DigeZyme^®† [Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase]
DigeZyme^® is a multienzyme complex composed mainly of amylases (starch hydrolyzing enzymes), proteases (protein hydrolyzing enzymes) and lipases (lipid hydrolyzing enzymes). These digestive enzymes collectively support the breakdown of complex macromolecules into energy sources and promote the release of the nutrient content from the foods we eat. The digestive system naturally produces digestive enzymes. DigeZyme^® supplements the gastrointestinal tract with enzymes to adequately support the body’s ability to digest food. In addition to the amylases, proteases, and lipases, DigeZyme^® contains two additional digestive enzymes including lactase (lactose hydrolyzing enzyme) and cellulase (cellulose hydrolyzing enzyme).*

Sucrase
Sucrase is a digestive enzyme secreted by the villi of the epithelium in the small intestine that supports the hydrolysis (chemical breakdown) of sucrose, also known as table sugar, into glucose and fructose. Glucose and fructose can then enter the blood stream and be used for energy.*

Magnesium (Carbonate)
Magnesium promotes the normal synthesis of all proteins, nucleic acids, nucleotides, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, lipids and carbohydrates. Magnesium also promotes cardiovascular health by supporting normal platelet activity, helping to maintain normal cholesterol levels, and helping to maintain the normal regulation of the heart and blood pressure.*

Potassium (Bicarbonate)
Potassium is an essential macro-mineral that helps maintain fluid balance. It promotes normal synthesis of glycogen and proteins, as well as the proper release of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates during metabolism. Potassium also promotes the normal elimination of wastes and generally contributes to a sense of well-being. Potassium is stored in the muscles.*

Bacillus coagulans (Lactospore^®†)
Previously known as Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bacillus coagulans is a lactic acid producing bacteria. Even though it produces lactic acid, it is not a lactic acid bacteria (i.e. lactobacillus). B. coagulans also produce reproductive spores, which sets it apart from many other probiotics.₁ It has shown to survive high levels of stomach acid, which means that it arrives to the small intestine as live bacteria so that it may provide health benefits.₁ Research has shown B. coagulans to promote digestive and gastrointestinal health.*

1. What happens when we eat?
   Even before we eat, our body‘s digestive action begins to take place. Simply smelling food activates our salivary glands ("mouth watering"). As the food enters the stomach, the stomach acid and pepsin – the main digestive enzyme in the stomach – work together to begin breaking the food down into material that the small intestine, where most nutrients are absorbed, can use. Enzymes specific to each of the three nutrient groups (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) are released at this stage, further breaking down the food and contributing to the digestive and absorption processes. These processes continue into the large intestine until the nutrients are extracted by the body.
   
   
2. What are digestive enzymes?
   Digestive enzymes help your body break down food, allowing the body to optimize its effort to digest proteins from plant and animal sources as well as break down starch, lactose, fats, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). The result is a more complete digestive process, resulting in better nutritional absorption. While most enzymes work inside our cells, digestive enzymes operate outside the cells in the gastrointestinal tract.*
   
   
3. What are the different types of digestive enzymes?
   There are three basic food enzymes, each specifically targeting the digestion of a different kind of food molecule: Protease, which helps digest proteins, amylase, which helps digest starch, and lipase, which helps digest fats. There are also four specialty enzymes: lactase (helps digest the sugar lactose in dairy products), maltase (helps digest the sugar maltose in foods), sucrase (helps digest table sugar and sugar found in fruits), and cellulase (helps digest cellulose fibers). Each of these enzymes plays a significant part in the body’s overall health by helping to release specific and necessary nutrients into our bodies.*
   
   
4. What are probiotics? 
   Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are widely believed to provide numerous health benefits, including promoting digestive and immune health. Our bodies all contain both “good” and “bad” bacteria in our digestive system. Probiotics are a heavily researched option for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria. Isotonix® Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics contains the probiotic, Bacillus coagulans. B. coagulans produces lactic acid, but is not considered a lactic acid bacteria.1* 
   
   
5. Is this a vegetarian product?
   Yes.
   
   
6. What is the best way to store this product?
   Keep Isotonix stored in a dry, cool place. If Isotonix are stored in the kitchen, keep them away from the stove, sink, heat-generating appliances or window ledges. If you live in a very humid area, you may store Isotonix products in the refrigerator – but not in the fruit and vegetables area.

• Anonymous. Lactobacillus Sporogenes. Alternative Medical Review. 7(4): 340-342, 2002.
• Bourlioux, P., et al. The Intestine and Its Microflora are Partners for the Protection of the host: Report on the Danone Symposium “The Intelligent Intestine,” Held in Paris, June 14, 2002. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 78: 675-683, 2003.
• Casula, G. and Cutting, S. Bacillus Probiotics: Spore Germination in the Gastrointestinal Tract. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 68(5): 2344-2352, 2002.
• De Vecchi, E. and Drago, L. Lactobacillus Sporogenes or Bacillus Coagulans: Misidentification or Mislabeling? International Journal of Probiotics and Prebiotics. 1(1): 3-10, 2006.
• Feinle-Bisset, C., et al. Fat Digestion is Required for Suppression of Ghrelin and Stimulation of Peptide YY and Pancreatic Polypeptide Secretion by Intraduodenal Lipid. American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism. 289: E948-E953, 2005.
• Keller, J. and Layer, P. Human Pancreatic Exocrine Response to Nutrients in Health and Disease. Gut. 54: 1-28, 2005.
• Lee, M., et al. Total Intestinal Lactase and Sucrase Activities Are Reduced in Aged Rats. Journal of Nutrition. 127(7): 1382-1387, 1997.
• Meisel, J. Commensal microbiota modulate gene expression in the skin. Microbiome. 6(1): 20, 2018
• Nichols, B., et al. The Maltase-Glucoamylase Gene: Common Ancestry to Sucrase-Isomaltase with Complementary Starch Digestion Activities. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 100(3): 1432-1437, 2003.
• O’Dea, K., et al. Rate of Starch Hydrolysis in Vitro as a Predictor of Metabolic Responses to Complex Carbohydrate In Vivo. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 34: 1991-1993, 1981.
• Sanders, M., et al. Sporeformers as Human Probiotics: Bacillus, Sporolactobacillus, and Brevibacillus. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2: 101- 110, 2003.
• Scotti, E., et al. Exploring the microbiome in health and disease: Implications for toxicology. Toxicology Research and Application. doi: 10.1177/2397847317741884, 2017
• Vaughn, A. R., et al. Skin-gut axis: The relationship between intestinal bacteria and skin health. World Journal of Dermatology. 6(4): 52-58, 2017