A probiotic is a term used to describe a substance that results in an increase of “friendly” or “good” bacteria in the digestive system. Acidophilus is a form of probiotic bacteria. Probiotics play positive role in promoting digestive health. It helps support immune system function. Solgar’s probiotic products are usually combinations that include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. These two strains are found to dominate in different areas of the digestive tract and tolerate different conditions, but both are very important for its health and function.

Such intestinal bacteria are easily destroyed by antibiotics and certain types of medication so supplementation allows us the opportunity to maintain good levels of ‘friendly’ bacteria and, therefore, good health. Probiotics can be taken during and after antibiotic treatment to aid recovery. Because supplementation will be required for different reasons and by different age groups, Solgar has a range to suit all ages and a variety of uses. Probiotics and active bacteria culture may improve lactose intolerance. The bacterial strain commonly used in yogurt can produce lactase enzymes. Therefore, people with lactose intolerance and children suffering from intestinal infection can usually tolerate yogurt with an active culture. Probiotics may improve nutrient bioavailability, for B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus, among others.

Digestion enzymes are enzymes that break down polymeric macromolecules into their smaller building blocks. Digestive enzymes are excellent aids to the digestive and absorptive processes. A number of digestive enzyme supplements are available. Digestion enzymes are classified by their substrates: proteases and peptidases split proteins into amino acids, lipases split fat into three fatty acids and glycerol, carbohydrates split carbohydrates such as starch into sugars, and nucleases split nucleic acids into nucleotides. Digestive enzymes are primarily responsible for the chemical breakdown of food and constitute a large portion of digestive secretions.

The digestive enzymes can be classified according to their location in the digestive system. The salivary glands in the oral cavity secrete two important enzymes called ptyalin and lysozyme; however, lysozyme is not a digestive enzyme. Ptyalin, which is a digestive enzyme, is a type of µ-amylase. This digestive enzyme helps to break down the starch into smaller segments of soluble sugars, which can then be utilized by the body. The digestive enzymes that are secreted in the stomach are generally referred to as ‘gastric enzymes’. There are four gastric enzymes, which include pepsin, gelatinase, gastric amylase and gastric lipase. Pancreas is a gland organ that secretes many digestive enzymes and is a part of the digestive system of vertebrates.