How to use Starchway
How to use Starchway
Starchway contains a unique blend of the digestive enzymes glucoamylase and invertase. Glucoamylase supports the digestion of the complex carbohydrate starch, while invertase aids in the breakdown of sucrose—also known as table sugar.
- Glucoamylase helps break down starch by binding to starch molecules and breaking them into individual glucose molecules, which can then be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
- Invertase, also known as Sacrosidase or Sucruase, assists in the digestion of sucrose. It splits the disaccharide sucrose into the simple sugars fructose and glucose, making them easier to digest in the small intestine.
How do the digestive enzymes Glucoamylase and Invertase work?
The digestion of sucrose with the help of the enzyme Glucoamylase
The enzyme glucoamylase plays an important role in the digestion of starch. It binds to starch molecules and breaks them down into individual glucose molecules, which can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream.
In the human body, glucoamylase is primarily produced in the small intestine. Additionally, this enzyme is also found in microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and yeasts, which makes it possible
The digestion of sucrose with the help of the enzyme Invertase
The enzyme invertase supports the digestion of sucrose. Invertase works by breaking sucrose down into the simple sugars glucose and fructose, which are then absorbed in the small intestine. This process is similar to the action of invertase naturally produced in the lining of our intestines.
Like glucoamylase, invertase can also be derived from microorganisms such as yeasts, making it suitable for use in dietary supplements.
The “lock-and-key principle” of digestive enzymes It’s important to understand that digestive enzymes like glucoamylase and invertase function according to the lock-and-key principle. In this model, the enzyme acts like a key that fits a specific type of nutrient—such as starch or sucrose. These enzymes have no other function, meaning they work in a highly targeted way and do not cause side effects.
How do you use Starchway
There are several important factors to consider when using this supplement, and it’s essential to discuss these carefully with the client.
If the supplement is not used correctly, its effectiveness may be reduced. Always ask whether the client has used the supplement before, and how they used it at that time.
1. Start with a higher dose when using the supplement for the first time
For first-time use, we recommend starting with a higher dose—such as 3 capsules before the meal. This ensures that enough enzymes are present to effectively help break down the starch and sucrose in the small intestine. The required number of capsules depends on the amount of starch and/or sucrose in the meal. Since the ideal dose may vary per person, it’s best to start with 3 capsules. If that works well, you can try reducing the dose to 2 capsules and see if that remains effective. This way, you can figure out how many capsules are needed for different types of meals. It’s always a matter of testing and adjusting.
2. Take the capsules with the meal
For optimal results, it’s important to take the capsules just before or at the start of the meal. This allows the enzymes to mix properly with the food and work effectively during digestion.
3. Be aware of the enzymes’ activity window
Glucoamylase and invertase remain active for about 30–45 minutes. If you plan to eat something containing starch or sucrose again after this time, it’s important to take another dose of capsules. This is because the enzymes will have moved further down the digestive tract and can no longer mix with new food, reducing their effectiveness.
Additional Information About Starchway
If the supplement is not used correctly, its effectiveness may be reduced. Always ask whether the client has used the supplement before, and how they used it at that time.
How do you use Starchway
There are several situations where Starchway can be effectively used. For example, it can serve as a complement to a low-starch or low-sucrose diet, or as a tool to test whether these carbohydrates are being excessively fermented, potentially causing symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort.
For starch and/or sucrose malabsorption and sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (SID)
If someone is following a low-starch or low-sucrose diet but occasionally consumes small amounts of these carbohydrates—such as when dining out or during social occasions—Starchway can help support the digestion of these foods. This allows them to enjoy these meals without experiencing bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort.
As a test for starch and/or sucrose digestion
When starch or sucrose malabsorption is suspected, Starchway can also be used as a test. The client can eat a meal that contains starch and/or sucrose and take 3 capsules of Starchway beforehand. After the meal, you can evaluate together how digestion went. If the client no longer experiences symptoms, this may indicate starch and/or sucrose malabsorption. In that case, the client might consider a low-starch and/or low-sucrose diet, using Starchway as a supportive tool when needed.
What are the differences between Carbostarch, Starchway, and Quatrase?
For a helpful overview, take a look at the document “Comparison of Carbostarch, Starchway, and Quatrase”, which you can download for free in the educational materials section.