Enzymes
What You Should Know About Them
Enzymes are proteins made up of amino acids that increase the rate of chemical reactions. They are made by all living things. There are many different kinds of enzymes, some for brain development and function, some for the digestive tract, some for metabolism. Enzymes are even a key component in making cheese. Here, we are going to focus on digestive enzymes.
Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders may have a deficiency of a number of enzymes in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This deficiency may have a negative affect on how that child's body can absorb nutrients from the foods that they eat. This is usually accompanied by other GI issues such as intestinal inflammation. Supplemental enzymes can provide a very positive result for these patients.
Different enzymes break down different food elements. Lactase breaks down milk sugar (lactose), pepsin breaks proteins down into peptides, and peptidase breaks peptides into amino acids. Most enzyme supplements are for dietary purposes, and will aid in the breaking down and absorption of nutrients.
The Vitalzymes supplements are a multi-enzyme formula frequently recommended by pediatricians for their patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders because it provides a broad range of enzymes to support normal digestion and to assist in intestinal repair mechanisms; please consult your doctor before supplementing with enzymes. If you think your child could benefit from enzyme therapy, please discuss this with your doctor, who will design a plan of care including recommended dosage, duration of supplementation, and suggested brands based on your child's needs.
Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders may have a deficiency of a number of enzymes in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This deficiency may have a negative affect on how that child's body can absorb nutrients from the foods that they eat. This is usually accompanied by other GI issues such as intestinal inflammation. Supplemental enzymes can provide a very positive result for these patients.
Different enzymes break down different food elements. Lactase breaks down milk sugar (lactose), pepsin breaks proteins down into peptides, and peptidase breaks peptides into amino acids. Most enzyme supplements are for dietary purposes, and will aid in the breaking down and absorption of nutrients.
The Vitalzymes supplements are a multi-enzyme formula frequently recommended by pediatricians for their patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders because it provides a broad range of enzymes to support normal digestion and to assist in intestinal repair mechanisms; please consult your doctor before supplementing with enzymes. If you think your child could benefit from enzyme therapy, please discuss this with your doctor, who will design a plan of care including recommended dosage, duration of supplementation, and suggested brands based on your child's needs.