AFP Peptizyde™ was developed in response to parents request for a high DPP IV-containing enzyme product that did not include fruit-based enzymes such as papain or bromelainLike Peptizyde, it is a combination of three different proteolytic enzymes isolated from fungal plant sourcesEach enzyme has a unique set of peptide bonds it prefers to break, so the combination of these enzymes allows much more efficient means of quickly and thoroughly breaking down (hydrolyzing) proteins to its smaller componentsThe enzymes in AFP Peptizyde work only on food proteins, not carbohydrates, fats, or other compounds, and do not interfere with medications or other supplements (unless they are also proteins, which is extremely unlikely)AFP Peptizyde may be used in combination with other enzyme products, such as HN-Zyme Prime and or No-FenolOne would use either Peptizyde or AFP Peptizyde for protein digestion based on 1) known sensitivities to papain or, 2) a child objecting to the odor of Peptizyde (which is due to the presence of papain). The aminopeptidase enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV, or DPP IV, is able to hydrolyze and inactivate the exorphin peptide, casomorphinHowever, for maximal protein breakdown, it is not useful alone, and should be combined with other proteases with different and less stringent peptide bond specificityFor this reason, AFP Peptizyde also contains two other fungal proteases with high activity in acid conditionsThese enzymes are present in AFP Peptizyde in high amounts for the purpose of quickly hydrolyzing proteins while the food is still in the stomachThe ability of AFP Peptizyde enzymes to withstand the low pH of the stomach and remain active under acidic conditions allows hydrolysis of casein and gluten prior to entrance into the small intestineCasein and gluten, in the presence of pancreatic enzymes in the duodenum, can produce exorphin peptides that may be readily absorbed from the intestine (these peptides are not absorbed from the stomach)AFP Peptizyde supplements the "normal" hydrolysis of casein, gluten, and other food proteins such that the exorphin peptides are not produced because the specific cleavage pattern to produce these peptides is altered AFP Peptizyde is similar to Peptizyde in that it also contains only those enzymes needed for protein hydrolysisNo other enzymes have been addedThis allows one to customize enzyme supplementation to their specific dietary needsAnother advantage to this approach is that less potential exists for intolerance reactions due to additional and perhaps unnecessary enzyme proteinsAlso, by using only three enzyme blends in AFPPeptizyde, larger amounts of each enzyme can be added per capsule, insuring that more hydrolysis of food protein can take place in the short time that food is in the stomach. AFP Peptizyde is also different in that it has allowed many families to safely modify or even abandon the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet, thus allowing families more choice in foods available, better nutrition (by re-incorporating important protein sources back into the family diet), and much less stress and worry from fear of food reactions. Reported Benefits Appetite may increase as well as showing more interest in other types of foodsAFP Peptizyde may allow for re-introduction of dairy and wheat products to the diet with better toleranceBenefits from AFP Peptizyde do vary with each individual and may be affected by other supplements and dietOther supplements, especially vitamin and minerals, may be decreased in amount or frequency of dosing as more nutrition is derived from diet with enzymes. AFP Peptizyde is also recommended for high protein diets and athletic training; and dosing may be increased for those meals that are higher in meat protein. Reported Side Effects In children sensitive to exorphin peptides, initial use of AFP Peptizyde may result in the so-called "peptide withdrawal syndrome", as the food-derived peptides are decreasedThis may present as hyperactivity, irritability, increased aggression, tantrums, etcfor a period of several days to as long as a monthIn most cases, this syndrome is resolved when dosing of 1 capsule per meal is obtained for a period of several daysMost parents report the cessation of negative behaviors after about 3 weeksOften, the syndrome can be minimized by starting with low doses (? - ? capsule) and working up to 1 capsule per meal within about 2 weeksIf behavior during this initial dosing becomes a concern, stop the enzyme supplementation for a period of 2 weeks (or until child returns to former behavior), then re-introduce AFP Peptizyde at a much reduced dose and increase dosing at a much slower rate than previously usedMany parents also reported that decreasing or discontinuing certain vitamin supplements containing high amounts of B6 or P5P would alleviate much of the hyperactivity Using AFP Peptizyde as an Alternative or Supplement to the GFCF Diet The procedure recommended by most parents who have successfully abandoned the GFCF diet using AFP Peptizyde is to use the enzymes while maintaining the diet for a period of at least 2 monthsWhen challenging with foods known to be a problem, use small portions initially with 1 or 2 capsules of AFP PeptizydeThe intention is to provide more than enough AFP Peptizyde to counter the effects of casein/glutenIf the challenge was successful, increasing the amount of food given may be attempted, keeping in mind that more AFP Peptizyde may be necessary to counter the increased size of the food challengeFor occasional use, up to 4 capsules may be given for infractions, any more than that will probably not provide any additional benefit. Contraindications for Enzyme Supplementation These enzymes should NOT be used under the following circumstances: active stomach or duodenal ulcers, severe bowel inflammation (characterized by blood in stools), hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, or within a week of scheduled surgeryThis product may not be appropriate for those with known allergies to Aspergillus enzyme proteins or papaya, though non-specific mold allergies do not necessarily preclude use of fungal enzymesConsult your medical doctor for further advice, and err on the side of cautionThose with known anaphylactic allergic reactions to fungal proteins should NOT ingest fungal-derived enzymes. Maximum dosing No upper limit has been established for enzyme dosing, and animal studies found no toxicity at dosing as high as 2000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day for 90 daysMost find using 1 to 2 capsules per meal is adequate, and most likely no further benefits will occur with higher dosing, though as much as 4 capsules may be given for the infrequent and large food challengesMaximum consistent dosing per day is recommended to be no more than 9 capsules per day. For those using Peptizyde successfully, there is no need to change to AFP PeptizydeAFP Peptizyde was designed for those who could not tolerate the original Peptizyde formulation. Each capsule of AFP Peptizyde contains: Peptidase (source of DPP IV)......50,000 HUT Protease 4.5......................25,000 HUT Protease 6.0......................25,000 HUT Cellulose, MCT oil, water AFP Peptizyde is free of gluten, casein, soy, MSG, salicylates, sugar, and artificial colors. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDAThis product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. Peptizyde is a trademark of Houston Nutraceuticals, Inc. Qty:1