Arthritis Relief Reported With Systemic Enzymes

April 27, 2000

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 26 /PRNewswire/ via NewsEdge Corporation

One of the nation’s most respected natural health organizations has cited a study that found systemic enzymes provide safe, effective pain relief for osteoarthritis. The findings are welcome news to millions of people who are concerned about the side effects associated with long-term use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

The National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA) reported on a recent study conducted in Austria, where researchers treated 73 patients who had osteoarthritis of the knee with either diclofenac (a European over-the-counter NSAID commonly recommended in cases of osteoarthritis) or a systemic enzyme formula. After three weeks, overall reduction in pain was similar in both groups. The study was published in Clinical Drug Investigations and cited in the latest issue of NNFA Today.

NSAIDs provide safe, effective relief for millions of people who have occasional, short-term pain. However, continuous use of NSAIDs for long-term conditions such as arthritis can lead to severe gastrointestinal problems in many cases. According to The Wall Street Journal, up to 20,000 people die each year and over 100,000 are hospitalized due to ulcers and other stomach problems caused by NSAIDs.

The authors of the Austrian study reported no gastrointestinal problems with the systemic enzyme formula. Many other peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown that the systemic enzyme product used in the Austrian study has no serious side effects and is extremely safe, even when taken in large quantities or for long periods of time.

To work systemically, enzymes require an intricate delivery system to reach the bloodstream intact. Most enzymes are highly fragile, and lose their activity when exposed to even a slight change in temperature or moisture. Proprietary technologies developed by MUCOS Pharma of Germany allow enzymes to survive in the highly purified form needed to benefit organs and tissue. Once stabilized in tablet form, systemic enzymes must be enteric-coated with a pH-stable film to withstand the acidity of the stomach so that they can enter the bloodstream in their biologically active form.

The Austrian study is just the latest of many to confirm the health benefits of systemic enzymes, not only for osteoarthritis, but also in many other cases. Journalists interested in learning more about the Austrian study can e-mail Dr. Gerhard Stauder of MUCOS Pharma at stauder@mucos.de.

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