We have always heard of enzymes, their importance and read about them in books. But what are they really? Do not worry, we are here to tell you all the important bits you must know about enzymes without boring you out.
What are Enzymes?
Enzymes are the protectors of the biological world – the protein Avengers, if you will! These tiny powerhouses hang out in our cells, ready to kick-start chemical reactions and save the day.
They have a job to do and that is binding to specific molecules called substrates and turning them into different things. By doing this, enzymes lower the energy needed for these reactions to happen, making everything work smoothly.
Enzymes are like the behind-the-scenes workers in our body, making sure everything runs well. They are involved in many jobs, like helping us digest food, speed up metabolism, produce energy, and send signals between our cells. Each enzyme has its own special task, and they do their share like a pro. So, these little helpers are super important for our body to work the way it should!
What Do Enzymes Do?
- Essential for Digestion: They’re needed for our digestive system to work properly.
- Not Used Up: Enzymes don’t get used up, and they stay the same after helping.
- Build and Break: They can build up some things and break down others.
- Essential Jobs: Enzymes are crucial for digestion, making energy, and other important tasks in our bodies.
Types of Enzymes
There are various types of enzymes, each playing specific roles in different biochemical processes. Here are some common types,
Amylase – Starches and carbohydrates get broken down into sugars. You can find Amylase in saliva and pancreatic juice.
Protease – Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids, and it is produced in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
Lipase – This breaks down lipids namely, fats and oils into glycerol and fatty acids. Liase can be found in the pancreas and small intestine.
Cellulases – This aids in breaking down cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls. Cellulases are made by some bacteria and fungi.
DNA and RNA Polymerases – These are involved in DNA and RNA synthesis, respectively. These are also vital for genetic processes.
Catalase – This converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Catalase is found in cells to protect against oxidative damage.
Lactase – Lactase breaks lactose (milk sugar) into glucose and galactose and is present in the small intestine.
Maltase – Converts maltose (a sugar from grains) into glucose and is located in the small intestine.
Pepsin – In the stomach, we have pepsin that breaks down proteins, which is an essential component of gastric juice.
How Do Enzymes Help You?
Amylase
Amylase breaks down starches into sugars for our bodies to use. There are two kinds:
Ptyalin in Salivary Glands – This one starts working in your mouth, attacking starches even before you swallow.
Pancreatic Amylase in Pancreas and Small Intestine – Made in the pancreas, it continues its job in the small intestine, turning starches into sugars. These sugars become glucose, a kind of energy, which gets absorbed into our body through the small intestine.
Protease
Protease is the protein powerhouse, breaking down proteins into amino acids. Two important places it works are:
Stomach with Pepsin – Pepsin, is a stomach enzyme which takes the lead in breaking down proteins.
Pancreas and Small Intestine – After the stomach, more protease enzymes from the pancreas join in when proteins reach the small intestine. They help break proteins into smaller pieces for our body to use.
Lipase
Lipase is the fat-fighting hero, breaking down fats into smaller parts. It’s produced in:
Pancreas – Lipase starts its job here, breaking down fats into glycerol and fatty acids.
Small Intestine – Lipase resumes its action in the small intestine, finishing the process. There’s also a type of lipase in breast milk to help babies digest fat easily.
In simple terms, amylase deals with starch, protease handles proteins, and lipase tackles fats, ensuring our body gets the energy and nutrients it needs.
What health conditions can enzyme problems cause?
Enzyme problems can lead to various health conditions, especially when our body doesn’t have enough of a specific enzyme. Here are some examples:
Inherited Metabolic Disorders
- Fabry Disease – This condition stops the body from making enough of the enzyme (alpha-galactosidase A) needed to break down fats (lipids).
- Krabbe Disease – It affects enzymes crucial for the protective covering (myelin) on nerve cells in the Central Nervous System.
Other Enzyme-Related Health Conditions
- Maple Syrup Urine Disease – This affects the enzymes needed to break down certain amino acids.
- Crohn’s Disease – An imbalance of gut bacteria may trigger an autoimmune response, influencing the presentation and severity of Crohn’s disease.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) – When the pancreas doesn’t have enough digestive enzymes, it can result from conditions like chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis. This leads to difficulty breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
- Lactose Intolerance – This happens when there’s not enough of the enzyme needed to digest sugars in milk (lactose) and dairy, causing digestive issues.
In a nutshell, enzyme problems can cause a range of health issues, impacting the breakdown of fats, proteins, and sugars in our body.
Caring for Your Enzymes
Enzymes from a Healthy Diet
- For most people without chronic health issues, a balanced diet usually provides the necessary enzymes.
- Include a variety of foods rich in enzymes like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Enzyme Supplements
- If you have certain health conditions, like Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), your healthcare provider might suggest enzyme supplements.
- Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any enzyme supplements to confirm they are right for you.
Medications and Enzymes
- Some medications can impact enzyme levels. Antibiotics, while killing harmful bacteria, may affect good bacteria crucial for digestion, potentially leading to issues like diarrhoea.
- Statins, used to lower cholesterol, may raise liver and muscle enzyme levels, posing risks to liver and muscle health.
When to Call a Doctor –
- If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, low red blood counts, or gastrointestinal bleeding, it’s essential to contact your doctor.
- Enzyme problems can be identified through a blood test, so if you notice any unusual symptoms, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
