Frequently Asked Questions
Are all serrapeptidase supplements the same?
There are significant differences in serrapeptidase products. Potency, aborption, and results can vary widely. Serrapeptidase enzymes are naturally very unstable and can lose their efficacy very rapidly. However, Serra-Petidase For Life is highly effective due to the following:
- PEPTIZYME SP® is a proprietary serrapeptidase preparation that has been developed through 30 years of production experience. This production process isolates a serrapeptidase enzyme that is highly potent, is able to deliver rapid effects through enhanced absorption characteristics, is extremely stable, and is derived from non-animal, non-GMO source.
- The serrapeptidase granules are micro-encapsulated with an enteric coating, to protect them from premature dissolution in the stomach. Some products are designed with an enteric-coated capsule, but do not micro-encapuslate the serrapeptidase granules. These enteric-coated capsules may not fully dissolve in the intestinal tract, hindering absorption. However, the micro-encapsulated Serra-Petidase For Life granules are designed for full dissolution in the intestinal tract, and complete absorption of the serrapeptidase enzymes into the bloodstream. This ensures rapid results for patients.
- No magesium stearate or any other fat-soluble flowing agents are used during the encapsulation process, as these affect enzyme uniformity and impede absorption. We do utilize a very small amount of a water-soluble silicon dioxide as a flow agent.
- Vegetable-derived NPcaps™ capsules offer superior disintegration for fast onset and full utilization of the enzyme contents, and superior oxygen impermeability for high enzyme stability. This further enhances potency.
- Serra-Petidase For Life has been formulated to be equivalent to the optimal average dose of 20 mg (40,000 IU) in each capsule, allowing for superior dosage modulation.
How does serrapeptidase work?
Serrapeptidase reduces inflammation in three ways:
- Breaks down the insoluble protein by-products of blood coagulation known as fibrin.
- Thins the fluids formed from inflammation or injury and facilitates their drainage, accelerating the tissue repair process.
- Alleviates the pain assoiated with inflammatory processes by inhibiting the release of specific pain-inducing amines known as bradykinin.
Serrapeptidase dissolves non-living tissue (blood clots, cysts, inflammation), and the residue is either converted into nutrients that the body can use, or is excreted from the body in the usual manner.
Who should use serrapeptidase?
If you have general conditions of pain or swelling, or use medications such as aspirin or NSAIDs, or have an inflammatory condition such as arthritis, sinusitis, fibrocystic breasts, or respiratory conditions, or you wish to prevent inflammatory conditions from developing, then using serrapeptidase can be of benefit to you. If you have cardiovascular disease it is prudent to discuss serrapeptidase with your physician. Serrapeptidase may also provide cardiovascular preventive benefits similiar to aspirin. (See how other people have benefited from Serra-Peptidase For Life in the Case Studies).
How much serrapeptidase should you use?
The literature recommends a dosage range of 20-60 mg per day (or 40,000 IU to 120,000 IU) in divided doses on an empty stomach. This daily dosage range corresponds to a convenient 1-3 Serra-Peptidase For Life capsules, which is a good preventive level.
However, for more severe conditions of pain, swelling, cysts, blood clots, arthritis, sinusitis, bronchitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular problems, or other conditions, usage of 6-9 capsules per day has typically been reported (in divided doses - eg. 3 capsules x 3 times per day). In instances like these, higher doses have been used initially with a slow reduction as conditions improve.
Seek the advice of your healthcare professional. No side effects have been reported with the use of higher doses.
Extremely Important:
Is it safe for use with children?
Serrapeptidase is safe for children against a wide range of conditions such as pain or swelling, asthma, or lung problems. A dosage of 1-2 capsules per day is sufficient. Serrapeptidase has even been used with pets, such as cats or dogs.
Are there any side effects?
Serrapeptidase has a long history of safe use in both Europe and Japan. Generally the dosage is well tolerated and has virtually no side effects or adverse reactions. However, care must be taken with patients who experience irregulation of the blood clotting mechanism, gastritis, peptic ulcers, severe hepatic or renal disease, or patients taking anti-coagulants. Very rarely gastrointestinal irritation has occurred in elderly individuals with long term use of high dosages.
