Learn
What Are Enzymes and How Do They Work?
Learn the Basics with Expert Enzyme Clinician, Amy Rawls
How Do Enzymes Enhance Your Workout Recovery?
Introduction to Proteolytic Enzymes with Dr. Milton Bastidas
Product Specifications
Clinical Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are complex, energy-rich protein molecules essential for life. They act as biological catalysts, accelerating and regulating chemical reactions throughout the body. In the context of Athletic Enzymes' products, we focus on two main types:
- Digestive enzymes enhance nutrient absorption by breaking down food molecules into smaller, more readily absorbable components. This process ensures maximum nutritional value from every meal, supporting overall health and athletic performance.*
- Proteolytic enzymes: Going beyond digestion, these enzymes play a crucial role in muscle recovery, reducing exercise-induced soreness and promoting a balanced inflammatory response throughout your body.* They work systemically, supporting various physiological processes particularly beneficial for active adults.*
By incorporating both types of enzymes into our formulations, Athletic Enzymes provides comprehensive support for digestion, recovery, and overall bodily function.*
Why do I need enzyme supplements?
While our bodies naturally produce digestive and proteolytic enzymes, several factors can impact their production and effectiveness:
- Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to lower enzyme production.
- Lifestyle: Stress, lack of sleep, and intense physical activity can all affect enzyme levels.
- Diet: Processed foods often lack the enzymes found in raw, whole foods.
- Medications: Certain prescription drugs can interfere with enzyme production or function.
- Environmental factors: Pollution and toxins can stress the body's enzyme systems.
At Athletic Enzymes, we recognize that optimal performance starts with optimal digestion and recovery. Our plant-based enzyme supplements are specifically formulated for active individuals, even those who don't experience noticeable digestive discomfort. Here's why our supplements can benefit you:
- Enhanced nutrient absorption: You'll get more nutritional value from your meals by efficiently breaking down food.*
- Improved recovery: Proteolytic enzymes support faster muscle recovery and reduced soreness.*
- Balanced inflammation: Our enzymes help maintain a healthy inflammatory response, which is crucial for recovery and overall health.*
- Immune support: A significant portion of your immune system resides in your gut, and proper enzyme function supports gut health.*
Our unique blends and protocols combine powerful digestive and proteolytic enzymes to support your body holistically. Backed by clinical studies and over 30 years of expertise, Athletic Enzyme formulations accelerate recovery times, boost immune function, and improve overall athletic performance, whether you're a recreational exerciser or a competitive athlete.*
Who is Athletic Enzymes?
Athletic Enzymes is a premier provider of plant-based enzyme supplements founded on a rich history of expertise and personal experience. Our co-founders bring unique perspectives to the company:
- Tim Brown: NFL Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy winner; Tim has firsthand experience with the benefits of enzyme supplementation in high-level athletic performance.
- Alan Godfrey: A technology executive and lifelong fitness enthusiast, Alan combines business acumen with a personal passion for health optimization.
Tim and Alan have successfully used enzyme supplements to enhance their health and performance for over two decades. This personal experience forms the foundation of Athletic Enzymes' product development and protocols.
Our company's expertise is further bolstered by our collaboration with Transformation Enzyme Corporation, founded by Dr. DicQue Fuller, Ph.D. in Nutrition and Health Sciences. Dr. Fuller is a pioneer in enzyme therapy, and her 30+ years of research and clinical experience have been instrumental in developing our formulations.
At Athletic Enzymes, we are committed to:
- Scientific rigor: Our products are backed by clinical studies and decades of research.
- Quality assurance: Our supplements are formulated and manufactured in the USA under strict quality control standards.
- Purity: Our products are free from fillers, additives, or unnecessary excipients.
- Transparency: We provide transparent, scientifically-backed information about our enzymes and their benefits.
By choosing Athletic Enzymes, you're not just getting a supplement – you're investing in a scientifically validated approach to enhancing your active lifestyle, backed by a team with both professional athletic experience and deep nutritional expertise.
What are Athletic Enzyme 'Protocols'?
Athletic Enzyme Protocols are carefully designed product bundles that cater to varying levels of physical activity and recovery needs. These protocols provide a structured, easy-to-follow approach to enzyme supplementation, addressing progressively higher amounts of exercise-induced stress and inflammation.
Our protocols include:
- Starter Protocol: Ideal for those new to enzyme supplementation or with moderate activity levels.
- Everyday Protocol: Designed for regular exercisers and fitness enthusiasts.
- Enthusiast Protocol: Tailored for more intense training regimens and competitive athletes.
- Elite Protocol: Our most comprehensive bundle for professional athletes or those with demanding physical routines.
Each protocol includes:
- DigestPro: Our core digestive enzyme blend to optimize nutrient absorption from meals.
- ProteoPro: A proteolytic enzyme formula supporting healthy circulation and inflammation control.
Higher-level protocols also include:
- InflammaPro: An advanced blend for enhanced inflammatory response support.
- RapidRepair: Specialized enzymes targeting accelerated muscle recovery.
These protocols offer several advantages:
- Customization: Choose the protocol that best matches your activity level and recovery needs.
- Convenience: Receive all necessary supplements in one package, eliminating the need for multiple orders.
- Cost-effectiveness: Bundled pricing offers savings compared to individual product purchases.
- Simplified routine: Clear instructions for when and how to take each supplement.
Each protocol package includes the following:
- A reusable plastic bottle pouch for easy transport.
- A personal pill box for organizing daily doses.
- An instruction card detailing optimal usage.
- Option for a monthly subscription (cancelable anytime at www.athleticenzymes.com).
By following these protocols, you can systematically support your body's digestive and recovery processes, helping you to perform better, recover faster, and maintain overall health as you pursue your fitness goals.*
Why do you use plant-based enzymes?
At Athletic Enzymes, we've chosen to use premium plant-based enzymes in our formulations for several compelling reasons:
- Broad pH effectiveness: Plant-based enzymes work efficiently across various pH levels in the digestive tract, from the stomach's acidic environment to the more alkaline small intestine. This ensures maximum effectiveness throughout the entire digestive process.
- Immediate action: Unlike some animal-derived enzymes, plant-based enzymes begin working as soon as they enter the stomach. This means they start enhancing nutrient absorption and digestion right away, providing more immediate benefits.
- Dietary compatibility: Our plant-based formulas are suitable for all diets, including vegetarian and vegan. This makes them accessible to a broader range of users, regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Purity: Plant-based enzymes are free from contaminants often found in animal-derived enzymes, such as steroids and antibiotics. This ensures a cleaner, more natural supplement.
- No need for enteric coating: Our plant-based enzymes don't require an enteric or polymer coating to survive stomach acid. This means fewer product additives and ensures the enzymes are active and effective throughout the digestive process.
- Clinical validation: Our plant-based enzyme formulations are backed by rigorous studies demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing muscle soreness and accelerating recovery times.* This makes them particularly beneficial for active adults.
- Sustainability: Plant-based enzymes generally have a lower environmental impact than animal-derived alternatives, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
- Consistency: Plant-based enzymes offer more consistent potency and quality than animal-derived enzymes, which can vary based on the animal's diet and health.
By choosing plant-based enzymes, we ensure that our products provide comprehensive digestive support while enhancing performance and recovery.* This aligns with our commitment to purity, effectiveness, and suitability for a wide range of active individuals.
Are your digestive enzymes Wheat-free? Dairy-free? Vegetarian?
Yes, our digestive enzyme formulas are designed to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Specifically:
- Wheat-free: All our enzyme products are free from wheat and wheat-containing ingredients, making them safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Dairy-free: Our formulations contain no dairy products or derivatives, making them suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Vegetarian: All Athletic Enzymes products are vegetarian-friendly. We use plant-based enzymes and vegetable-derived capsules, ensuring no animal products are used in our supplements.
Additional benefits of our enzyme formulas:
- Effective in breaking down problematic proteins: Our enzymes are highly effective in breaking down gluten, lactose, and casein – food molecules that often cause digestive discomfort for those with sensitivities.
- Support for various diets: Whether you follow a plant-based, paleo, keto, or any other type of diet, our enzymes can support your digestive health without conflicting with your dietary choices.
- Allergen-free manufacturing: Our products are manufactured in facilities that maintain strict allergen control protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
By incorporating Athletic Enzymes into your daily routine, you can support your body's ability to digest potentially problematic proteins more efficiently, allowing you to feel your best and perform at your peak, regardless of your dietary restrictions or preferences.*
Are your products safe for everyone?
Athletic Enzymes products are designed to be gentle, effective, and suitable for many individuals. However, as with any supplement, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
Safety for various diets:
- Our plant-based enzymes are safe for those following vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo, and most other dietary regimens.
- They support digestive and systemic health without interfering with specific dietary choices.
Allergen considerations:
- If you have a pineapple allergy, avoid our ProteoPro and InflammaPro products as they contain Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple.
- Our products are manufactured in facilities that maintain strict allergen control protocols to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Medication interactions:
- Exercise caution if you're taking prescription blood-thinning agents. Proteolytic enzymes can enhance blood flow by breaking down fibrin, potentially interacting with blood thinners.
- Always consult a healthcare professional before combining enzymes with prescription medications, especially blood thinners.
Special populations:
- Pregnant or nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, including enzyme supplements.
- Individuals with specific health conditions should discuss enzyme supplementation with their healthcare provider to ensure it's appropriate for their situation.
General safety:
- Our products are free from harmful additives, fillers, and artificial ingredients, making them safe for most adults when used as directed.
- Our USA-based manufacturing facilities use pharmaceutical-grade enzymes and maintain strict quality control standards.
While our products are generally safe for adults, we recommend starting with the suggested dosage and monitoring your body's response. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.
Individual responses can vary, and what works well for one person may not be ideal for another. Our customer support team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance on our products' safe and effective use.
Can enzymes be harmful if you take too many?
Enzymes are generally considered safe, even in higher doses, due to their nature and how the body processes them. However, it's essential to understand how enzymes work in the body:
- Non-accumulative: Digestive and proteolytic enzymes are active protein molecules that do not accumulate in the body. They have a limited activity lifespan, typically lasting one to four hours.
- Natural breakdown: After their active period, enzymes are either eliminated from the body or broken down into constituent amino acids, which the body can use for other purposes.
- Self-limiting activity: Enzymes are substrate-specific and only act on particular molecules. Once their specific substrates are depleted, their activity naturally ceases.
While enzymes are generally safe, there are some considerations when taking higher doses:
- Digestive discomfort: In some cases, very high doses of digestive enzymes might cause temporary digestive upset, such as mild nausea or diarrhea.
- Individual sensitivity: Some people may be more sensitive to enzyme supplements and might experience mild side effects even at normal doses.
- Interaction with medications: High doses of specific enzymes, particularly proteolytic enzymes, might interact with blood-thinning medicines or affect the absorption of some drugs.
- Allergic reactions: In rare cases, individuals might be allergic to a specific enzyme or other ingredients in the supplement.
To ensure safe usage:
- Start with the recommended dosage: Begin with the suggested amount on the product label and gradually increase if needed.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel and any changes in digestion or overall well-being.
- Consult a healthcare professional: If you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting or significantly increasing your enzyme intake.
- Quality matters: Choose high-quality enzyme supplements like Athletic Enzymes, which are carefully formulated and tested for safety and efficacy.
Remember, while it's generally difficult to "overdose" on enzymes in the traditional sense, it's always best to follow the recommended dosage guidelines. Consult a healthcare professional or our customer support team for personalized advice if you need more than the suggested amount.
Are your products made in the USA?
All Athletic Enzymes products are formulated and manufactured in the United States. We prioritize domestic production for several important reasons:
- Quality Control: We can strictly oversee the entire production process by manufacturing in the USA. This allows us to ensure that every batch of our enzymes meets our high standards for purity and potency.
- Regulatory Compliance: USA-based manufacturing facilities are subject to rigorous FDA regulations and cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. This ensures our products are produced in clean, safe environments using approved processes.
- Ingredient Sourcing: While some of our raw materials may be sourced globally to ensure the highest quality, all processing and formulation occur within the United States. This allows us to closely monitor the quality of our products' ingredients.
- Pharmaceutical-Grade Standards: Our USA facilities adhere to pharmaceutical-grade standards, typically more stringent than those required for dietary supplements. This means you're getting enzymes that meet the highest quality benchmarks.
- Transparency: Domestic production allows us to maintain complete transparency about our manufacturing processes. We can easily trace each step of production and provide detailed information about our products.
- Third-Party Testing: Our domestic facilities work closely with independent, USA-based laboratories for additional quality testing and verification of our products.
When you choose Athletic Enzymes, you're not just getting a supplement – you're getting a product that has been meticulously crafted under some of the strictest quality control standards in the world.
What kind of results can I expect from using Athletic Enzymes?
When incorporating Athletic Enzymes into your routine, you can expect a range of benefits that support your active lifestyle and overall health.* While individual experiences may vary, here are the key results many of our users report:
Improved Digestion:
Enhanced breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats*
Reduced bloating and gas after meals*
Improved regularity and overall gut comfort*
Better Nutrient Absorption:
More efficient extraction of nutrients from food*
Potential for improved energy levels due to better nutrient utilization*
Support for muscle building and repair through enhanced protein absorption*
Faster Recovery:
Reduced muscle soreness after workouts (DOMS - Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)*
Quicker recovery between training sessions*
Improved overall muscle function and flexibility*
Enhanced Athletic Performance:
Increased endurance during workouts*
Potential for improved strength gains*
Better overall physical resilience*
Reduced Inflammation:
Support for a balanced inflammatory response throughout the body*
How long does it take to see results?
While individual results may vary, many users report noticeable improvements in digestion and recovery within a few weeks of consistent use.* Some people may experience benefits sooner, while others may take longer to see significant changes.*
Factors such as age, diet, lifestyle, and overall health can influence how quickly you see results. It's important to take Athletic Enzymes consistently as directed and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to maximize the benefits.
For best results, incorporate Athletic Enzymes into your daily routine and give your body time to adjust to the increased enzyme activity. Be patient and consistent, as the effects of enzymes are cumulative and may become more pronounced over time.
What should I expect to feel when I begin taking digestive enzymes?
When you start taking Athletic Enzymes, you can expect to feel improvements in energy, digestion, and overall well-being.* Some individuals may experience a brief detoxification period as their body begins to eliminate excess toxins. You might feel tired or achy during this time, but increasing your enzyme dosage and water intake can help you go through this natural process.* This is a positive sign, indicating that the enzymes are working effectively.
As your body adjusts to the increased enzyme activity, you may notice more regular bowel movements, less bloating and gas, and improved nutrient absorption.* You may also experience increased mental clarity, better skin health, and more stable energy levels throughout the day.*
If you have a history of digestive issues or have been eating a less-than-optimal diet, you may experience more pronounced detoxification symptoms. In these cases, start with a lower dosage and gradually increase as your body adapts. Be sure to stay hydrated and listen to your body's signals as you embrace the journey to better health and performance with Athletic Enzymes.
When should I take the different kinds of enzymes? How strict is the timing?
Athletic Enzymes recommends taking digestive enzyme supplements at the beginning of your meal to kickstart the digestive process. However, if you forget, taking them during or after your meal is perfectly fine, as digestion lasts several hours.
Proteolytic enzymes, which support muscle recovery and immune function, are best taken between meals or on an empty stomach to ensure they enter the bloodstream effectively. If you're sensitive to taking supplements on an empty stomach, you can start by taking them at the end of a meal and adjust as your body adapts.
The timing of enzyme supplementation is not strict, but following these general guidelines can help optimize their effectiveness. Digestive enzymes work best when taken close to mealtimes, as they help break down the food you eat. Proteolytic enzymes, on the other hand, are most effective when taken away from food, as this allows them to be absorbed into the bloodstream and exert their systemic effects.
If you have a specific health concern or are taking other medications, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate timing and dosage for your individual needs. They can help you create a personalized enzyme regimen that maximizes the benefits and minimizes any potential interactions or side effects.