Two capsules contain:

Product Details:
It is very important to support and promote digestive health and function in the gastrointestinal tract.

Incompletely digested peptides from casein (milk products) and gluten (wheat products) have demonstrated an opiate or morphine-like activity in the central nervous system. These peptides, referred to in the literature as exorphins, casomorphins, and gluteomorphins may function as neurotransmitters and are similar in their chemical makeup to morphine. Healthy enzymatic activity leads to optimal digestive and cognitive health. Thus for those that are sensitive to these foods we recommend avoiding them to promote normal digestive function.

DPPIV is an enzyme that increases breakdown of proteins and peptides as well as altering the cleavage profile of proteins when taken with food.* Such activity begins while ingested food is still in the stomach as opposed to pancreatic digestion in the duodenum. It has been suggested that a decrease of DPPIV could be the contributing factor to low levels of amino acid profiles seen in some individuals.

Product Description
SerenAid™ (patent #6251391) is a proprietary multi-enzyme complex designed to promote the complete breakdown of food particles, especially those containing milk (casein) or wheat (gluten) proteins, before they reach the small intestine. SerenAid™ is distinguished from other digestive enzyme formulas by its inclusion of Exorphinase™, a high-activity proteolytic enzyme blend that hydrolyzes large protein molecules.* In addition, this blend contains a high amount of dipeptidase activity, which specifically degrades casomorphins and gluteomorphins.

The addition of lysine to the formula stimulates an initial surge of enzyme activity by raising the pH values in the upper stomach; however, these plant enzymes are very stable in acidic conditions. The enzymes that comprise SerenAid™ exhibit sufficiently high activity and broad pH tolerances to continue hydrolysis as the stomach pH decreases during meal digestion.

Selected References

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2. Froetschel MA. “Bioactive peptides in digesta that regulate gastrointestinal function and intake.” J Anim Sci 1996 Oct; 74(10):2500-8.
3. Fukudome S, Jinsama Y et al. “Release of opioid peptides, gluten exorphins by the action of pancreatic elastase.” FEBS Lett 1997 Aug; 412(3):475-9.
4. Fukudome S, Shimatsu A et al. “Effect of gluten exorphins A5 and B5 on the postprandial plasma insulin level in conscious rats.” Life Sci 1995; 57(7):729-34.
5. Kinivsberg, A et al. “Dietary Intervention in Autistic Syndromes.” Brain Dysfunction 1990;3:315-327.
6. Lucarelli S, Frediani T, et al. “Food allergy and infantile autism.” Panminerva Med 1995 Sep;37(3):137-141.
7. McCarthy DM “Response of intestinal mucosa to gluten challenge in autistic subjects.” Lancet 1979 Oct., 2(8148):877-878.
8. Meisel H, Frister, H, Schlimme E. “Biologically active peptides in milk proteins.” Z Ernahrungswiss 1989 Dec; 28(4):267-78.
9. Reichelt K et al. “Nature and consequences of hyperpeptiduria and bovine casomorphins found in autistic syndromes.” Developmental Brain Dysfunction 1994; 7:71-85.
10. Reichelt, KL, Ekrem J, Scott, H. “Gluten, milk proteins and autism: dietary intervention effects on behavior and peptide secretion,” Journal of Applied Nutrition 1990; 42(1):1-11.
11. Shattock P et al. “Role of neuropeptides in autism and their relationships with classical neurotransmitters.” Brain Dysfunction 1990; 3:328-345.
12. Teschemacher H, Koch G, Branti V. “Milk protein derived opioid receptor ligands.” Biopolymers 1997; 43(2):99-117.
13. Zeisel SH. “Dietary influences on neurotransmission.” Adv Pediatr 1986; 33:23-47.