Delivery Systems

What features and benefits do the different types of oral delivery systems provide?

 

The types of oral delivery systems are:

 

  • Powder Filled Capsule
  • Tablet
  • Enteric-coated Liquid Gel Capsule

 

What happens to uncoated capsules and tablets?

Stomach acid breaks down tablets and capsules and prematurely releases active enzymes (enzymes). The highly acidic environment of the stomach destroys the majority of the enzymes’ activities. If the tablet is of poor quality (contains binders and fillers) the product may pass through both the stomach and intestine with no absorption.

 

How is enzyme effectiveness determined?

It is by the amount of activity level in the bloodstream after the enzyme has been absorbed from the small intestine. Enzymes lose activity in low pH (1-3) of the stomach. Studies show that unprotected enzymes can lose up to 100% of their activity in 30 minutes or less. Enteric coating is the only reliable method to ensure that 100% of the enzymes are not destroyed, and is by far the most effective delivery method to prevent release of the enzymes before they reach the small intestine.

Vegetarian or Gelatin Casule. Powder filled capsule technology is suitable for contents that are susceptible to the acidity of the stomach. The capsule and its enzymes are dissolved prematurely in the stomach, resulting in up to 100% destruction of the enzymes within 30 minutes in the extremely low pH environment.

Enteric-Coated Tablet. Enteric-coated tablets are able to withstand stomach acids, however, they must be introduced into a high pH environment for extended periods before dissolving. Since individual pH levels vary, the tablet may dissolve very late in the small intestine or bypass it completely. Many users also complain of the synthetic coating.

Enteric-Coated Liquid-Filled Gel Capsule. The all-natural protective coating prevents the enzymes from being destroyed by the stomach acids. The pancreatic juices break down the coating in the duodenum. This makes 100% of the enzyme contents available for absorption into the bloodstream.

The statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.