Probiotic muti-enzyme digestive formula uses side effects and more.

Introduction:

The human gut consists of 500 to 1000 different species of bacteria, making a healthy microbiome
not only to benefit nutritive digestion but for the regulation of the immune system as well. However,
four bacterial phyla dominate the gut microbiome: bacteroidetes, cyanobacteria, proto-bacteria, and
firmicutes. Probiotics are living organisms that benefit host health when administered in adequate
amounts.

Digestive enzymes cause the breakdown/digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller
sub-units called nutrients to be subsequently absorbed by the body. Several causative mechanisms
contribute to digestive enzyme deficiency, such as digestive organ dysfunction, gastrointestinal
surgery, poor diet, high processed food consumption, excessive alcohol intake, or aging. Many
commercially available probiotics and multi-enzyme formulations are in the market and are used in
clinical practices to manage digestive problems.

Uses

• One animal study on obese versus lean mice demonstrates the importance of two dominant
bacterial species and how their relative abundance contributes to inflammation. As in obese mice, a
decrease in Bacteroidota (synonym bacteroidetes) and a relative increase in bacillota (also known as
firmicutes) leads to local and systemic inflammation. Diverse conditions related to inflammation are
not only limited to obesity but include IBS (irritable bowel syndrome a gut-brain interaction disorder)
, aging, and colorectal cancer. In another study, the effect of probiotics on gut dysbiosis due to a
high-fat diet suggests probiotics are effective in recovering bacteroidetes and proportionately
reducing firmicutes.

• Many studies suggest the significance of gut microbiota balance in colorectal cancer. Among
them is the research that suggests lactobacillus strains (phylum bacillota) and bifidobacterium
strains (phylum Actinomycetota or actinobacteria) are diminished in colon cancer. Lactobacillus and
bifidobacterium are common probiotic bacteria responsible for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer
activity. Numerous studies question whether probiotic formulations can help restore natural gut
microbiota and their beneficial metabolites.

• Probiotic multi-enzyme formulas are multipurpose agents used as supplements or

replacement therapies, such as in placental removal, cancer of the pancreas, or cystic fibrosis.
Supplements help mitigate the deficiency of healthy gut microbiota and provide multiple enzymes
essential for digestion. The pancreas is the primary organ that releases digestive enzymes. In the
absence of probiotics, enzymes take up the role of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats breakdown.

• Probiotics multi enzymes are used to reciprocate adverse effects of fluorouracil (5-FU) a
chemotherapeutic or anti-neoplastic agent, used as a first-line treatment for metastatic cancer of
the colon and a causative agent of colon mucositis (inflammation of mucosa), often indicated by
weight loss, hematochezia (blood in stool), and inflammatory cells infiltration.

• Vancomycin is an oral antibiotic used to treat severe infections caused by Clostridium

difficile bacteria. Vancomycin causes a significant reduction in gut microbiota. In such cases,
probiotics with multiple enzymes can be helpful.
• A less-known effect of probiotics with digestive enzymes has recently been researched in in-
vitro and mouse models on lowering blood cholesterol levels. Hypercholesterolemia and consequent
cardiovascular diseases are on the rise worldwide. A recent study uses lactobacillus and
bifidobacterium species with nine digestive enzymes, including amylase, bromelain, maltase, papain,
lipase, invertase, lactase, glucoamylase, and hemi cellulose. The probiotic with digestive enzymes
formula effectively lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increased good cholesterol, which is
high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

• Functional digestive enzyme disorders are chronic, recurrent abnormalities with no

underlying pathology. One such example is functional dyspepsia, presented with the hallmark
attribute of upper abdominal pain and characterized by digestive enzyme depletion. Probiotic multi-
enzyme formulas are effective in treating functional dyspepsia. They significantly reduce bloating,
flatulence, belching, gut inflammation, and postprandial distress.

Side effects

Before initiating probiotics supplementation with digestive enzymes formula, the doctors carefully
evaluate the risk over-benefit ratio; in most cases, risks are minimal. However, consulting a doctor or
pharmacist is advisable in case of less common to rare side effects.

Probiotic multi-enzyme formula's most common side effects are nausea, abdominal cramps, and
diarrhea. Less common adverse effects include painful urination, joint pain, or severe abdominal
discomfort. Moreover, serious allergic reactions, exemplified as skin rash, swelling mainly of the
face, throat, or tongue, breathing difficulty, and dizziness, must be notified immediately to the
doctor.

Precautions

• This product may trigger an allergic reaction, as it contains inactive metabolites. Therefore, it
is advisable to consult with a doctor or pharmacist in case of previously recorded allergic reactions.
• Immune-compromised patients like HIV patients, intestinal disorders, pancreas dysfunction,
or diarrhea, especially with a fever that lasts more than two days, are required to take extra
precautions before beginning the portion of multi-enzyme therapy.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only take this product when the benefit is
greater than the risk, and there is no research on whether it enters the breast milk.

Interactions

Probiotics with digestive enzymes may interact with antibiotics, miglitol, or acarbose. Drug-drug
interaction data about this product is limited; therefore, it is recommended to communicate every
medicine intake with a doctor or pharmacist.

How to use probiotics enzyme formula?

Take This medication by mouth with food or as directed by a doctor. The dose depends on the
severity of the condition and response to treatment. However, taking a diet as a doctor directs is
equally crucial to maximizing the benefit. The tablet is to be swallowed as is; a chewable tablet must
be chewed entirely before ingestion, and the capsule can be taken with liquid or powder mixed in
food. The treatment protocol is strictly to be decided by the doctor, and no over-the-counter usage
is recommended.
These medicines are not to be inhaled as they may trigger asthma attacks. Also, Do not change
dosage form or brand before consulting a doctor or pharmacist, as different brands may contain
different probiotics with digestive enzyme formulations.

Missed doses need not be accommodated when the next dose time has been reached. There is no
need to double the dose to overcome the missed dose. Take probiotic multi-enzyme formula two
hours before or after taking antibiotics.

Conclusion

Probiotic multi-enzyme formulations are effective against multiple gastrointestinal conditions

without many serious adverse effects. Yet data regarding which combination should be used,
medicine dosage, and treatment protocol is yet to be developed.

Sources:

https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-016-0945-2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6089397/

http://articles.theindianpractitioner.com/index.php/tip/article/download/944/897