Vitalzym FAQ
Vitalzym™
Frequently Asked Questions
Systemic enzymes promote healthier bodies and wellness. As we age, our body’s natural production of enzymes slows or stops. Supplementation of enzymes with Vitalzym or VitalzymX, along with proper diet and exercise, will help to maintain your normal enzyme levels, balancing your body’s own repair mechanisms and increasing your health and wellness.
Q. Enzymes: What are enzymes?
A. Enzymes are found in every cell of every living plant and animal, including humans. Enzymes are biocatalysts; which means that they either begin a reaction or cause a reaction to speed up. Without enzymes life would not exist.
Q. How do enzymes work?
A. Enzymes work by virtue of their shape. An enzyme molecule can be compared, in shape at least, to many short strings of pearls (amino acids) strung together. This long string folds in on itself as certain sequences of amino acids (pearls) are more attracted to each other than to other sequences, thus giving the enzymes a specific shape.
At one point on the surface of this string of pearls there exists something, which looks like a keyhole. This is called the “active site” on the enzyme. When matched with its specific coenzyme (a vitamin, mineral, or trace element) this “lock” has the exact inverse contour of the “key” which is contained in the molecule of the enzyme’s “substrate” (the molecule that the enzyme wants to transform into a different molecule). When the substrate appears, it inserts the “key” into the “lock.” The molecular structure of the substrate is transformed into a different molecular structure and both enzyme and the newly transformed molecule go on their merry ways.
Q. What is a digestive enzyme?
A. A digestive enzyme breaks down the proteins, fats and carbohydrates in food during the digestive process allowing the body to better utilize the food you eat. Digestion begins in the mouth, continues on in the stomach, and is completed in the small intestine.
Q. What is a systemic enzyme?
A. Systemic enzymes work at the organ and cellular levels to fight inflammation and chronic disorders. Some of these enzymes are responsible for different bodily functions, such as respiration, vision, growth, reproductions, and the storage and release of energy. This is why you may experience increased energy when taking enzymes. There have been approximately 3,000 enzymes in the human body that have been identified so far.
Q. What is systemic enzyme therapy?
A. Systemic enzyme therapy is utilizing enzyme supplementation to increase the enzymes throughout your body to assist in restoring the body to health.
Q. Is there research regarding the use of systemic enzyme therapy?
A. According to Dr. Wong, “systemic enzymes have a 5 decade history of use in orthodox medicine in Germany, Central Europe, and Japan where over 200 peered reviewed studies have been done showing not only absorption but also therapeutic action in humans and livestock.”
Q. What is a proteolytic enzyme?
A. The proteolytic enzyme digests protein. Some examples of proteolytic enzymes are protease, serrapeptase, bromelain, and papain.
Q. What is a lipase enzyme?
A. Lipase digests fat. It is an enzyme secreted in the digestive tract that catalyzes the breakdown of fats into individual fatty acids that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Q. What is an amylase enzyme?
A. A group of proteins found in saliva and pancreatic juice and parts of plants, Amylase digests carbohydrates and helps convert starch to sugar.
Q. What is bromelain?
A. An enzyme found in pineapples that breaks down other proteins, such as collagen.
Q. What is papain?
A. A proteolytic enzyme obtained from unripe papaya.
Q. What else are enzymes used for?
A. Enzymes are widely used in the food industry. Enzymes are also essential in the manufacture of beer.
Q. Are enzymes considered “anti-inflammatory drugs”?
A. Proteolytic Enzymes are considered anti-inflammatory agents.
Q. What prevents the enzymes from digesting our inner organs and tissues?
A. The body has a protective mechanism that prevents it from digesting itself. This mechanism works by our bodies ability to tag “self proteins” differently from “foreign proteins” that are not part of our biological make-up so it can distinguish them from each other.
Q. How long do oral enzymes last within the body?
A. Oral enzymes, such as those in Vitalzym/VitalzymX are rapidly eliminated from the body and are undetectable in the blood after 24 to 48 hours.
Q. What enzymes are in the Vitalyzm/VitalzymX formula?
A. Vitalzym/VitalzymX is a proprietary blend of systemic enzymes including, protease, bromelain, serrapeptase, amylase, lipase, and papain.
Q. What is serrapeptase and where does it come from?
A. Also known as Serratia peptidase; a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the non-pathogenic enterobacteria Serratia E15. Serrapeptase has been shown to be one of the most fibrinolytic enzymes available today. Serrapeptase is a powerful proteolytic enzyme. In Japan, Takada sells serrapeptase as a registered anti-inflammatory medicine under the product name Dazen. Serrapeptase is laboratory grown. This enzyme is an important factor in Vitalyzm/VitalzymX.
Q. Do other countries recognize the benefits of Serrapeptase?
A. Yes, European and Asian physicians are using this naturally occurring enzyme as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reducer and an alternative to salicylates (aspirin), ibuprophen, and other NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). They have also studied systemic enzyme therapy for almost 5 decades.
Q. Where is Vitalzym/VitalzymX made?
A. World Nutrition uses ingredients from the purest sources. Vitalzym is manufactured at World Nutrition’s facility in Phoenix, AZ and is 100% vegetarian. VitalzymX is made in Japan.
www.worldnutrition.info
Q. How does World Nutrition grow their enzymes? Is the process ecologically safe? Does the process use any chemicals?
A. The enzymes in Vitalzym/VitalzymX come from two sources; the fruit enzymes along with the Amla and Rutin are from fruit grown in organic plantations, and the protease and serrapeptase is lab grown in a protein (fungus) medium. The enzymes are then extracted from the medium so that not a trace of fungus is left on the enzyme and the purity is assured.
Q. Are the enzymes in Vitalzym sensitive to extreme heat conditions?
A. Yes. However, the enzymes are heat stable to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Long term exposure of temperatures above this may damage the enzymes.
Q. Can the enzymes be damaged during shipment?
A. The temperature in carrier vehicles should rarely, if ever exceed 140 degrees. In fact, the manufacturer, World Nutrition, performs rigorous quality control tests to insure the stability of Vitalyzm. For example, they ship the product via ground to various parts of the country in all weather conditions to an un-established address. This allows the package to have traveled a long journey prior to its return. Once returned, product quality tests are performed and as of yet, there have not been any problems with damage from heat exposure.
Q. What about leaving the package in areas with extreme weather conditions?
A. If you live in an area with extreme (hot or cold) temperatures, be conscious of your mail receptacle and the temperature it may become during extreme weather. Collect your package as soon as possible. When placing your order, consider your schedule during the days that your package will be delivered so you can arrange to be home when your package arrives and collect it in a timely manner. If you will not be able to collect your package promptly it would be best if you make special arrangements regarding the delivery of your package, such as requesting that your package is sent “Signature Required” (an additional fee) so that the package must be picked up at the post office or UPS store, or delivered at another time. Additionally, we would be happy to ship your order on a date specified to allow the delivery to fit into your schedule. We cannot be responsible for damage to products that are not collected timely from your mail receptacle or are ordered during particularly extreme weather conditions. Our email to you regarding the tracking and/or transit time for the delivery of your package should be adequate information for you to estimate or track the delivery date of your package.
Q. I received my order of Vitalzym and when I opened the package there was a strong odor?
A. Enzymes do not smell good by nature and has nothing to do with the quality of the product. If even a tiny amount of the enzyme powder gets on the outside of a capsule during the manufacturing process, it can cause the entire bottle to have a strong odor.
Q. Is Vitalzym/VitalzymX a prescription medication?
A. No, Vitalym/VitalzymX is considered a natural dietary supplement
Q. What is the suggested quantity of Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
For general purposes, the suggested use on the label for regular Vitalzym is 3 capsules, 1 to 3 times daily. The suggested use on the label for VitalzymX is 3 capsules daily. Take capsules at least 30 minutes before a meal, at least 60 minutes after a meal, or any time in between meals. Or, take an activation dosage as recommended by a healthcare professional. Every person is biologically different; therefore, a higher or lower dosage may be appropriate for each individual. It is important to understand each person’s “activation” dosage for those who are addressing specific conditions.
Q. Do I need to take all the Vitalzym/VitalzymX at once or is it better to divide the dosage?
A. It is better to take in divided doses to keep the enzymes in your system throughout the day rather than taking them all at one time.
Q. How many Vitalzym/VitalzymX can I take at one time even if I am dividing the doses?
A. You can take up to 10 capsules of regular Vitalzym, and 5 of VitalzymX, at once. It is not unsafe to take more than that, but they will most likely not be utilized by the body.
Q. Why is it important to drink water when taking Vitalzym/VitalzymX for systemic therapy?
A. One reason is to be sure the enzymes get into the intestinal tract where they will be transported by the blood to needed areas of the body. The other reason is that some enzymes need water to activate them. Additionally, as one goes through the cleansing phase toxins are released; drinking plenty of water helps the body rid itself of these toxins via the bowels and kidneys which will help reduce effects from detoxifying.
Q. Why do different dosage levels work for different people?
A. Factors such as weight, age, sex, body metabolism, health status, lifestyle, and diet can all influence what dosage will be considered an “activation dose” for each individual.
Q. Is it safe to take high doses of Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
A. Do not worry that you will overdose taking Vitalzym/VitalzymX. Enzymes do not have toxicity levels like many medications, vitamins, or minerals. Nor do they get stored in the body where they can become toxic.
Q. Why is it suggested to take Vitalzym/VitalzymX in high dosages?
A. Enzyme molecules are very large so it is difficult to pack a sufficient amount in one capsule.
Q. Is there a history regarding the safe use of enzymes?
A. Yes, there is recorded information on the safety of using digestive enzymes that dates back to the early 1900’s. Systemic enzyme research has been conducted in Europe and Asia for almost 50 years and more recently in Japan and the United States.
Q. What are some benefits I can expect from taking Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
A. Vitalzym/VitalzymX will cleanse the blood, liver, and the colon of debris. It can also help remove excess fibrin from the kidneys, other organs, muscles, and tissues. Vitalzym/VitalzymX is a natural anti-inflammatory, helps to modulate the immune system, kill candida yeast, and fight viruses and bacteria.
Q. How long before Vitalzym/VitalzymX takes effect?
A. How quickly one responds just depends upon an individuals state of health, lifestyle, and diet. It may also depend on the individual’s physiological make-up, as everyone is different. Testimonials from some of our customers reported positive effects ranging from 3 days to 2 weeks. Taking the right activation dosage is critical to the success of the product.
Q. What claims do you make about the effectiveness of Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
A. The FDA does not allow the nutraceutical industry to make claims about their products without scientific studies being performed that substantiate the claims. Our customers can share their experience with the product but World Nutrition do not make specific claims.
Q. Are there any SIDE EFFECTS at all with these products?
A. We currently have no documented evidence of any adverse side effects based on the use of Vitalzym/VitalzymX. You should not take this product without the consent of your physician if you are currently taking anti-coagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, such as Coumadin, Heparin and Plavix.
Q. Will I notice any changes in my urine?
A. Fibrin appears in urine as foamy white fibers. If there is a build up of fibrin in the kidneys, you may notice this temporary change. Although, this is not something everyone experiences.
Q. Why is it important to take Vitalzym/VitalzymX on an empty stomach?
A. When taken between meals on an empty stomach, the enzymes enter the intestinal tract where they are more readily absorbed into the blood stream to assist various bodily systems in fighting inflammation, as well as acute and chronic diseases. If you were to take them with food, they would act as digestive enzymes that breakdown food in the stomach.
Q. I find it hard to have an empty stomach. Is there another way I can take Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
A. If taking Vitalyzm a half hour before meals is not convenient or it bothers your stomach, you may take your dose one hour after eating. Many customers find this to be helpful.
Q. What happens if I take Vitalzym/VitalzymX with food?
A. If enzymes are taken with a meal, they would aid digestion of food in the stomach and only a reduced portion would be absorbed into the bloodstream where they can help assist bodily functions, as mentioned above.
Q. It is okay to take Vitalzym/VitalzymX with hot beverages such as tea?
A. No, enzymes are heat sensitive. Beverages should be at least room temperature.
Q. Are there any compatibility issues with Vitamins and Minerals?
A. Vitamins and minerals are cofactors to enzymes; therefore, they are needed in the body for the enzymes to have their full effect. Thus, systemic enzyme use enhances the effect of other supplementation programs. However, it is best to take vitamins and minerals with food and Vitalzym/VitalzymX separately on an empty stomach.
Q. Are there any compatibility issues with any prescribed drugs?
A. Yes. Customers using anti-coagulants or blood thinners, such as Coumadin, Heparin and Plavix, should not use Vitalzym/VitalzymX without the consent of their physician, as the enzymes can enhance the effects of the blood thinning medications, making them stronger. It is always best to consult with your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications and would like to incorporate nutritional supplements to your regimen.
Q. Are there compatibility issues with protein based dietary supplements?
A. Any supplement that has a protein base should be taken at a different time than when you take Vitalzym/VitalzymX so that the enzymes can quickly make it through the gastric juices so they can be absorbed into the blood stream.
Q. Can I take herbs with Vitalyzm/VitalzymX?
A. Yes; however, Vitalzym/VitalzymX may increase the effectiveness of herbal supplements. If you are taking herbs in therapeutic doses, you may want to consult with your health care professional.
Q. Can I still take my other supplements?
A. In general, you can still take your other natural dietary supplements. However, some supplements such as fish and borage oil, gingko biloba, garlic, feverfew, and Vitamin E can help thin the blood. Please take this into consideration when using natural blood thinners in combination with Vitalzym/VitalzymX.
Q. How can Vitalzym/VitalzymX help with auto-immune disorders?
A. Vitalzym/VitalzymX can help tone down an over-active immune system by reducing the antibodies that attack it. If the immune system is under-active, Vitalzym/VitalzymX can help increase killer cell activity and restore balance.
Q. Can Vitalzym/VitalzymX help with diabetes?
A. Vitalzym/VitalzymX can help with pancreatic function; therefore it may be beneficial for diabetics.
Q. Can Vitalyzm/VitalzymX help with herniated disks?
A. Vitalzym/VitalzymX will help with the pain and inflammation, but one may need manual therapy for the discs.
Q. Can Vitalzym/VitalzymX help with varicose veins?
A. Vitalzym/VitalzymX may be helpful because it can help clear the microcirculatory system.
Q. Can Vitalzym/VitalzymX help with scar tissue?
A. Yes, scar tissue is made up of fibrin.
Q. What is fibrin?
A. Fibrin is an insoluble protein the body produces in response to bleeding or inflammation. Excess fibrin in the body leads to fibrosis conditions, such as uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, endometriosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis, to name a few.
According to Scripps Research Institute, “It is generally assumed that the persistence of fibrin in the extra cellular matrix (connective tissue) promotes fibrosis, and that the extent of fibrosis is limited by proteinases (enzymes) that remove the fibrin. Fibrotic disease occurs when normal control of this process is compromised and excess fibrous material accumulates in the tissues.”
Q. How does Vitalzym/VitalzymX help to regulate the blood?
A. Vitalzym/VitalzymX can help reduce platelet aggregation, excess fibrin, and debris in the blood that can cause it to become thickened. Talk to your doctor before taking Vitalyzm/VitalzymX if you are on prescription blood thinners.
Q. Can Vitalzym/VitalzymX overly thin the blood?
A. In general, it will not thin the blood beyond what is normal for an individual, such as aspirin and coumadin. However, it may be more blood thinning for some, than others.
Q. When should I stop using Vitalzym/VitalzymX prior to having surgery?
A. It is suggested to stop taking Vitalzym/VitalzymX 2 weeks before surgery.
Q. How long should I wait to take Vitalzym/VitalzymX after surgery?
A. Generally, when all internal and external bleeding has stopped and your doctor tells you it is alright to begin taking aspirin. However, please consult with your physician to determine when the time would be right for you personally.
Q. Is Vitalzym/VitalzymX helpful as a pain reducer?
A. Yes, other than reducing inflammation, serrapeptase’s most profound benefit is reducing pain, due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues.
Q. Will Vitalzym/VitalzymX work for menstrual cramps?
A. The enzymes in Vitalzym/VitalzymX are known for their anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, it may help with the pain and inflammation associated with smooth muscle cramping. You can also take magnesium citrate which helps ease smooth muscle contractions.
Q. Does taking magnesium and zinc compliment the use of Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
A. Yes, magnesium activates over 2600 enzymes and zinc activates over 600 enzymes. Vitamins, minerals, and enzymes all work together to help support the bodies metabolic functions. People who are estrogen dominant are often low in these minerals.
Q. Does Vitalyzm/VitalzymX have an enteric coating?
A. Yes, the enzymes in regular Vitalzym that are sensitive to stomach acid are individually enteric coated using a proprietary process that adds almost nothing to their bulk. Most enteric coating of powders adds up to 3 times the bulk of the powder. The capsule itself in VitalzymX is enteric coated.
Q. What does enteric coated mean?
A. An enteric coating is a barrier applied to some oral dietary supplements that prevent the acidic environment of the stomach from destroying nutrients such as enzymes and probiotics (acidophilus/bifidus) before they reach the small intestine.
Q. Is Vitalzym/VitalzymX FDA approved?
A. The FDA does not “approve” nutritional supplements. Instead, they have assigned DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) to “regulate” them for proper label information and to make sure they are produced in proper manufacturing facilities. They are also responsible for investigating any supplements that may have caused a problem for an individual(s).
Vitalzym/VitalzymX is manufactured in a FDA approved facility that retains a State of Arizona Board of Pharmacy Manufacturer license, DEA Manufacturer license, DEA Chemical Registration License, and a FDA Label Code which means the FDA inspects their facility on a monthly basis.
Q. Should I tell my doctor that I am taking Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
A. Yes, especially if you are taking prescription medications. It may be best to print out the ingredients page on our website to show him/her so they can see what it contains.
Q. Why didn’t my doctor suggest Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
A. Many doctors have very limited education if any regarding nutrition and the use of dietary supplements. Therefore, they often do not feel comfortable making recommendations. However, more and more doctors and pharmacists are inquiring about the benefits of enzyme therapy and incorporating them into their protocols.
Q. Is Vitalzym/VitalzymX something I can take indefinitely for general well being?
A. Yes, enzymes help keep the bodily processes in check. You can take 1 cap, 3 times daily on an empty stomach for general maintenance. If you are attempting to keep a particular condition in check, you can take 6 to 9 capsules daily in divided doses.
Q. Who should not take Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
A. Those with a uterine fibroid condition who are pregnant or trying to conceive, hemophiliacs, those with an ulcer, and those taking prescription blood thinners, as enzymes can increase the effectiveness of prescription coagulants like Coumadin, Heparin, or Plavix.
Q. Can I take Vitalzym/VitalzymX if I am breastfeeding?
A. Check with your doctor before taking any dietary supplement if pregnant, attempting to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Q. Can I take Vitalzym/VitalzymX if I am allergic to citrus?
A. If you are allergic to citrus and are not sure if you can take Vitalzym/VitalzymX, it would be best to start with a small bottle to determine if you will have a reaction. Vitalzym/VitalzymX contains bromelain from pineapples, papain from papayas, rutin (a bioflavonoid) from citrus, and Amla from a fruit high in Vitamin C.
Q. Does weather affect the quality of Vitalyzm/VitalzymX?
A. Exposure to heat over 150 degrees for an extended period of time can destroy the enzymes. Store your Vitalzym in a cool, dry place, with the lid tightly closed. Enzymes are freeze dried so there is no problem if they get frozen or are exposed to cold temperatures.
Q. Does Vitalzym/VitalzymX need to be kept in the refrigerator?
A. No, a cool dry place is fine. An opened bottle in the refrigerator can cause moisture to build up and affect the enzymes activity levels.
Q. How does Vitalzym/VitalzymX compare with other enzyme formulas that contain Nattokinase?
A. Nattokinase is an enzyme that is used in some cardiovascular formulas such as VitalzymSEB. It is not suggested to take more than 1 capsule, 3 times daily without strict supervision from a medical provider. Regular Vitalzym can be taken safely in higher doses than 3 capsules per day. However, we do suggest talking with your health care professional if you have personal concerns about taking higher doses.
Q. How do I know if I need VitalzymSEB or just Vitalzym/VitalzymX?
A. VitalzymSEB is a cardiovascular formula. Due to the nattokinase ingredient, the suggested dose is one capsule three times daily. If you have a condition in which you would like to take a higher dosage than 1 cap three times daily (for example, fibroids or scar tissue) regular Vitalzym or VitalzymX would be the better choice because you can take it in higher doses.
Q. Can I take Vitalzym or VitalzymX with VitalyzmSEB?
A. Yes; however, you should adjust your intake. For example, if you are taking 3 VitalzymSEB, only take a maximum of 9 regular Vitalzym, or a maximum of 4 VitalzymX, per day.
Q. What is the percentage of people that Vitalyzm/VitalzymX works for?
A. We do not have exact percentages because we are not a clinic conducting “clinical trial” in a controlled environment. However, we do get reports of good results from our customers. Reviewing the message board postings on our website in regard to what others are experiencing will be helpful. Note: All postings are by legitimate customers!
