FAQ

What is systemic enzyme therapy?

Systemic enzyme therapy refers to the therapeutic use of natural enzymes to produce a desired effect. Systemic enzymes are absorbed from the small intestine where they enter the bloodstream and execute their effects on the entire body as a system.

What is a systemic proteolytic enzyme?

Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins into their building-blocks, which are called amino acids. Systemic proteolytic enzymes are responsible for breaking down accumulated protein and waste substances found in the circulatory system and connective tissue.  Regular systemic proteolytic enzyme use can promote circulation and support flushing out these waste products.

 What is fibrin?

Fibrin is a protein-based substance that is needed to help clot one’s blood, playing a substantial role in immune response and healing. When the body responds to injury or chronic inflammation, fibrin is recruited to the damaged area to form scar tissue. Although the body is equipped with plasmin, a naturally occurring enzyme responsible for breaking down excess fibrin, some people are at a disadvantage – as aging occurs, plasmin levels progressively decrease.

Why is it important to take Serracor-NK on an empty stomach?

Since most absorption occurs in the small intestine, the systemic enzymes must bypass the stomach to gain access there. If the enzymes are taken with food, they will likely begin working to break down your food within the stomach, rather than passing through to the small intestine. Taking systemic enzymes like Serracor-NK with food will compromise their absorption, as well as their effectiveness.

Does Serracor-NK have an enteric coating?

Yes, the serrapeptase and nattokinase in Serracor-NK are enterically coated. While similar systemic enzymes may have the same active ingredients, most do not utilize enteric coating. The purpose of enteric coating is to protect the enzyme from the acidic environment of the stomach. When enzymes are enterically coated, their high activity levels are preserved until they reach the small intestine, where absorption into the bloodstream takes place. While the enteric coating can withstand the acidic environment of the stomach, the alkaline environment of the small intestine will disintegrate the enteric coating, allowing the enzyme to become active within the bloodstream.

Do you use phthalates in your enteric coating?

No, our enteric coating does not use or contain phthalates. At AST Enzymes, we use Methacrylic Acid Copolymer (MAAC) for our enteric coating. Compared to other commonly used enteric coating agents such as Cellulose Acetate Phthalate (CAP) and Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose Phthalate (HPMCP), MAAC is the most gastro-resistant and does not carry the same risks. Additionally, MAAC is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA and is approved for use by the European Food Safety Authority. To learn more about enteric coating used in AST Enzymes products, please click the “Compare” tab.

How long should I take Serracor-NK before feeling results?

The length of time to experience the benefits of systemic enzymes varies by individual. Some people notice a difference within days. For others, it’s a week or 10 days. For long-term benefits, it’s important to take systemic enzymes consistently over several months. New systemic enzyme users should start off slow, with one capsule, three times daily. After three to four days of proven tolerance, the dose can be increased to a 2 capsules, 3 times per day.  Some consumers find their ideal dose between 9-12 capsules per day, while others only need 3-6. There are several factors that may affect required dosage, including:

• Height
• Weight
• Age
• Tolerance
• Time of administration (better absorbed on an empty stomach)
• Adherence to regimen
• Nutritional state

What if I miss a dose?

Regular, consistent use of systemic enzymes will provide the best results, however missed doses of systemic enzymes do not have serious repercussions. Although symptoms alleviated by systemic enzyme therapy may resurface, getting back on track by remembering to take your next dose will suffice. There is also the option of incorporating another dose during the day. There is no need to “double up” on one dose. Also remember, systemic enzymes are best absorbed on an empty stomach.

Does Serracor-NK have any side effects?

The use of Serracor-NK has not been shown to exhibit detrimental effects, long term or short term. Minor side effects may vary. Gastrointestinal disturbances have been reported by a small percentage of new users, but once the dosage is adjusted, tolerance is maintained. Minor allergic reactions, like reddening of the skin, are also rare occurrences, and can be seen with extremely high doses. There are no known interactions with prescription or over the counter drugs while using systemic enzyme therapy. However, it is recommended that you consult with your physician about starting systemic enzymes, particularly if you are on blood-thinning medications, or are pregnant or nursing.

Can I take Serracor-NK with other systemic enzymes?

Systemic enzymes may be taken together, yielding desirable results, as long as they are taken on an empty stomach. In fact, it is often recommended that systemic enzymes be combined. Products like Serracor-NK and Peptizyme-SP often have synergistic effects when taken together. This means that the separate products work together to produce advantageous results. By combining and enhancing the activity of the enzymes, their effects on supporting the body are more attainable.

Can I take Serracor-NK with digestive enzymes?

Although digestive and systemic enzymes are not contraindicated in terms of ingredients, they cannot be taken at the same time. The purpose of digestive enzymes is to aid in digestion of specific foods, so taking them with food is an obvious recommendation. Because systemic enzymes require an empty stomach for maximum absorption, they must be taken separately from digestive enzymes. There are no adverse interactions between systemic and digestive enzymes, but they serve different purposes and thus should be taken as directed for best results.