Beyond Digestion: The Future of Enzymes

Enzymes have been around for more than a century, with a long history of healing digestive complaints of all types. Enzymes can influence nearly every chemical reaction that is part of the digestive process, from breaking down the foods we consume and making them more bioavailable, to helping alleviate food intolerances such as lactose or gluten intolerance, to assisting in combating heartburn and acid reflux issues. Today, aided by the growth of the gut health category as a whole, enzymes are enjoying a solid position in the digestive health supplement field, with increased consumer awareness, a heightened quality focus and an overall belief that enzymes can do the job.

While enzymes now have an established place on the digestive health shelf, they also have potential in a variety of non-digestive applications, where visibility is still low and opportunities are only just beginning to surface.

For instance, in the anti-inflammatory arena, enzymes can play a role in various joint and muscle health indications. Plenty of anecdotal historical evidence as well as documented studies support the use of primarily proteolytic enzymes in decreasing inflammation as well as muscle soreness after exercise.

Additionally, enzymes are gaining traction for cardiovascular health, where research coming out of Japan has shown increased blood circulation with the use of certain enzymes.

Enzymes are also playing a role in the treatment of autism-related issues, for immune system protection and for helping fight colds and viruses as well as stress.

As the industry considers the growth of the enzyme category and its potential for expansion beyond the digestive health category, an important point is the safety and efficacy of the ingredients. Consumers understand that they should "feel" enzymes working, and maintaining credibility with good quality, properly-functioning products is vital to the future success and growth of this segment of the industry. With the recently- passed GMP legislation - which goes into effect this June for the mid-sized companies that make up the bulk of this industry - first and foremost should be the question about whether raw material suppliers are GMP-certified.

Additionally, to further ensure end products are safe and efficacious, it is important to use non-GMO ingredients whenever possible. Lastly, microbiological contamination can be an issue and suppliers should be testing every batch for acceptable micro counts.

In summary, the industry is certainly working hard to move enzymes beyond their current digestive health niche. As consumers continue to search for alternative solutions to improving their health conditions, they are responding with strong support for the products that have the scientific backup and can prove their efficacy in use.

Deerland Enzymes Receives GMP for Sport Certification

Enzyme supplier and specialty contract manufacturer Deerland Enzymes, Kennesaw, GA, recently received GMP for Sport^TM certification from NSF International. The GMP for Sport^TM Certification is part of NSF's Dietary Supplement Certification Program and was introduced to minimize the risk that sports nutrition products contain banned substances. The program certifies a company's facility and processes, as well as ingredient sourcing. It also requires ongoing company audits. The GMP for Sport^TM certification complements Deerland's existing GMP certification under NSF's Dietary Supplement Certification Program.

The dual NSF certifications reflect Deerland's continuous commitment to quality. The company has two dedicated Quality departments, Quality Control (QC), responsible for all lab-based functions and R&D, and Quality Assurance (QA), responsible for all process-based quality initiatives. The company has added management and technical staff to support these functions and better service customers.

CEO Scott Ravech commented on the new certification. "Deerland is extremely proud that we have earned GMP for Sport^TM certification from NSF. We work extremely hard to meet, and whenever possible, exceed our customers' expectations, and this is independent testimony that w are doing exactly that for our customers who serve the sports nutrition market. Our customers ca now feel confident that the raw materials and formulations that Deerland supplies will perform a they expect with no ‘banned substance' issues or unpleasant surprises."

Deerland Enzymes Announces Opening Of New Lab

Enzyme supplier, specialty formulator and contract manufacturer Deerland Enzymes, Kennesaw, GA, is proud to announce the opening of its new lab which is now complete and fully operational. Deerland Enzymes continues its dedication to their customers and the markets they serve by focusing on advancements in enzyme technology. The much expanded work stations and significant investments in equipment allow for increased capabilities in Quality Assurance, R&D, Application Development and Technical Support.

Staying true to its tagline "From Concept to Commercialization, We Add Value At Every Step^TM," Deerland Enzymes is poised to serve its customers from the initial stages of customized product conceptualization, through the design phase, final formulation phase, and contract manufacturing services.

CEO Scott Ravech comments, "This new lab is another sign to the industry that Deerland is extremely committed to the needs of the customers we are privileged to serve. Since we focus on developing customized and proprietary products, we respect the need to protect confidential information. In doing so, we have also dedicated space in our current lab facility with restricted entry to support highly confidential collaborative product development, ensuring customers the highest level of safety and security when it comes to protecting their intellectual properties."

"With more stringent analytical requirements needed to support GMP certification and FDA compliance, companies must assume the responsibility of being able to provide accurate and on- time testing necessary to support the needs of the customers." Added John Deaton, Lab Testing and Quality Control Manager for Deerland Enzymes.

With this new lab and continued focus on quality, accuracy and GMP Compliance, Deerland Enzymes raises the bar in the industry, providing confidence to its customers in every step of the development process.

Deerland Enzymes: Proven Commitment to Safety and Sanitation

As noted in an article in Food Quality Magazine, "Congress is preparing legislation" that demands more preventative measures against food contamination, in line with the best current scientific standards." ("Safety & Sanitation," Catherine Schaefer, September 2009). The article goes on to describe the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay as one of the leading tools that can be used in food quality control and preventative safety.

Enzyme supplier, specialty formulator and contract manufacturer Deerland Enzymes, is dedicated to ensuring that all of its products meet the highest level of safety and purity. In doing so, Deerland Enzymes incorporated the use of ATP testing devices in their manufacturing process approximately 7 months ago.

"Ensuring all manufacturing equipment is clean and suitable for use is vital to our success and productivity. With this in mind, we implemented ATP testing prior to each batch. This allows our QA group to instantly validate our cleaning and sanitation protocols by taking various swabs of the product contact surfaces before the manufacturing process begins" explained Chris Martin, VP of Operations at Deerland Enzymes.

"Deerland Enzymes remains committed to being proactive in seeking new technologies in all areas of our manufacturing process. We will continue to evaluate the latest developments in safety and sanitation as maintaining quality and purity of our products is paramount" Martin added.