Amylase

Amylase

Amylase is the primary starch-digesting enzyme produced in the body. It is responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates into smaller units. The digestive process eventually converts carbohydrates into glucose, which serves as the main fuel of every cell in the body. Natural dietary sources of amylase include legumes, whole grains, nuts, sprouted seeds, as well as raw fruits and vegetables. Amylase can also be found in digestive aid supplements, often in combination with other digestive enzymes

Benefits of Amylase

Aside from producing energy, amylase also holds a wide array of health benefits including:

Better Digestion

Amylase is vital to the digestive process because it plays a major role in processing any starch in your diet. Additionally, cells in your pancreas produce pancreatic amylase, which helps digest carbohydrates completely. Amylase can reduce the workload of your small intestines by beginning the digestive process in the mouth.^[1]

Anti-Diabetes

Results from two high quality studies show that amylase has a role in stabilizing blood sugar levels and preventing the onset of diabetes.^[2-3] According to these studies, patients with metabolic abnormalities like diabetes and metabolic syndrome have lower levels of amylase in their blood.

Alternative Cancer Treatment

Oral amylase supplementation is known to combat cancer. In fact, the Gonzalez regimen, a holistic approach to cancer treatment that combines diet, nutritional supplements and pancreatic enzymes, is currently being used in the management of cancer patients. Pancreatic enzymes, particularly amylase, are thought to have a direct effect in inhibiting the growth and reproduction of cancer cells.^[4]

Relief from Rheumatic Diseases

The results of various studies in patients with rheumatic diseases suggest that oral therapy with proteolytic enzymes such as amylase may be effective in reducing pain and swelling.^[5-6] In fact, these studies show that oral amylase supplementation may be just as effective as current drug remedies, without adverse side effects.

A Lower Risk for Autoimmune Disease

An autoimmune disease results from an overactive immune system – a condition in which your body’s defenses mistakenly attack healthy cells. Interestingly, one study on digestive enzymes and autoimmune diseases found that amylase could help slow the aggregations of molecules that trigger heightened immune responses, as well as reduce the resulting tissue damage from overactive cells of the immune system.^[7]

Improved Mood and General Well-Being

Alpha-amylase (α-Amylase) is the major form of amylase secreted by the pancreas and salivary glands. The level of alpha amylase in the saliva has been proposed as a clinical marker of autonomic nervous system activity in the brain. Results from one study assessing the levels of salivary alpha amylase in 50 adolescents show a positive correlation between alpha amylase levels and mood.^[8] According to the study, higher levels of salivary alpha amylase were associated with high arousal positive emotions (feeling active, strong, excited), suggesting that augmentation of amylase levels through dietary intake and supplements can have a positive impact on general well-being.

References:

1. Available from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/K_Madhavan_Nampoothiri/publication/228710854_a-Amylases_from_microbial_sources_-_An_overview_on_recent_developments/links/0deec52689b9978ab4000000.pdf.
2. Yadav R, Bhartiya JP, Verma SK, Nandkeoliar MK. The Evaluation of Serum Amylase in the Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, with a Possible Correlation with the Pancreatic Functions. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR. 2013;7(7):1291-1294. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2013/6016.3120.
3. Nakajima K, Nemoto T, Muneyuki T, Kakei M, Fuchigami H, Munakata H. Low serum amylase in association with metabolic syndrome and diabetes: A community-based study. Cardiovascular Diabetology. 2011;10:34. doi:10.1186/1475-2840-10-34.
4. PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board. Delirium (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. 2016 Jan 4. In: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); 2002-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65729.
5. Leipner J, Iten F, Saller R. Therapy with proteolytic enzymes in rheumatic disorders. BioDrugs. 2001;15(12):779-89.
6. Klein G, Kullich W, Schnitker J, Schwann H. Efficacy and tolerance of an oral enzyme combination in painful osteoarthritis of the hip. A double-blind, randomised study comparing oral enzymes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006;24(1):25-30.
7. Stauder G, Ransberger K, Streichhan P, Van schaik W, Pollinger W. The use of hydrolytic enzymes as adjuvant therapy in AIDS/ARC/LAS patients. Biomed Pharmacother. 1988;42(1):31-4.
8. Adam EK, Till hoyt L, Granger DA. Diurnal alpha amylase patterns in adolescents: associations with puberty and momentary mood states. Biol Psychol. 2011;88(2-3):170-3.