Nutri Courses

Advisory

Digestive enzyme

Digestive enzymes are biological molecules that the body produces to break down food into smaller, easily digestible and absorbable components. These enzymes are crucial for health and nutrition because, without them, the body wouldn't be able to utilize nutrients from food. Each digestive enzyme has a specific role - some break down proteins into amino acids, others split fats into fatty acids and glycerol, and others are responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars.

A deficiency in digestive enzymes can lead to various health issues, including digestive problems like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. This can also result in the body not receiving enough nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition and related health problems. On the other hand, too many digestive enzymes can cause excessive digestion and disrupt the balance of intestinal microflora. Therefore, it is important to maintain the proper balance of digestive enzymes for optimal health and nutrition.

Good day,
I would like to request more information about the digestive enzyme in the mouth /ptyalin/, what is its role?
Thank you.

Amylase is an enzyme that facilitates the breakdown of carbohydrates into simpler sugars. There are three types of amylase—alpha, beta, and gamma—where alpha amylase, produced by the salivary glands, is called ptyalin. It is responsible for initiating the breakdown of polysaccharides, and since the optimal pH at which it operates is 7.1, it ceases to function in the stomach due to a change in pH. The pancreas also produces amylase, this pancreatic amylase contributes to the further decomposition of sugars. In simplified terms, consider the term ptyalin as synonymous with amylase.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.