Digestive enzymes (X-posted)

[staceyshoe]

I've been reading www.enzymestuff.com until I'm cross-eyed. I've learned a ton but still have some confusion. I would like to start my 2y.o. ds on enzymes for GERD and food intolerances. From what I am reading, it is best to start with a very gentle, broad spectrum enzyme formula from a reputable manufacturer, and add a product containing protease later.

If you've used enzymes with yourself or your family (especially a small child), please share your experiences with me. Also, if you recommend any particular product or manufacturer, please share. I'm considering starting with V-Gest by Enzymedica. Do you recommend a different product? What should I expect? What's the best way to start enzymes?

[k9sarchik]

Stacey~ Your best bet would be to find a practitioner that prescribes enzymes such as someone who does NAET or Bioset or a Naturopath.
They would be able to test your DS on which ones will work best for him. As I'm sure you are reading there are so many different kinds and there are so many different doses.

[sbgrace]

My son's did not tolerate V-gest and to this day I don't know why.

They did great on lacto by enzymedica though and I like that one to start because it is very broad based (variety of enzymes rather than a load of very targeted ones). It is low protease.
You can also start very slowly--just maybe 1/8 a capsule at one meal. Go up to 1/4 after three days and so on.

I'd recommend that one for a starter.

We did lacto for quite a while, then Houston's enzymes now-they have a good reputation--but I still go with lacto sometimes. I like it. Do watch on fruit derived enzymes. Some allergenic individuals including those with environmental allergies (my son being one) do not tolerate those well.

That site is very good about telling you what to expect--I'm sure it varies from person to person. I don't notice much honestly when things are going well (when we are tolerating them)!

[FireWithin]

Through our naturopath, we use Standard Process. I use a multizyme product that helps with my general digestion. It is also supposed to help me be able to occasionally eat things I can't, but I don't think it is always successful. My DS1 and I also take Betaine Hydrochloride. We take both pills at everymeal. For him, the hydrochloride helps him digest soy that he is allergic to. The couple of times I tried it for myself (nursling DS2 is allergic to soy), I forgot that wheat was in soy sauce so it wasn't successful.

For overall digestion ,it has been very useful for us. It is meeting digestive needs that our bodies where not producing.

[JaneS]

Houston's Zyme Prime has no fruit derived derived papain or bromelain. Since my DS is very allergic to pineapple, we use this and AFP Peptizyde. Perhaps Enzymedica contains these fruit enzymes?

I think Mammo2Sammo is totally right on Betaine HCI. I've recently been studying stomach acid and think it is perhaps just as, or more, important than enzyme supplementation for digestive disorders. For ex. stomach acid breaks down proteins. Food allergies are chiefly caused by food proteins.

Mammo2Sammo, do you use Standard Process Betaine HCI for Sam? Does it have papaya?

[FireWithin]

Originally Posted by JaneS

I think Mammo2Sammo is totally right on Betaine HCI. I've recently been studying stomach acid and think it is perhaps just as, or more, important than enzyme supplementation for digestive disorders. For ex. stomach acid breaks down proteins. Food allergies are chiefly caused by food proteins.

Mammo2Sammo, do you use Standard Process Betaine HCI for Sam? Does it have papaya?

Yes I use Standard Process
Yes it has papaya

It contains: Betaine hydrochloride, ammonium chloride, calcium lactate, pepsin and magnesium citrate.