Gentle, Effective, and Mold-Free: Why Digestion Synergy Stands Out
When it comes to choosing a digestive enzyme product, not all formulations are created equal. For those dealing with food sensitivities, allergies, or unexplained digestive problems, it is important to know that many…in fact the majority…of the enzymes on the market - i.e., so-called “Plant Enzymes”, are not from plants…they are derived from molds.
What Are the Main Differences Between Enzyme Formulations?
If you haven’t been able to figure out why you continue to have all kinds of digestive complaints, despite taking enzymes, then consider your enzyme supplement. Are they fungus-derived or truly plant/animal-derived? If your label says the enzymes are from Aspergillus, these are varieties of mold. To repeat: molds are not plants…they are fungi!
While mold-based enzymes can be effective at breaking down fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and even cellulose (which the human body doesn’t naturally digest), for the large percentage of people who are mold sensitive, these enzymes can also trigger immune responses.
Ironically, the very people using digestive enzymes to relieve bloating, gas, discomfort or food reactions may find mold-derived products cause those very issues to worsen.
The Allergenic Potential of Mold-Based Enzymes
People with mold sensitivities often react to enzymes derived from Aspergillus. To reduce allergenic potential, manufacturers "wash" these enzymes to remove surface antigens—(i.e., molecules your immune system flags as foreign, and then attacks, causing inflammation.) However, the effectiveness of this washing process varies by manufacturer. Some do a good job, but many don’t!
When these enzymes are not thoroughly cleaned, the risk of inflammatory immune responses increases—and most people never suspect the supplement itself as the cause.
This doesn’t mean that mold-based enzymes never work—many people benefit from them. But in clinical experience, I’ve seen many people react negatively. Such individuals almost always improve when they discontinue them.
For all these reasons, Digestion Synergy was formulated using enzymes from animal-derived pancreatin (bovine source), and true plant-based enzymes like bromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya), as well as digestion-soothing herbs like peppermint, ginger, gentian, and aloe.
Digestion Synergy: Formulated Differently
This non-mold active blend is far less likely to cause issues for those with sensitivities and provides broad digestive support. This blend has been a go-to for those seeking a dependable, clean enzyme solution.
Key ingredients in Digestion Synergy include:
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Pancreatin: Assists in breaking down carbs, fats, and proteins
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Pepsin & Betaine-HCl: Enhance stomach acid and protein digestion
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Bromelain & Papain: Natural enzymes from fruit sources
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Gentian & Barberry Extracts: Stimulate digestive secretions, bile flow and fat digestion
- Peppermint, Ginger & Aloe Vera: Soothe and comfort the digestive tract
Hidden Sources of Mold Enzymes in Food
It’s also worth noting that mold-derived enzymes are widely used in the food supply, especially in commercial baking. Many packaged breads and baked goods contain mold-based "enzyme blends" to speed up how quickly the dough cooks, and to modify texture. These “enzyme blends”…or any of: “amylase, lipase, protease or cellulase” are virtually all from Aspergillus-derived enzymes, as this is the readily available commercial source.
If you have food sensitivities, it’s worth checking labels for any of the above and considering whether mold-based enzymes could be a hidden culprit behind lingering reactions.
What Should You Choose?
Everyone is different. When selecting a digestive enzyme, choose the product that gives you results - whether that’s less bloating, more comfortable digestion, or improved tolerance of certain meals. Yet, if you’ve reacted poorly in the past to other enzyme products, Digestion Synergy may be the better solution you've been looking for.
Be well,
John Biggs BSc., NCP, OHP
Formulator & Founder, Synergy Holistics
Sources:
Surface Antigens of Intact Aspergillus fumigatus Mycelium: their Localization Using Radiolabelled Protein A as Marker By VERONICA M. HEARN Mycological Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WClE 7HT, UK Journal of General Microbiology (1984), 130, 907-917.