What should a doctor consider when choosing a supplement to carry?
Choosing a quality enzyme supplement is more difficult then just looking for a plant or fungal-based product. When considering an enzyme supplement, it is important to choose one with known efficacy. Since there is no correlation between enzyme weight and its level of activity, selecting a supplement which shows activity levels is preferred. There are many assays used to detect enzyme activity. However, two independent scientific organizations have attempted to standardize ingredients used in foods (including dietary supplements) and pharmaceuticals. The Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) focuses on food grade ingredients used in foods, food packaging or as food processing aids. The United States Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary (USP/NF or USP) is directed toward ingredients used in pharmaceuticals. The FCC methods are the most widely recognized assays for microbial and plant based enzymes used in dietary supplements. Animal derived enzymes are more commonly assayed by the USP methodology.
