peptide and protein GI uptake

Question
I am wondering whether peptide and protein supplements can be taken orally, and if, what the bioavailability is? For example I am wondering about the supplement Wobenzym(R)?
How about amino acids? Are they perhaps also already broken down in the stomach, the GI or endocytes before they could enter the bloodstream?
Thank you,
Uwe

Answer
Hello Uwe!

   Thank you for your nutrition question.  Our body absorbs the protein in food sources much more easily then from a supplement form.  The cells of the small intestine absorb amino acids and have peptidase enzymes on their surface that split most of the dipeptides and tripeptides into single amino acids.  A few dipeptides, tripeptides, and even larger molecules sometimes escape digestion and cross the digestive tract wall to enter the bloodstream.  Some nutrition faddists fail to realize that most proteins are broken down to amino acids before absorption. They urge consumers to eat enzyme supplements  In reality, though, enzymes in foods are digested, just as proteins are.  Only the digestive enzymes, whose design prevents them from being denatured or digested, can work in such an environment.  Another misconception is that eating predigested protein (amino acid supplements) saves the body from having to digest proteins and keeps the digestive system from overworking.  Such a belief grossly underestimates the body's abilities.  Hope this helps.

-George Rapitis, Bsc. Nutritionist
http://www.juiceblend.com

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