Ther-Biotic® SIBB-Zymes™

SIBB-Zymes™ is a Small Intestine Brush Border (SIBB) enzyme formulation that supports the final brush border stages of digestion and absorption.

This formula contains enzymes normally found in the brush border that are critical for the final steps of carbohydrate and protein digestion. Disaccharide enzymes (lactase, maltase, and sucrase) are supplied together with glucoamylase to assist optimal cleaving of sugars and carbohydrates.

SIBB-Zymes™ also includes a high-activity enzyme blend of peptidase and protease enzymes with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) activity. Peptidase and protease enzymes help break down plant and animal proteins, including casein (milk/dairy products), gluten (wheat, rye, oats, barley, and other grains), and soy.^† Peptidase enzymes that express DPP-IV activity are needed to break down proline-rich exorphin (opiate-acting) peptides derived from incompletely digested casein, gluten, and soy that may affect central nervous system function in some individuals.

Genetic, immunologic, bacterial, inflammatory, and environmental factors can influence the function and integrity of the brush border and its enzymes.

Brush border enzyme function may be affected by congenital or developmental factors. Lactase deficiency is the most common (39%) while other enzyme deficiencies such as sucrase (9%) are less common.

Cigarette smoking can also compromise function of the brush border.

Occasional abdominal pain, bloating, gas, indigestion, or loose stool may indicate the need for support of the small intestinal brush border.

Glucoamylase is an enzyme that facilitates the digestion of sugars and long chain carbohydrates found in foods like corn, wheat, rice, and potatoes that, if left undigested, may lead to incomplete absorption with microbial fermentation, altering the balance of yeast and bacteria in the gut.^†

Lactase is an essential enzyme for the complete digestion of lactose, a carbohydrate in milk. Approximately 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. Lactase has been included to support the digestion of lactose and dairy products.

Maltase is a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme that is part of the final step of the digestion of carbohydrates and a naturally occurring sugar (maltose) that is found in malt, grains, and many processed foods.

Sucrase (invertase) digests what is commonly known as table sugar, as well as the components of complex carbohydrates. In humans, sucrase is linked with isomaltase. Unfortunately, most plant-derived sucrase supplements do not contain isomaltase which makes the inclusion isomaltase activity an important component of this formula.

The protease/peptidase complex contains peptidases and proteases that help break down difficult-to-digest proteins both from the ends of protein chains and from within. The complex also provides enzymes with dipeptidyl peptidase IV, or DPP-IV, activity, essential for the complete breakdown of proline-rich proteins and the inactivation of exorphins.

Optimal support should include disaccharadiases with overlapping glucoamylase and isomaltase activity, as well as DPP-IV activity, to ensure complete digestion of gluten, casein, and soy. Unlike many sucrase containing formulas, SIBB-Zymes™ provides isomaltase activity from Glucoamylase to support the digestion of carbohydrates. In addition, the enzymes provided in this formula are active across a broad pH range, unlike animal-derived digestive enzymes which are active only in a narrow pH range.

Children or adults wishing to assist more complete breakdown and absorption of disaccharides like lactose, trisaccharides, oligosaccharides, casein, gluten, and soy by supporting healthy brush border enzyme function may benefit from the use of SIBB-Zymes™. SIBB-Zymes™ may be especially suitable for individuals following a carbohydrate-restricted diet such as the FODMAPS, GAPS, and SCD diets.

SIBB-Zymes™ specifically supports small intestine brush border (SIBB) enzyme function and supports more complete breakdown and absorption of casein, gluten, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides. SIBB-Zymes™ contains higher levels of these brush border enzymes to support the final stages of digestion compared to the broad spectrum activity of Vital-Zymes™ Complete.

SIBB-Zymes™ may be used as a stand-alone formula to support activity of these brush border enzymes; especially if this is the primary digestive need. It may also be used as a complement to Vital-Zymes™ Complete when higher digestive support of brush border enzyme activity/function is indicated to help maintain efficient digestive function and enhance nutrient absorption.

The suggested use is 2 capsules taken at the beginning of a meal (or based on the amount food being consumed). There has been no upper limit established for enzyme supplementation. Large doses may be ingested without toxicity or adverse effects. People with active peptic ulcer or gastritis should not take SIBB-Zymes™ or other protease-containing supplements.

The enzymes are microbial-derived enzymes (carbohydrases, peptidases, and proteases from non-pathogenic species of Aspergillus) contained in a base of cellulose, and encapsulated in Kosher-certified vegetarian capsules. There are no porcine or bovine ingredients, nor are there any fruit-derived enzymes for optimal tolerance in phenol-sensitive individuals.

Capsules can be opened and mixed with a small amount of food or beverage as long as it is not hot. When mixing capsule contents in foods, avoid contact with eyes and inhalation of powder as the enzymes may cause some irritation to mucus membranes. Foods treated in this manner should be consumed immediately.

Unlike certain vitamins, minerals, and herbs, there is no known upper limit (or threshold) to the amount of supplemental enzymes that can be consumed. No side effects have been reported with oral use of these enzymes. However, those with known allergies to Aspergillus should avoid using this product unless otherwise directed by their healthcare professional. In addition, persons with gastritis, active ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), or known damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa should not use this product unless otherwise directed by their healthcare professional. People with diabetes should use the products only under supervision of a medical professional.

Pregnant or nursing women should consult with a healthcare professional before using supplemental enzymes.

Improvements in digestion and gastrointestinal function may be seen immediately upon taking an enzyme supplement or may take several days to several weeks to become noticeable.