What is Neuro Support Blend (NSB)?
Many of Sanesco’s Targeted Nutritional Therapy™ (TNT) formulas include a proprietary blend of plant-based ingredients, called Neuro Support Blend. NSB is Sanesco’s nutrient delivery system.
Neuro Support Blend contains:
- Protease
- Amylase
- Lipase
- Bioperine®
Overview of Enzymes
The foods we eat are mostly made up of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Proteases break down proteins, amylases break down carbohydrates, and lipases break down fats.* Our bodies make these digestive chemicals, known as enzymes. We also get small amounts of them from our diet. However, processed, fried, baked, boiled, canned, and preserved foods often have very few of these helpful chemicals.[i] Various disease processes, aging, and dietary factors can reduce the activity and effectiveness of our own digestive chemicals as well. Some signs of their deficiency include gas, constipation, mood imbalances, and digestive problems among others.[ii]
Digestive Support
Digestive support for these chemicals can be beneficial for many people, with or without a deficiency. Thus, support is often recommended with supplements to promote optimal break down and absorption of the nutrients. Unlike other vitamins and minerals, enzymes can be used repeatedly. The blend used in Sanesco’s NSB™ is produced by fermentation. Fermenting enzymes has been shown to reduce toxins and enzyme inhibitors, making them more effective.[iii]
Bioperine® is the patented version of a compound called piperine. Sanesco includes this ingredient in NSB™ to further promote absorption, delay gastric emptying, and increase blood supply to the digestive tract. The TNT™ formulas made by Sanesco which incorporate NSB™ include Prolent™, Lentra™, Procite-D™, Contegra™, and Adaptacin™. The following offers a closer look at enzymes.
Protease: Neuro Support Blend Ingredient #1
Proteases, as the name suggests, are the group of chemicals in the digestive system responsible for breaking down proteins. Normally, people get proteolytic enzymes from the pancreas.[iv] However, supplementation with protease enzymes has been shown to improve digestion and support overall health.*
Protease enzymes facilitate a process called hydrolysis, in which proteins are broken down into smaller peptides, and then into amino acids.[v] Amino acids are the building blocks used to make new proteins, including neurotransmitters and hormones. Freeing up amino acids in the digestive tract also provides building blocks for beneficial gut bacteria.[vi] Proteases have been shown to support circulation, promote a healthy inflammatory response, increase oxygen flow, and improve healing time.[vii]
Amylase: Neuro Support Blend Ingredient #2
Amylase, like protease, is made naturally by the pancreas. Interestingly, amylase is also secreted in the mouth in saliva. When we chew food, amylase is secreted as the first step in digestion. Amylase begins this process by breaking down large starches and sugar molecules.[x] Glucose is the form of carbohydrate needed for many cellular processes, so breaking down starch into glucose is necessary for optimal health. Amylase supplementation has been shown to improve immune system activity.*[xi] There are no known adverse effects of supplementing with amylase.
Lipase: Neuro Support Blend Ingredient #3
Lipase, produced by the pancreas and stomach, breaks down fats. Typically, people do not get lipase in the food they eat. Breaking down large fat molecules yields monoglycerides, diglycerides, glycerol, and free fatty acids.[xii] Fats are important components of cell membranes, our brain and our hormones, and provide energy for beneficial gut bacteria and cellular processes. Larger fat molecules are not readily available for use, so lipase is important in breaking down fats and oils into these usable components.[xiii] Many people produce adequate lipase, but individuals suffering from conditions involving the digestive system often show deficiencies in lipase.[xiv] Additionally, lipase has been shown to decrease with age.[xv] Lipase may also be effective in alleviating occasional heartburn, indigestion, and bloating.*[xvi]
Bioperine®: Neuro Support Blend Ingredient #4
Bioperine® is Sabinsa’s patented version of piperine, the main alkaloid in black pepper (Piper nigrium). Piperine has been shown to inhibit gastric emptying, increase the bioavailability of supplements and pharmaceuticals, and increase salivary and gastric secretions.*[xvii] Thus, including Bioperine® in NSB™ formulas is another way Sanesco® aims to ensure optimal absorption and efficacy of its nutraceuticals.* Not only has piperine been shown to improve digestion, but it also enhances neurological function.*[xviii] Studies have found that MPTP is inhibited by piperine, making it neuroprotective.*[xix] Piperine is also thought to be neuroprotective to the hippocampus, a part of the brain essential for cognition and memory.*[xx]
For more information on the importance of hippocampus health, see https://sanescohealth.com/effects-of-stress-on-the-hippocampus-and-memory/, and for more information on Sanesco’s professional line of nutritional supplements, visit https://sanescohealth.com/targeted-nutritional-therapy/.
References:
[i] Boldt, E. (2017, June 15). Proteolytic Enzymes Reduce Inflammation and Boost Immunity. Retrieved August 22, 2017, from https://draxe.com/proteolytic-enzymes/
[ii] Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM. (2013, October 11). The Health Benefits of Amylase. Retrieved August 22, 2017, from https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/the-health-benefits-of-amylase/
[iii] Boldt, Ibid.
[iv] Boldt, Ibid.
[v] Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM. (2013, October 11). The Health Benefits of Protease. Retrieved August 22, 2017, from https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/protease/
[vi] Dr. Edward Group, Ibid. (Protease)
[vii] Boldt, op. cit.
[viii] Zuo, J., Ling, B., Long, L., Li, T., Lahaye, L., Yang, C., & Feng, D. (2015). Effect of dietary supplementation with protease on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, digestive enzymes and gene expression of weaned piglets. Animal Nutrition, 1(4), 276-282.
[ix] Neutral Protease (Dispase). (n.d.). Retrieved August 22, 2017, from http://www.worthington-biochem.com/disp/default.html
[x] Dr. Edward Group, op. cit. (Amylase)
[xi] Fedrowitz, M., Hass, R., Bertram, C., & Löscher, W. (2011). Salivary α-amylase exhibits antiproliferative effects in primary cell cultures of rat mammary epithelial cells and human breast cancer cells. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 30(1), 102.
[xii] Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM. (2015, October 21). The Health Benefits of Lipase. Retrieved August 22, 2017, from https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/lipase/
[xiii] Dr. Edwards Group, Ibid. (Lipase)
[xiv] Lipase. (n.d.). Retrieved August 22, 2017, from http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/lipase
[xv] Dr. Edwards Group, Ibid. (Lipase)
[xvi] Lipase, op. cit.
[xvii] Bajad, S., Bedi, K. L., Singla, A. K., & Johri, R. K. (2001). Piperine inhibits gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit in rats and mice. Planta medica, 67(02), 176-179.
[xviii] Li, S., Wang, C., Li, W., Koike, K., Nikaido, T., & Wang, M. W. (2007). Antidepressant-like effects of piperine and its derivative, antiepilepsirine. Journal of Asian natural products research, 9(5), 421-430.
[xix] Yang, W., Chen, Y. H., Liu, H., & Qu, H. D. (2015). Neuroprotective effects of piperine on the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine-induced Parkinson’s disease mouse model. International journal of molecular medicine, 36(5), 1369-1376.
[xx] Wattanathorn, J., Chonpathompikunlert, P., Muchimapura, S., Priprem, A., & Tankamnerdthai, O. (2008). Piperine, the potential functional food for mood and cognitive disorders. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(9), 3106-3110.
Clinical Contributor
Sophie Thompson
Clinical Support Specialist at Sanesco International, Inc.
Sophie recently obtained her degree in Biology from UNCA in Asheville. Born and raised in Asheville, her hobbies include painting, writing and spending quality time with her dog and her family.
*These statements have not been evluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
