. J pharmacology 1979 19(2):82-85.