Recognizing enzyme deficiency: causes, symptoms, and treatment options
An enzyme deficiency can manifest itself through a variety of symptoms, including digestive discomfort such as bloating, fullness, and diarrhea, as well as non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, skin problems, and headaches. These symptoms often occur after consuming certain foods and can indicate insufficient activity of specific enzymes necessary for digestion and metabolism.
What are enzymes and what functions do they perform?
Enzymes are proteins that act as biocatalysts to accelerate chemical reactions in the body without being consumed themselves. They are crucial for numerous physiological processes, including nutrient digestion, energy production, and detoxification.
Main types of enzymes
Metabolic enzymes
- Amylases: Break down carbohydrates into simple sugars.
- Proteases: Break down proteins into amino acids.
- Lipases: Break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
- Lactase: Splits milk sugar (lactose) into glucose and galactose.
- Diamine oxidase (DAO): Breaks down histamine in the intestine.
Digestive enzymes:
- Oxidoreductases: Involved in redox reactions.
- Transferases: Transfer functional groups between molecules.
- Hydrolases: Break chemical bonds by absorbing water.
- Lyases: Remove groups of substrates without hydrolysis.
- Isomerases: Catalyze the conversion of isomers.
- Ligases: Join two molecules using ATP.
Symptoms of an enzyme deficiency
Symptoms vary depending on the enzyme affected, but may include:
- Indigestion : flatulence, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain.
- Intolerances: Reactions to certain foods, e.g., dairy products in cases of lactase deficiency.
- Deficiency symptoms : weight loss, fatigue, skin problems due to insufficient nutrient intake.
- Neurological symptoms: headaches, difficulty concentrating, depressive moods.
Causes of enzyme deficiency
An enzyme deficiency can have various causes:
- Genetic defects : Congenital metabolic disorders, such as hereditary fructose intolerance, result from mutations that impair enzyme production.
- Pancreatic diseases : Chronic pancreatitis can reduce the production of digestive enzymes, leading to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
- Dietary habits : An unbalanced diet, especially one with a high proportion of processed foods, can negatively affect enzyme production.
- Aging process : As we age, enzyme production naturally decreases.
- Taking medication : Certain medications can inhibit the activity or production of enzymes.
Intolerances due to enzyme deficiency
A deficiency of specific enzymes can lead to various food intolerances:
- Lactose intolerance : Lack of lactase leads to discomfort after consuming dairy products.
- Fructose malabsorption : Inadequate absorption of fructose in the small intestine causes gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Histamine intolerance : A deficiency of DAO enzymes leads to an accumulation of histamine, which can trigger various symptoms.
Risk groups for enzyme deficiency
Certain groups of people are at increased risk of enzyme deficiency:
- Older people : Natural decline in enzyme production.
- People with chronic diseases : especially those with diseases of the pancreas or digestive tract.
- People with an unbalanced diet : Lack of essential nutrients can impair enzyme production.
Diagnosis of an enzyme deficiency
Diagnosis is made through various tests:
- Breath tests : To diagnose lactose or fructose intolerance.
-
Stool tests : Measurement of elastase-1 concentration to assess pancreatic function.
- Blood tests : Determination of nutrient deficiencies or specific enzyme activities.
- Genetic testing : If congenital enzyme defects are suspected.
Nutrition for enzyme deficiency
An adapted diet can help alleviate the symptoms:
- Avoiding incompatible foods : e.g. lactose-free products in case of lactose intolerance.
- Small, frequent meals : relieves the digestive system.
- High-fiber diet : Promotes healthy intestinal flora
- Adequate fluid intake : Supports digestion.
- Selected digestive enzymes – such as those contained in SUPER DEBLOAT – can specifically help improve nutrient utilization and gently support digestion, especially with meals containing difficult-to-digest components.
Treatment of enzyme deficiency
The treatment depends on the cause of the enzyme deficiency:
- Enzyme substitution : taking enzyme preparations, e.g. pancreatin in case of pancreatic insufficiency.
- Dietary change : adapting the diet to individual needs.
- Treatment of the underlying disease : Therapy of diseases that cause the enzyme deficiency.
Note : This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice from a medical professional.
