Pepsinogen is a digestive enzyme secreted by the stomach walls of humans and many other animal species. Under the influence of the acidic environment of the stomach (pH around 2) or pepsin itself (so-called autoactivation), it transforms into pepsin, whose main task is to pre-digest proteins. During digestion, pepsin breaks down proteins into shorter chains of polypeptides and oligopeptides, which later in the digestive processes taking place in the small intestine are broken down into individual amino acids. Under the influence of additional stimuli, such as the presence of food in the stomach or acidification of the mucosa, its secretion increases.
Pepsin – medicinal use
The drug is obtained from the gastric mucosa of pigs, calves or sheep. Protein digestion begins at a pH less than 4; too high concentrations of hydrochloric acid inactivate Pepsi. Preparations pepsyny they increase appetite, normalize the pH of gastric juice, and facilitate gastric protein digestion.
Pepsin – indications
Preparations containing Pepsi apply:
- in diseases with insufficient endogenous pepsin secretion,
- in the absence of appetite,
- in an acid,
- in reducing gastric secretion,
- in chronic gastritis,
- excessively intense fermentation processes,
- in acute and chronic gastritis,
- conditions after gastrectomy,
- digestive disorders caused by liver disease.
Symptoms of acidosis and acidity may be similar to each other, therefore diagnostics is important. Patients most often complain of unpleasant symptoms soon after a meal. These are: a feeling of overflow, pain in the stomach and its surroundings, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach area. There may be gas, heartburn, flatulence, nausea, or problems with the gastrointestinal motility such as diarrhea or constipation. Sometimes diarrhea and constipation alternate. Long-term diarrhea is debilitating for the body and weakens the patient. Ill does not digest food properly, does not absorb the necessary micro- and macroelements. When the stomach produces too little digestive juice, the food cannot be digested thoroughly. Ingredients that are difficult to digest or improperly served (undercooked, incompletely chewed) will only undergo partial processing, necessary for them to be fully used and assimilated. Here’s the reason shortagesIron is hardest to supply when you are acid, since it is mainly found in meat, which is difficult to digest. There are also malabsorption of magnesium, zinc (hence, inter alia, problems with the skin, nails and hair) and calcium. Research shows that the correct amount of hydrochloric acid is necessary for the proper absorption of B vitamins, especially vitamin B12. Deficiencies of this vitamin are associated with anemia, general weakness or disorders of the nervous system, for example depression. We may also have poorer resistance to infection, because vitamin C absorption is worse in people with low stomach acid. In case of similar symptoms, see a doctor. The similarity of the symptoms of gastric hyperacidity and acidity requires proper diagnostics, and by reaching for popular antacids, we can additionally harm ourselves.
Pepsin – dosage
The dosage is determined individually depending on the preparation, indications for its use and the patient’s condition. Preparations pepsyny administered immediately before or during a meal.
Preparations on the Polish market containing Pepsiavailable in pharmacies are:
- Citropepsin (liquid),
- Bepepsin (tablets),
- Mixtura Pepsini, pepsin mixture (liquid) – available on prescription at a pharmacy.
Pepsina it is also a frequent component of dietary supplements to facilitate digestion or fight overweight.