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Enzymatic Therapy

Mega-Zyme
by Enzymatic Therapy
16 Tablets

Helps Break Down Foods With 10 Times The Strength*

Our Price: $2.76
Retail Price: $4.25
You Save: $1.49 each, a 35% Savings!

Mega-Zyme systemic enzymes are formulated to deliver 10 times more digestive power than the minimum specified by the United States Pharmacopeia. They also work with your body to promote clear, healthy skin and relieve occasional muscle pain, fatigue and stiffness associated with exercise and overuse.*

Mega-Zyme's combination of pancreatic and plant-based enzymes are most similar to your body's own enzymes. They are especially effective for digesting protein, fat, carbohydrates and fiber, and help relieve occasional gas and bloating. Taken between meals, these enzymes relieve occasional inflammation due to exercise or overuse and support deep immune health.*

Benefits
• Maximum strength digestive enzymes to help your body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in the small intestines*
• Supports digestion when taken with meals*
• Promotes joint and immune health when taken between meals*

Key Features
• The highest potency pancreatic enzyme complex available*
• Combination of plant and animal-sourced enzymes most similar to your body’s natural enzymes*

Enzymes are amazing - they can ease occasional heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, constipation, loose stools and cramping. However, our bodies tend to produce fewer enzymes as we get older; thus, supplementing can make a big difference.*

Introduction
An enzyme is any of various types of proteins which act as catalysts to speed up the body's biochemical processes. Enzymes build new proteins, cells and tissues, and can also break down these same tissues. All living organisms contain enzymes - without them, life could not exist.*

Digestive enzymes are a group of specific enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract which function to break down the components of food. While digestive enzymes are also produced in the mouth (in saliva) and the stomach, the area of greatest digestive enzyme activity is in the small intestine.*

A key organ in digestive enzyme production is the pancreas. Up to 1.5 quarts of pancreatic juice, containing digestive enzymes to break down carbohydrates, fat and protein, is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine every day. The major pancreatic enzymes are known as lipases, amylases, and proteases (including trypsin, chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidase).

Supplemental enzymes, particularly pancreatic digestive enzymes, have a long history of traditional use. In addition to digestive support, pancreatic enzymes have been recommended for immune system support, urinary tract health, lung health, and for the relief of occasional pain and inflammation associated with exercise.*

How Does It Work?
Enzymes have specificity, meaning they act only on their specific substrates. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates, lipase on fats, and protease on protein. Therefore, to obtain greater benefits, a digestive enzyme supplement should include a range of enzyme types. Mega-Zyme systemic enzymes contains eight key enzymes, plus 10X pancreatic enzymes for maximum digestive support. 10X strength refers to a high potency (10X) pancreatic enzyme complex which is 10 times more potent than the minimum activity specified by the United States Pharmacopiea (USP).*

The ingredients in Mega-Zyme are buffered with bicarbonate. Bicarbonates help neutralize the acid environment of the stomach and allow the digestive enzymes to work in the small intestine. Normal pH of the stomach is 2 (acidic) while pancreatic juice is about 8 (basic) Bicarbonates assist in changing the acidic environment to an alkaline environment. The bicarbonates in Mega-Zyme systemic enzymes are designed to work with the other ingredients to support a healthy digestive system.*

Mega-Zyme was also used in several clinical trials demonstrating its benefits for relieving muscle pain and inflammation associated with exercise. In comparison with the placebo group, athletes taking Mega-Zyme before and after intense exercise had less muscle pain and faster recoveries.*

The following chart summarizes the activity of each of the enzymes in Mega-Zyme systemic enzymes.

Enzyme Substrate Action Source
Protease Protein Cleaves polypeptide chains* Porcine
Amylase Carbohydrates Breaks down starch to maltose and dextrin* Porcine and Aspergillus oryzae
Lipase Lipids (fats) Degrades fats to glycerol and fatty acids* Porcine and Rhizopus Oryzae
Trypsin Protein Hydrolyzes peptides, amides, esters, etc at the bonds of the carboxyl groups of L-arginine or L-lysine* Porcine
Papain Protein Catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins and peptides with preferential cleavage at bonds containing arginine, lysine, and glycine residues* Papaya
Bromelain Protein Hydrolyzes proteins to oligopeptides and amino acids* Pineapple
Lysozyme Starch (initiates breakdown) Hydrolyses the bond between N acetyl muramic acid and N acetyl glucosamine* Egg
Chymotrypsin Protein Cleaves carboxyl links of hydrophobic amino acids* Bovine

Enzymatic Therapy, Inc. is an FDA-registered Drug Establishment and an AFSII-certified producer of particular organic products.

Supplement Facts Serving Size: Two (2) Tablets Servings Per Container: 8

	Amount Per Serving	Daily Value
Pancreatic Enzyme (10X***)	325 mg	**
Protease	81,250 USP	**
Amylase	81,250 USP	**
Lipase	6,500 USP	**
Trypsin	75 mg	**
Papain	50 mg	**
Bromelain (2,400 G.D.U./g)	16 mg	**
Amylase	10 mg	**
Lipase	10 mg	**
Lysozyme (Egg)	10 mg	**
Chymotrypsin Digestive Enzyme	2 mg	**

***Mega-Zyme Systemic Enzymes delivers 10 times more digestive power than the minimum activity specified by the United States Pharmacopeia.

** Daily Value Not Established. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Other Ingredients

Carnauba Wax, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Modified Cellulose, Modified Cellulose Gum, Potassium Bicarbonate, SoyLecithin

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, two (2) tablets before each meal, or more as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

Warnings

If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. ... Keep bottle tightly closed.

Allergen Info

This product contains NO sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, dairy products, artificial flavoring, or preservatives. This product contains natural ingredients; color variations are normal. ... CONTAINS soy and egg.

Applicable Functions

Digestive Balance, Digestive Comfort, Metabolism, Protein metabolism, Slow Metabolism, Slow Metabolism of Fats and Carbohydrates

Related Structure Groups

Digestive System, Intestine, Metabolism Function

About Enzymatic Therapy

Nature Makes it Pure. Science Makes it Work.

Our People
Enzymatic Therapy sparks with an enthusiasm that comes from knowing we're helping create the best supplement products in the nation.

Our team is made of people who are natural explorers; passionate about the healthful ingredients found in nature but committed to finding the most pure and effective combinations backed by rigorous research.

This buzz doesn't just end at the lab door. Everyone here, from our staff of scientists to our crews running the pharmaceutical-grade machinery to our customer service professionals, shares the exuberance of helping improve the health of America one customer at a time.

Our Reputation
Enzymatic Therapy, Inc. is known as the highest quality provider of therapeutic-dosage natural healthcare products and nutritional supplements in the nation. We strive to be the best for your health.

Our Difference
One thing that sets us apart from the others is the way we make our products. Everything, including raw material evaluation, supplier selection, laboratory analysis and manufacturing standards, is set to conform to the FDA's verified Good Manufacturing Practices, known in the industry as "GMPs."

Our Brands

Quick Tips

Good health doesn't have to be complicated. There are plenty of common-sense steps we can all follow to live better, more active, and fuller lives.

Eat right
We hear this so often it almost loses meaning. Eating right should mean adding things to your diet--more veggies, more fruits, more rich-tasting high-fiber breads and grains. However, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up chocolate. After all, there's plenty of beneficial flavonoids in those dark chocolate bars, right? You may just not want to eat chocolate at every meal. Instead of swearing off your favorite (but not healthy) meal forever, try just cutting it down to once or twice a month--make it a treat. As you incorporate more healthy, whole foods into your diet, you'll probably find yourself craving them instead of the bad stuff.

Exercise daily
You don't have to run a marathon or lift your neighbor's house. But, you can start parking a little further away at work each day. Begin taking break time walks, especially if the weather is nice. Dust off that bicycle and see if your friends would like to go for a spin. Almost every town has a dedicated group of folks who do some form of fun exercise. Whatever you do, don't overdo it right off the bat, and choose something you really enjoy. After a couple of weeks, your new exercise regimen will become part of your daily routine, as though it had always been that way.

Strength train your brain
Challenge yourself mentally, and not just by trying to keep up at work. Find a class in your off-hours that teaches something you've always been curious about, but has nothing to do with work. Read a book for fun. Start a board game night with your family. Check out those crossword puzzles. Research in recent years shows that learning new skills and interacting with the world keeps our minds younger much longer. You owe it to yourself to turn off the television and fire up some neurons!

Do something for others
Whether you volunteer for a local environmental group, a food pantry, or your church's annual picnic, people generally feel healthier when their focus is outside of themselves.

Drug Nutrient Interactions

Prescription drug listings are not all-inclusive; the drugs listed below are common examples.

Top Drug Categories Interactions
Anti-anxiety
[Buspar^® (buspirone), Ativan^®(lorezepam) - see Benzodiazepines]
Kava - For reasons similar to benzodiazepines, it is recommended to avoid taking kava with buspirone unless otherwise directed by a licensed health care professional.
St. John's Wort, Ginkgo Biloba - Concurrent use of St. John's Wort and buspirone and St. John's Wort and Ginkgo Biloba with buspirone has resulted in mild serotonin syndrome and should be avoided unless directed by a licensed health care professional.
Grapefruit Juice - Concomitant administration of buspirone and grapefruit juice should be avoided as it increased the concentration of buspirone in the blood.
Antibiotics
(General) Vitamin K - The use of cefmetazole sodium has been associated with hypoprothrombinrmia and treated with Vitamin K supplementation.
Antibiotics

(Aminoglycosides, Cephalosporins, Macrolides, Penicillins, Quinolones, Sulfonamides, Tetracyclines) Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc - May prevent the absorption of tetracycline, ciproflaxin, and other antibiotics.
Antibiotics

Gentamycin and Penicillians Potassium Chloride - Concomitant administration of gentamycin with potassium chloride may lower the absorption of potassium chloride.
Antibiotics

Extended spectrum Macrolides [Biaxin^®(clarithromycin), Zithromax^®(azithromycin), Erythromycin, and Tetracyclines] Antacids - Antacids containing magnesium and aluminum have been shown to interfere with azithromycin absorption. People can avoid this by taking azithromycin two hours before or after any aluminum or magnesium containing products. Studies show the magnesium typically found in supplements affects absorption of azythromycin.
Anti-Diabetic
[Glucophage^®(metaformin), Actos^®, Avandia^®(pioglitazone)] DHEA(Dehydroepiandrosterone) - Metaformin has been shown to increase levels of DHEA in blood.
Antihistamines

[Claratin^®(loratadine), Allegra^®(fexofenadine)]
St. John's Wort - Concomitant use of St. John's Wort can have an effect on plasma levels of fexofenadine.
Fruit Juices - Co-administration of grapefruit, orange, and apple juices decreases the absorption of fexofenadine.
Anti-Psychotics
[Zyprexa^®(olanzapine), Risperdal^®(risperidone)]
Vitamin B₆ and E - Reported to effectively treat risperidone -related neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Glycine - Glycine in combination with antiphychotic treatment has shown significant effects on the effectiveness of these drugs. While adjunctive glycine treatment has been shown to improve negative symptoms in combination with clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone. Additional studies have shown it to be ineffective in combination with clozapine.
Supplementation with glycine in combination with an antipsychotic should only be done under the supervision of a health care professional.
Anti-Seizure

[Tegretol^®(carbamazepine), Dilantin^®(phenytoin), phenobarbital and Mysoline^®(primidone). Depakene^®(valproic acid) and Depakote^®(divalproex) are also anticonvulsant drugs.] Magnesium, Black Pepper, and Caffeine - Concomitant administration of phenytoin (Dilantin^®) or phenobarbital with magnesium oxide may lower magnesium oxide's absorption. Concomitant administration of Dilantin^® and black pepper and/or long pepper may cause the phenytoin to be absorbed more rapidly and eliminated more slowly. Phenytoin also increases the metabolism and loss of caffeine from the body.
Benzodiazepines
Kava - Due to the similarity of effects, it is usually recommended to avoid taking Kava with Benzodiazepines unless otherwise directed by a licensed health care professional.
St. John's Wort - Concomitant administration of St. John's Wort with alprazolam and should be avoided unless otherwise directed by a licensed health care professional.
Beta-Blockers Potassium - Concomitant use of certain Beta-Blockers may increase potassium levels.
Pepper (Piper Nigrum, Piper Longum) - In single dose human study, piperine, a chemical found in black pepper and long pepper, was reported to increase blood levels of propranolol, which could increase the activity and risks of the drug's side effects.
Antacids - One study showed a reduction in absorption of Sotalol(Betapace^®) when taken concomitantly with an aluminum oxide or magnesium hydroxide antacid. This interaction can be avoided by taking the medication two hours apart.
Magnesium - Magnesium has been effectively used to treat heart arrythmias that have resulted from administration of Sotalol(Betapace^®).
Calcium Channel Blockers Calcium - High level calcium supplementation may reverse the blood pressure-lowering actions of some calcium channel blocker drugs.
Vitamin D - Vitamin D may interfere with the effectiveness of verapamil.
St. John's Wort - A recent study showed that St. John's Wort decreased the bioavailability of R- and S-verapamil.
Fruit Juices - Ingestion of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit products has been shown to increase the adverse effects of calcium channel blockers or similar drugs.
Diuretics, Potassium-Sparing

[Amiloride, Aldactone^®(spironolactone), Dytac^®(triamterene)] Magnesium - Magnesium tends to be preserved.
HIV Antivirals St. John's Wort - St. John's Wort has been shown to speed up the elimination of indinavir which may result in resistance to the drug. St. John's Wort should not be taken concomitantly with HIV Antivirals.
Sho-Saiko-To - This herbal medicine has been shown to enhance the antiviral activity of lamivudine.
Carnitine- Depletion of Carnitine levels may be responsible for muscle and nerve damage in patients on Antiviral therapies. Canitine supplementation is recommended.
Antioxidants- A small study showed a positive effect of antioxidant supplementation on hyperlactatemia (elevated levels of lactate in the systemic circulation) in patients on long-term Antiviral therapy.
N-Aceylt Cysteine- Studies have shown supplementation a NAC during Antiviral therapy may reduce AZT toxicity.
Vitamins E and C- Supplementation with Vitamin E has shown to improve the efficacy of AZT and supplementation with Vitamins E and C may reduce AZT-related cellular damage.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) Copper - Copper may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs. Indomethacin may cause sodium and water retention.
Non-Narcotic Pain Relievers
[Imitrex^®(sumitriptan), Ultram^®(tramadol)] St. John's Wort - Potential interactions may occur. Concomitant administration is not advised unless prescribed by a health care professional.
Oral Contraceptives St. John's Wort - Concomitant use of St. John's Wort and oral contraceptives may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptives and cause breakthrough bleeding.
Serum Iron and Copper - Oral contraceptive use has been associated with an increase in iron and copper levels.
Respiratory Corticosteroids Calcium - Calcium absorption was reduced following administration of oral beclomethasone (inhaler), a respiratory steroid similar to Flonase.
Synthetic Thyroid Iron and Soy - Iron supplements and soy products taken atthe same time as thyroid hormone replacement may interfere with absorption. Thyroid hormone absorption is increased when taken on an empty stomach. Thyroid hormones should be taken an hour before eating, at the same time every day.

For support of overall health in any individual, the appropriate comprehensive age- and gender-specific multiple formula, flax oil, and multiple antioxidant formula are recommended. However, for a specific potential deficiency, individuals may add single ingredient supplements to assure repletion. It is important to consider the quality and bioavailability of vitamin and mineral supplements used for these purposes.

Drug Nutrient Interaction Chart References

Anti-anxiety

Miller LG. Herbal medicinals: Selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158:2200-2211. Abstract.
Spinella M, Eaton LA. Hypomania induced by herbal and pha,aceutical psychotropic medicines following mild traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj. 2002 Apr; 16(4):359-67. (see reference SSRIs)
Dannawi M. Possible serotonin syndrom after combination of buspirone and St. John's Wort J Psychopharmacol. 2002 Dec; 16(4):401. No abstract available.
Lilja JJ, Kivisto KT, Backman JT, et al. Grapefruit juice substantially increases plasma concentrations of buspirone. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1998 Dec; 64(6):655-60.

Antibiotics

Breen GA. Hypoprothrombinemia associated with cefmetazole Ann Pharmacother. 1997 Feb 31 (2) :180-4.
Pelton R. LaValle JB. Drugs and Their Effects on Nutrition. In: The Nutritional Cost of Perscription Drugs. 2nd Edition Englewood, CO: Morton Publishing Company; 2004, 34-35.
Horowitz S. Combining supplements and perscription drugs. Altern Complete Ther. 2000.pp.306.
Brinker F. Vitamin/mineral/drug interactions. In:Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 3rd ed. Dandy, Ore: Eclectic Medical Publications; 2001.pp.306
Foulds G, Hilligoss DM, Henery EB, Gerber N. The effects of an antacid or cimetidine on the serum concentrations of azithromycin. J Clin Pharmacol. 1991; 31:164-167. Abstract.
Flockhart DA, Desta Z, Mahal SK. Selection of drugs to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux diease: the role of drug interactions. Clin Pharmakinet. 2000 Oct;39 (4):295-309.

Anti-Diabetic

Nestler JE, Beer NA, Jakubowicz DJ, et al. Effects of a reduction in circulating insulin by metformin on serum dehdtorpiandrosterone sulfate in nondiabetic men J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1994 Mar;78(3):549-54.
Crave JC, Fimbel S, Lejeune H, et al. Effects of diet and metformin administration on sex hormone-binding globulin, androgens, and insulin in hirsute and obese women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1995 Jul; 80(7):2057-62.

AntiHistamines

Izzo AA. Drug interactions with St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): a review of the clinical evidence. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Mar; 42(3):139-48.
Wang Z, Hamman MA, Huang SM, et al. Effect of St. John's Wort on the pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 20002 Jun; 71(6):414-20.
Dresser GK, Bailey DG. The effects of fruit juices on drug disposition: a new model for drug interactions. Eur J Clin Invest. 2003 Nov; 33 Suppl 2:10-6.

Anti-Psychotics

Dursun SM, Oluboka OJ, Devarajan S, Kutcher SP. High-dose vitamin E plus Vitamin B6 treatment of risperidone-related neuroleptic malignant malignant syndrome. J Psychopharmacol. 1998; 12(2):220-1.
Javitt DC, Silipo G, Cienfuegos A, Shelley AM, et al. Adjunctive high-dose glycine in the treatment of schizophrenia. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2001 Dec; 4(4):385-91.
Heresco-Levy U, Ermilov M, Lichtenberg P, Bar G, Javitt DC. High-dose glycine added to olanzapine and risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry. 2004 Jan 15;55(2):165-71.
Potkin SG, Jin Y, Bunney BG, Costa J, Gulasekaram B. Effect of clozapine and adjunctive high-dose glycine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry. 1999 Jan; 156(1):145-7.

Anti-Seizure

Brinker F, Vitamin/mineral/drug interactions In: Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 3rd ed. Dandy, Ore: Eclectic Medical Publications; 2001.pp. 305.
Herbs Ibid. pp 27-42.

Benzodiazepines

Miller LG. Herbal medicinals: Selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158:2200-2211. Abstract.
Stevinson C, Huntley A, Ernst E. Systemic review of the safety of kava extract in the treatment of anxiety. Drug Saf 2002;25 (4) :251-61.
Markowitz JS, Donovan JL, DeVane CL, et al. Effect of St John's wort on drug metabolism by induction of cytochrome P450 3A enzyme. JAMA. 2003 Sep 17; 290(11):1500-4.

Beta-blockers

Gehr TW, Sica DA. Pharmacotherapy in congestive heart failure: Hyperkalemia in congestive heart failure. Congest Heart Fail. 2001 Mar-Apr; 7(2):97-100.
Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. N Engl J Med. 1980 Feb 21; 302(8):431-4.
Bano G, Raina RK, Zutshi U, et al. Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1991; 41(6):615-7.
Laer S, Neumann J, Scholz H. Interaction between sotalol and an antacid preparation. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1997 Mar; 43(3):269-72.
Sasse M, Paul T, Bergmann P, et al. Sotalol associated torsades de pointes tachycardia in a 15-month-old child: successful therapy with magnesium aspartate. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1998 May; 21(5):1164-6.
Forlani S, Moscarelli M, Scafuri A, et al. Combination therapy for prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized trial of sotalol and magnesium. Card Electrophysiol Rev. 2003 Jun; 7(2):168-71.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Haft JI, Habbab MA. Treatment of atrial arrhythmias. Effectiveness of verapamil when preceded by calcium infusion. Arch Intern Med. 1986;146:1085-89. Abstract.
Weiss AT, Lewis BS, Halon DA, et al. The use of calcium with verapamil in the management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. Int J Cardiol. 1983;4:275-80. Abstract.
Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Calcium Channel Blocking Agents.In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information St. Louis, MO; Facts and Comparisons, Nov 1992, 150-150b.
Tannergren C, Engman H, Knutson L, et al. St John's wort decreases the bioavailability of R- and S-verapamil through induction of the first-pass metabolism. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Apr; 75(4):298-309.
Bailey DG, Dresser GK, Kreeft JH, et al. Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2000 Nov;68(5):468-77.
Baily DG, Arnold MD, Strong HA, Munoz C, Spence JD, et al. Effect of grapefruit juice and maringin on nisoldipine pharmacokinetics. Cli Pharmacol Ther.1993;54:589-94. Abstract

Diuretics, Potassium-Sparing

Devane J, Ryan MP. The effects of amiloride and triameterene on urinary magnesium excretion in conscious saline-loaded rats. Br J Pharmacol 1981;72:285-89

HIV Antivirals

Henderson L, Yue QY, Bergquist C, et al. St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum): drug interactions and clinical outcomes. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2002 Oct;54(4):349-56. Review.
James JS. St. John's wort warning: do not combine with protease inhibitors, NNRTIs. AIDS Treat News. 2000 Feb 18 ;( No 337):3-5.
Piras G, Makino M, Baba M. Sho-saiko-to, a traditional Kampo medicine, enhances the anti-HIV-1 activity of lamivudine (3TC) in vitro. Microbiol Immunol. 1997; 41(10):835-9.
Moretti S, Famularo G, Marcellini S, et al. L-carnitine reduces lymphocyte apoptosis and oxidant stress in HIV-1-infected subjects treated with zidovudine and didanosine. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2002 Jun;4(3):391-403.
Lopez O, Bonnefont-Rousselot D, Edeas M, et al. Could antioxidant supplementation reduce antiretroviral therapy-induced chronic stable hyperlactatemia? Biomed Pharmacother. 2003 May-Jun; 57(3-4):113-6.
Patrick L. Nutrients and HIV: part three - N-acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, L-glutamine, and L-carnitine. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Aug;5(4):290-305. Review.
Gogu SR, Agrawal KC. The protective role of zinc and N-acetylcysteine in modulating zidovudine induced hematopoietic toxicity. Life Sci. 1996; 59(16):1323-9.
Gogu SR, Beckman BS, Rangan SR, Agrawal KC. Increased therapeutic efficacy of zidovudine in combination with vitamin E. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1989 Nov 30;165(1):401-7
Wang Y, Watson RR. Is vitamin E supplementation a useful agent in AIDS therapy? Prog Food Nutr Sci. 1993 Oct-Dec;17(4):351-75. Review.
de la Asuncion JG, del Olmo ML, Sastre J, et al. AZT treatment induces molecular and ultrastructural oxidative damage to muscle mitochondria. Prevention by antioxidant vitamins. J Clin Invest. 1998 Jul 1; 102(1):4-9.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Sorenson JRJ. Copper chelates as possible active forms of the antiartritic agents. J Medicinal Chem 1976;19:135-48.
Somova L, Zaharieva S, Ivanova M. Humoral factors involved in the regulation of sodium-fluid balance in normal man. II. Effects of indomethacin on sodium concentration, renal prostaglandins, vasopressin and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg 1984;10:29-33.

Non-Narcotic Pain Relievers

Brinker F, Vitamin/mineral/drug interactions In: Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 3rd ed. Dandy, Ore: Eclectic Medical Publications; 2001.pp. 183

Oral Contraceptives

Newhouse IJ, Clement DB, Lai C. Effects of iron supplementation and discontinuation on serum copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium levels in women. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1993 May; 25(5):562-71.
Milman N, Rosdahl N, Lyhne N, et al. Iron status in Danish women aged 35-65 years. Relation to menstruation and method of contraception. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1993 Nov; 72(8):601-5.
Frassinelli-Gunderson EP, Margen S, Brown JR. Iron stores in users of oral contraceptive agents. Am J Clin Nutr. 1985 Apr; 41(4):703-12.

Respiratory Corticosteroids

Smith BJ, Phillips PJ, Pannall PR, et al. Effect of orally administered beclomethasone dipropionate on calcium absorption from the gut in normal subjects. Thorax. 1993 Sep; 48(9):890-3.

Synthetic Thyroid

Beard JL, Borel M, Peterson FJ. Changes in iron status during weight loss with very low-energy diets. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;66:104-110. Abstract.
Beard JL, Borel MJ, Derr J. Impaired thermoregulation and thyroid function in iron deficiency anemia. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;52:813-819. Abstract.
Campbell NR, Hasinoff BB. Iron supplements: A comon cause of drug interactions. Brit J Clin Pharmacol. 1991;31:251-255. Abstract.
Jabbar MA, Larrea J, Shaw RA. Abnormal thyroid function tests in infants with congenital hypothyroidism: The influence of soy-based formulas. J Am Coll Nutr 1997;16:280-282. Abstract.
Threlkeld DS, ed. Hormones, Thyroid Hormones. In: Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons; 1991:131-133c.

Mega-Zyme FAQ

Should I take Mega-Zyme with meals or between meals?
It depends on your reason for taking Mega-Zyme. Traditionally, Mega-Zyme has been taken with meals to enhance digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. However, it can also be taken on an empty stomach to help support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.*

Why isn’t the Mega-Zyme tablet enteric coated?
Enteric-coating is not necessary as the enzymes are buffered with bicarbonate to protect them from stomach acid.*

Additional References

1. Pancreas. In: Thomas CL, d. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: F.A. Davis; 1993:1414.
2. Guton AC, Hall JE. Secreotry Functions of the alimentary Tract. In: Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Company; 1996: 824-825.
3. Gastrointestinal Function. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Penn: Lippincott-Raven Publishers; 1988:714-715.
4. Enzymes. In: Thomas CL, ed. Taber's Cylcopedic Medical Dictionary. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: F.A. Davis; 1993:645-655.
5. Cichoke AJ. Pancreatic enzymes. In: Textbook of Natural Medicine. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 1993:857.
6. Whitney EN, Rolfes SR. Digestion, Absorption, and Transport. In: Understanding Nutrition. 6th ed. St. Paul, MN: West Publishing Company; 1993:73-74.
7. Miller PC, et al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and DOMS following downhill running. J Sports Sci. 2004 Apr;22(4):365-72.
8. Miller PC, Bailey SP, McInnis KR, Hall EE. Comparison of protease and NSAID supplementation on muscle soreness and pain threshold following downhill running. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003:35(5Supplement):S197.
9. Miller PC, Bailey SP, Cormier S, Khlebopros A, Hall EE. Comparison of protease and NSAID supplementation on muscle soreness and contractile performance following eccentric contractions. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;34(5):S232.
10. Protease. Department of Plant Pathology Online Glossary. Cornell University. Available at: http://ppathw3.cals.cornell.edu/glossary/Defs_P.htm. Accessed June 28, 2006.
11. Amylase. The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.1996:102.
12. Lipase. The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.1996:941.
13. Trypsin. Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 25th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1990:1644.
14. Papain. Medical Dictionary. Available at www.mercksource.com. Accessed June 28, 2006.
15. Bromelain. In: Fleming T, ed. PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2001:70-73.
16. Lysozyme. Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 25th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1990:908.
17. Chymotrypsin. Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 25th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1990:306.