Science and Efficacy
Thousands of clinical studies have been published on the science and efficacy behind the ingredients in EnzymePlus
Arginine and Citrulline
Increases endothelial nitric oxide which improves blood flow.
Arginine and citrulline are used by the body to create nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is your bodies natural vasodilator and part of the protective mechanism for the vascular lining.
Recent studies have shown that taking arginine and citrulline together is more effective at increasing arginine levels than supplementing with arginine alone [1].
Increases Blood Flow and Tissue Perfusion
Its vasodilating properties increases circulation and tissue perfusion [2,3,4] - this translates to better oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues and more efficient clearing of metabolic wastes such as ammonia and lactic acid [5].
Regulator of the Immune System
The inflammatory response starts with leukocytes (white blood cells) in the circulatory system sticking to the vascular lining, where they then penetrate to get to the site of inflammation. Nitric oxide regulates how many 'stick' to the vascular lining [6,7]. By increasing nitric oxide less leukocytes stick to the vascular lining. In a state of chronic inflammation, arginine levels are low and the body is not producing an adequate amount of nitric oxide to turn off the inflammatory response [8].
Clinical Trial Highlights
Inhibits platelet adherence and clot formation [9]
Improved anaerobic exercise capacity [11]
Reduces arterial plaque formation [10]
Decreased muscle fatigue and soreness [12,13]
References: [1] Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2017;81(2):372-375. [2] Int J Cardiol. 2002;86(2-3):317-23. [3] J Clin Invest. 1996;97(8):1989-94. [4] Exp Physiol. 2017;102(12):1661-1671 [5] Br J Sports Med. 2002;36(4):282-9. [6] Atherosclerosis. 1997;129(2):261-9. [7] Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 1997;17(12):3557-64. [8] Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;103(6):1458-64. [9] J Am Coll Cardiol. 1997;29(3):479-85. [10] Mol Cell Biochem. 2005;269(1-2):1-11. [11] Eur J Sport Sci. 2016;16(8):1095-103. [12] J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24(5):1215-22.[13] Br J Sports Med. 2002;36(4):282-9.
Bromelain
The enzymes in EnzymePlus. A powerful natural anti-inflammatory.
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes extracted from the stem of pineapples. These enzymes are best known for their proteolytic effect (digestion of proteins), how ever they also have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and have been known to be used as an alternative to NSAID pain relievers [1,4,5].
Blocks the Messengers of Inflammation
Bromelain works by decreasing the expression of mRNAs which encode for inflammatory messengers (cytokines) [2,3]. These cytokines are produced by inflamed cells to spread inflammation to their neighboring cells. When these cytokines get chronically produced (eg. from long term exposure to environmental pollutants) these cytokines can spread outside of the local area that is being irritated. This leads to body wide inflammation and the formation of chronic diseases.
Clinical Trial Highlights
Comparable pain reduction to diclofenac (NSAID) in patients with moderate osteoarthritis. [1,4,5]
Reduces secretion of inflammatory cytokines in irritable bowel disease (IBD). [2,3]
Glutamine
An essential amino acid during times of physical stress. Aids in collagen and muscle synthesis.
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and plays an essential role in the immune system and gastrointestinal function.
During periods of physical stress - whether it be intense exercise or fighting chronic inflammation, glutamine gets rapidly depleted making it a conditionally essential amino acid [1,2].
Immune System
Glutamine is used rapidly as a fuel source by the immune system. During chronic inflammation glutamine levels are consistently being depleted putting the person at risk of infection [3]. This is one possible reason by those suffering with chronic inflammation find themselves constantly battle a cold or flu. It's been proposed that illness and infection caused by athletic over training may be the result of glutamine deficiency [4]. Glutamine has been shown in clinical studies to reduce rates of infection in endurance athletes [4,5,6].
Gut Health and Intestinal Permeability
Glutamine helps protect the intestinal lining and decrease intestinal permeability [6,7]. It's well known to be an effective way to heal leaky gut and calm inflammation in the digestive system [7,8,9].
Clinical Trial Highlights
Prevents illness and infection associated with extreme endurance exercise. [4,5,6]
Restores intestinal lining and calms inflammation in patients with leaky gut. [7,8,9]
References: [1] Amino Acids. 1999;17(3):227-41. [2] Yonsei Med J. 2011;52(6):892-7. [3] Clin Immunol. 1999;93(3):294-301. [4] Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1996;73(5):488-90. [5] Nutrition. 1997;13(7-8):738-42. [6] Cell Stress Chaperones. 2015;20(1):85-93. [7] Lancet. 1993;341(8857):1363-5. [8] J Epithel Biol Pharmacol. 2012;5(Suppl 1-M7):47-54. [9] Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(5)