From
Enzyme University.com
Enzymes Activity Units
National Enzyme Company
Apr 1, 2000, 14:45
Enzyme labels can be confusing, every product seems to be labeled using a different system. It may seem that there is no way to determine what makes a quality product.
Enzyme products are typically labeled in one of three ways: 1) descending order by weight with no measurements listed, 2) by milligram weights, or 3) by activity units. The first label reveals nothing about the product and should most often be by-passed. Likewise, milligram weights reveal virtually nothing about the potency of the enzymes. Activity units are the only way to identify the potency of the product.
Enzymes are similar to certain vitamins in that they have a measurable activity level. When purchasing vitamin A, do you look for a product with 5 milligrams of vitamin A or 5000IU? Obviously, the IU measurement is more meaningful and when products are compared identifies the more potent formulation. The same is true with enzyme products. National Enzyme Company endorses the use of published assays such as those found in the Foods Chemical Codex for the measurement of plant-based enzymes.
Why should you only consider purchasing enzyme products labeled with activity units? Unfortunately, no standards currently exist to define which activity units are the most appropriate.
Comparison of different enzyme labels shows that any one enzyme may be listed by many different activities. For example, proteases may be listed with HUT, USP, ASP, HU, SAP, PU, NU, BTU, MCU, LAP, SAU or still another activity unit declaration. While many of these are valid assays, methods are used to artificially create the appearance of a high activity product.
The Enzyme Technical Association recently published recommendations that enzyme supplements be labeled utilizing assay units from published compendial sources such as the Foods Chemical Codex (FCC). The National Academy of Science publishes the FCC to provide standard assay methods for food ingredients. Below is a table listing enzymes commonly found in digestive supplements and the appropriate FCC assay unit
Amylase DU
Protease HUT
Glucoamylase AGU
Bromelain PU
Cellulase CU
Papain PU
Lactase ALU
Lipase LU
Alpha-Galactosidase AGSU
Enzymes are catalysts. It is the nature of a catalyst to accelerate a chemical reaction without being destroyed. A small amount of any catalyst can have a great impact.
Each person presents a different environment in which an enzyme supplement must function. This along with the catalytic nature of enzymes mean that no one single enzyme product is perfect for everyone.
A basic plant-based digestive product generally contains four enzymes: protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase. Minimum levels shown to support digestion for most individuals are 4000HUT of protease, 2000DU of amylase, 40LU of lipase and 40CU of cellulase. Numerous products are available at higher potencies and these may be beneficial for you. Also, many health practitioners recommend starting with a low potency product and working up in potency until you find the level that matches your body’s needs.
Another important aspect in choosing the right supplement for your needs is to consider which enzymes are in the product. Rather than just increased activity, you may want to look for the inclusion of additional enzymes. Different enzymes work on different substances, so the inclusion of additional enzymes can broaden the activity of the product. A full-spectrum product may include multiple proteolytic enzymes to break down proteins and multiple carbohydrases to digest starches and sugars and modify fiber.
© Copyright 2004 by enzymeuniversity.com