Enzymes are substances in the body that cause and speed up crucial chemical reactions.
Enzymes function is to help trigger bodily processes ranging from digestion to blood clotting to growth.
There are many types of enzymes, and most enzymes are proteins.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
They do this by facilitating chemical reactions.
Sometimes, the cells must undergo a chemical reaction to keep your body stable and functioning.
With enzyme binding, chemical reactions can occur without destroying the cell.
Enzymes arent used up in the reaction, so they can be used repeatedly.
Factors Affecting Enzyme Production
In healthy individuals, the body produces all the enzymes it needs.
Types of Enzymes
There are thousands of different types of enzymes in the body.
For example,digestive enzymesaid in the breakdown of food and its conversion into energy.
This can lead to a variety of symptoms.
Some are relatively minor, like being unable to eat lactose.
Types of Enzyme Deficiencies
There are thousands of enzyme deficiencies.
Only one jot down of enzyme supplementcalled pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT)is available.
PERT is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)regulated prescription medication.
Its prescribed to patients with serious illnesses, like cystic fibrosis.
Summary
Enzymes help the body complete necessary bodily chemical reactions.
This includes breaking down food, facilitating growth, and forming blood clots.
Having too little of a certain enzyme can lead to serious health implications like fatal buildup of toxins.
In healthy individuals, your body makes all the enzymes it needs, and supplementing isnt necessary.
The best way to support enzyme production is through a healthy diet.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves new breakthrough therapy for cystic fibrosis.
