What is Standard Process Zymex®II?: Uses, Ingredients, and Side Effects

Have you heard of digestive enzymes? 

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze--or speed up--chemical reactions throughout our body. That includes the chemical reactions that break down foods in our digestive tract. 

Digestive enzymes are located throughout the digestive system, from your saliva all the way down to the colon. Ultimately, they're responsible for turning the food we eat into energy. However, sometimes our bodies don't make enough of these enzymes to process our food correctly, leading to an increase in unwanted gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, indigestion, and other complaints. 

We've discussed the benefits of probiotics, fermentation, and a healthy diet on your gut health, but there's even more you can do for a healthy gut. Digestive enzyme supplements can help restore enzyme deficits in the GI tract for easier digestion and fewer tummy troubles.  

In this article, we’ll discuss one over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplement: Standard Process Zymex® II.  

What is Standard Process Zymex® II?

Standard Process Zymex®II offers digestion support for individuals who are sensitive to acids. It includes several digestive enzymes which facilitate the breakdown and absorption of macronutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and cellulose. Zymex®II does not contain pancreatin or betaine hydrochloride. 

Papain for improved protein digestion

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme found in papaya fruit. Proteolytic enzymes are naturally-occuring enzymes manufactured in the stomach and pancreas which the body uses to break down proteins into peptides and amino acids. 

Papain in particular has the added benefit of helping with inflammation, indigestion, and muscle soreness after exercise.

In a study conducted by Elon University, ten matched pairs of young male participants were instructed to run for 30 minutes at 80% of their maximal heart rate, and then given either a placebo or a papain supplement. The papain group experienced less soreness and faster recovery than the placebo group. 

Bromelain for better protein digestion

Like papain, bromelain is another powerful proteolytic enzyme. Bromelain is derived from pineapples and has historically been used throughout Central and South America to reduce inflammation and ease indigestion. 

While you can get some bromelain from eating pineapples, it’s generally not enough to have a significant impact on your digestion. Bromelain-containing supplements like Standard Process Zymex®II contain a higher concentration than we usually find in nature, allowing your body to see the maximum benefit of bromelain.  

Amylase for more complete carbohydrate breakdown

Amylase is a digestive enzyme that drives the breakdown of carbohydrates into simple sugars, like glucose, that the body can use for energy. Amylase is found throughout the body, but is particularly common in the pancreas and saliva. 

Lipase for easier fat digestion

Lipase, another digestive enzyme, breaks down fats (specifically, triglycerides), into their constitutive fatty acids. These are then absorbed in the intestines and reconfigured for transport and storage elsewhere in the body. Lipase can be helpful for indigestion, heartburn, and even gluten-intolerance. 

Cellulase for plant cellulose digestion

Zymex®II also contains cellulase, an enzyme which breaks down the cellulose present in the walls of plant cells. If the word “cellulose” is unfamiliar, you may recognize this nutrient by another name: dietary fiber.

While we don’t absorb cellulose from the foods we eat, our bodies still need to break it down in order to move it through the digestive tract and expel it as waste. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.

Some people–especially those who may struggle with gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or Crohn’s disease–have a harder time breaking down fiber in their digestive tract. This may lead to a range of issues including gas, bloating, constipation, and indigestion. 

The cellulase contained in Standard Process Zymex®II can help facilitate the digestion and movement of fiber through the digestive tract. 

Zymex® II Uses

Standard Process Zymex® II can be used for:

• Supports healthy gastrointestinal function
• Aids in the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and dietary fiber
• Supports a healthy GI environment and microbiome
• May support healthy inflammation control after strenuous exercise
• Specially formulated for acid-sensitive individuals. No pancreatin or betaine hydrochloride!

Standard Process Zymex® II Ingredients

Each Serving Size (2 Capsules) Standard Process Zymex® II contains:
Proprietary Blend 724 mg: Defatted almond, date powder, papain, bromelain, organic pineapple fruit powder, amylase, cellulase, and lipase.
Other Ingredients: Gelatin, cellulose, and water.
Contains: Tree nuts (almonds).

Standard Process Zymex® II Side Effects

While there are no known side of Zymex® II, some individuals may be allergic to bromelain and papain, two of the active ingredients in this supplement. 

Bromelain side effects include: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive menstrual bleeding

Bromelain allergy is common among individuals who are also allergic to pineapples, Latex, carrots, wheat, celery, papain, fennel, cypress pollen, and grass pollen. 

Papain side effects include:

• Itchy mouth or throat
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Excessive sweating regardless of temperature

Papain allergy is common among individuals with allergies to Latex, figs, and kiwi fruit. 

Please consult your doctor before adding Zymex® II to your supplementation regimen. This supplement is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. It is also not recommended for individuals with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure or liver or kidney disease.

According to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Bromelain in particular may increase risk of bleeding during and after surgery. You should stop bromelain-containing supplements at lease two weeks before surgery. 

Standard Process Zymex®II vs. Standard Process Zypan® Which Is Better?

Standard Process offers a number of digestive enzyme supplements. The two most popular are Zypan® and Zymex®  II–but what’s the difference and which is best for your needs? 

Both Zypan® and Zymex®  II include amylase and lipase to support the digestion of carbohydrates and fats,  Zymex®  II uses bromelain and papain derived from fruits to support the breakdown of protein. Zypan® uses pancreatin and pepsin derived from animal-based products. 

Zymex®  II, however, contains cellulase, a class of enzymes that breaks down the cellulose found in the walls of plant cells. This means Zymex®  II is formulated for better fiber digestion. 

Another key difference between Zypan® and Zymex®  II is the inclusion of pancreatin and betaine hydrochloride. Zypan® includes these compounds to help the body maintain proper pH throughout the GI tract. 

However, in individuals who are acid-sensitive, betaine hydrochloride and pancreatin may be an issue. Zymex®  II is formulated without betaine hydrochloride and pancreatin.

Instead, Zymex®  II includes alkaline ingredients such as bromelain and papain, which have an optimal pH value of 6.0 to 7.5 and support digestion without adding acid to the digestive tract. 

Where to Buy Standard Process Zymex®II

We sell Standard Process Zymex®II in our shop. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Standard Process Zymex® and Zymex® II?

Standard Process Zymex® is another digestive aid supplement produced by Standard Process. Like Zymex® II, it can help maintain a healthy microbiome and improve carbohydrate digestion. The key difference between Standard Process Zymex® and Standard Process Zymex® II is that Zymex® II contains papain and bromelain, while Standard Process Zymex® contains beets. This makes Zymex® the better option for individuals who might be allergic to papain or bromelain. 

Is Zymex® II safe for use in animals?

Zymex® II is not recommended for use on animals. 

Is Zymex® II  gluten-free?

Yes, Zymex® II is gluten-free.

Does Zymex® II contain soy?

No, Zymex® II  does not contain soy.

Is Zymex® II vegan? 

Zymex® II is not vegan. While Zymex® II does not contain meat-based digestive enzymes, the capsule does contain gelatin.