\ ˈa-mə-ˌlās , -ˌlāz \

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Glucose is a simple sugar that gives the body energy as well as supports organ health and vital bodily processes. Essentially, amylase optimizes the release of a key energy source in the body.

As such, research has shown that the enzymatic activity of amylase has an impressive ability to promote optimal blood glucose levels and potentially benefit people with metabolic disorders. Although amylase occurs naturally in both saliva and pancreatic fluid, supplementation can benefit anyone who wants to achieve healthy blood sugar levels and complete carbohydrate digestion.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the clinical data that supports the glucose-regulating benefits of amylase!

Amylase: The Glucose Regulator

According to the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, high concentrations of amylase are actually linked to lower levels of blood glucose. This is likely due to the fact that although amylase releases simple sugar molecules when it breaks down carbohydrate-rich foods, it astonishingly does not lead to a rapid increase in blood glucose.

In fact, a study in the same journal noted a significantly lower level of amylase activity in a group of 110 people with type 2 diabetes who were experiencing a blood sugar spike, as compared to healthy adults.

High Amylase Levels Prompt the Body to Use Glucose

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition compared individuals whose bodies produce large amounts of amylase with people who had low amylase production. The results showed that people with naturally high levels of amylase had a lower increase in blood glucose after eating a starchy meal than those who began with low levels of amylase.

Another interesting discovery in this study was that people with high amylase production often had slightly elevated levels of insulin shortly after eating. This may seem counterintuitive, however, an immediate increase in insulin is a known early signal for the body to start using the glucose that is being released into the blood. As such, heightened levels of amylase are actually associated with the enhanced production and release of insulin.

In short, higher levels of amylase promote optimal blood sugar levels after food consumption in addition to an improved insulin response and performance.

Amylase for Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Research has demonstrated that amylase is particularly advantageous for people with metabolic issues, due to its profound impact on blood glucose levels. Here’s why!

An article in Cardiovascular Diabetology notes that an improperly functioning pancreas may not produce sufficient levels of amylase, which has been observed in people with metabolic abnormalities, such as diabetes or metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Diabetes and MetS are similar in the sense that both conditions are characterized by insulin resistance and/or impaired insulin secretion. Interestingly, both amylase and insulin are produced by the pancreas, and people with metabolic abnormalities have impaired pancreatic activity.

Clinical data show that low concentrations of amylase are associated with an increased risk of diabetes or MetS, indicating that amylase supplementation is beneficial for people with these types of conditions. In fact, the powerful enzymatic activity of amylase promotes the complete digestion and release of glucose from carbohydrates, while stimulating an increase in insulin production, which then facilitates the removal of glucose from the blood.

Enhanced blood glucose regulation is imperative for people with metabolic conditions like diabetes and MetS because levels that are either too high or too low can lead to dangerous complications, as discussed in the peer-reviewed medical journal Diabetes Care.

As insulin increases, the body uses more glucose for energy, which in turn decreases the overall blood glucose level. And amylase is what gets this process moving!

An Enzyme Blend for Healthy Blood Glucose Levels

An article in Scientific Reports provides data regarding the effect of supplementing with an amylase blend just before a glucose-rich meal. In this 2017 study, researchers found that a blend of lipase 10,000 USP Units, protease 600 USP Units, and amylase 8,000 USP Units per capsule 1 hour before a glucose-rich meal was associated with a spike in insulin production that peaked at 15 minutes before it began to decline.

As discussed earlier, high levels of amylase can be associated with slightly elevated levels of insulin shortly after eating, which prompts the body to begin using the glucose as it enters the blood. That’s a good thing when it comes to achieving optimal blood glucose levels after a satisfying meal!

Not surprisingly, the aforementioned study also observed a decrease in blood glucose levels. This finding demonstrates the ability of an enzyme blend, which includes amylase to efficiently break down carbohydrates into simple sugars, to promote healthy blood sugar levels.

How Amylase Can Benefit You

In summary, amylase is adept at breaking down carbohydrates into glucose, a key source of energy for your body. Because of this, amylase has a profound ability to support healthy blood glucose levels and insulin production, potentially benefiting those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Even so, this enzyme can benefit anyone who wishes to get the greatest benefit from the carbohydrates they consume. Amylase assists with the complete breakdown of carbs into usable energy as well as promotes the processes that maintain healthy blood sugar levels for everyone.

Amazing Amylase! Here’s Where to Find It!

Check out our broad-spectrum digestive enzyme blend, Devigest, which features amylase for complete digestion of carbohydrates and glucose to promote healthy blood sugar levels.