Bilex (90ct)
$16.40
The pancreas supplies the major digestive enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of starches (carbohydrates), proteins, and fats, so that the breakdown products can be absorbed in the upper small intestine.
Some carbohydrate digestion takes place in the mouth by salivary amylase, but pancreatic amylase is the major carbohydrate-digesting enzyme.
Bilex
DESCRIPTION
Bilex, provided by Douglas Laboratories, is a synergistic dietary enzyme formula that is specially formulated for digestive support.
FUNCTIONS
The pancreas supplies the major digestive enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of starches (carbohydrates), proteins, and fats, so that the breakdown products can be absorbed in the upper small intestine.
Some carbohydrate digestion takes place in the mouth by salivary amylase, but pancreatic amylase is the major carbohydrate-digesting enzyme.
Amylases break down starches to maltose and maltotriose, which are further hydrolyzed into glucose by the disaccharidases of the mucosal cells, and then absorbed. Although cellulose is indigestible by pancreatic and intestinal enzymes, the microflora within the large intestine may degrade it and produce uncomfortable symptoms in the process.
Although fat digestion starts in the mouth with the action of salivary lipase, the great majority of fat triglycerides are digested by pancreatic lipase secreted by the exocrine pancreas into the duodenum. Lipases break down triglycerides into monoglycerides and free fatty acids, which are efficiently absorbed in the upper small intestine.
Protein digestion is initiated in the stomach by pepsin and hydrochloric acid, which denature and break large proteins down to smaller polypeptides. In the small intestine, proteases break down these polypeptides into free amino acids, and di- and tripeptides, which are directly absorbed by the intestinal mucosa.
Papain is a protease enzyme derived from papaya and is an enzyme that breaks peptide bonds.
Bile is normally secreted by the gallbladder to digest fat. Ox bile is very similar to human bile to help aid in digestion and assimilation of lipids in the small intestine.
| What is bile? Bile is a yellowy-greenish substance that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. When we eat substances that contain fat, it stimulates our gallbladder to release the stored bile into our digestive tract, where it mixes with our food. | |
| Because bile contains substances that promote the proper breakdown of fat, it is essential to our proper metabolism of fatty foods such as dairy products, oils, and meat. In addition to its digestive function, bile contains body salts, minerals and often cholesterol. What does it do? When released into the small intestine, or when taken as a supplement, bile mixes into the food in our digestive tract and helps to act on any fat there, much like a detergent. This means that it takes big fat globules and makes them into tiny balls that lipase (the fat digesting enzyme) can easily work on. Some people, who have had their gallbladder removed, use ox bile to supplement their bile production with meals since they no longer have a storage place for their own bile. With improved digestion of fats, the ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K improves as well. | |
INDICATIONS
Bilex may be a useful dietary supplement for individuals desiring digestive support of food.
3 Tablets Contain:
Pancreatin (8X)……………… 47 mg
Yielding approximately:
Amylase ……… 9400 USP units
Protease……….. 940 USP units
Lipase ………… 1970 USP units
Papain ……….. 372,000 USP units
Ox Bile Extract…………….. 380 mg
Other ingredients: Cellulose, vegetable stearate and silica.
SUGGESTED USE
Adults take 3 tablets daily with meals or as directed by a healthcare professional.
SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse side effects have been reported.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
REFERENCES
Bragelmann R, Armbrecht U, Rosemeyer D, et al. The effect of pancreatic enzyme supplementation in patients with steatorrhoea after total gastrectomy [see comments]. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1999;11:231-7.
Gan KH, Heijerman HG, Geus WP, et al. Comparison of a high lipase pancreatic enzyme extract with a regular pancreatin preparation in adult cystic fibrosis patients. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1994;8:603-7.
Greenberger NJ. Enzymatic therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 1999;28:687-93.
Layer P, Keller J. Pancreatic enzymes: secretion and luminal nutrient digestion in health and disease. J Clin Gastroenterol 1999;28:3-10
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Bilex, provided by Douglas Laboratories, is a synergistic dietary enzyme formula that is specially formulated for digestive support.