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Is Zenpep enzyme supplement truly gluten free?

GrayGluten

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GrayGluten Newbie
GrayGluten
Posted

Hello,

Apologies in advance if this question has already been answered, but I can't seem to find an exact answer.

Recently diagnosed Celiac after about six months of symptoms, tests and stress. Finally went 100% gluten free over a month ago (food, medications, cosmetics) and am finally just beginning to feel and see some small improvements consistently. 

For continued malnutrition and still-persistent bowel issues, my doctor recently prescribed me Zenpep enzyme supplement (25,000 lipase USP units; delayed release capsules) and within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time I've been experiencing what feels like light glutened side effects for me so far - dull headache, slight brain fog, mild abdominal pains. I'm curious: Is Zenpep gluten free? If these symptoms are normal or expected when first beginning to take Zenpep or supplements like it, I'm willing to give it some time, but if not, it's understandably defeating as I was finally on a good symptom-free run.

I've reviewed all of the active and inactive ingredients on Zenpep.com, and though it's not officially labeled as such, it appears to be gluten-free. However, am I missing something? I'm also awaiting a response from the manufacturer.

If Zenpep is gluten free, then would there be any other common reasons or predispositions that may cause this reaction? Can taking pancreatic enzymes not always be a good idea for Celiacs?

Hoping for any anecdotes of people who are Celiac or severely intolerant and have taken Zenpep.

Sorry for long post - thank you so much!

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Ennis-TX Grand Master
Ennis-TX
Posted
10 hours ago, GrayGluten said:

Hello,

First time poster, long-time reader. Apologies in advance if this question has already been answered, but I can't seem to find an exact answer.

Recently diagnosed Celiac after about six months of symptoms, tests and stress. Finally went 100% gluten free over a month ago (food, medications, cosmetics, etc.) and am finally just beginning to feel and see some small improvements consistently. 

For continued malnutrition and still-persistent bowel issues, my doctor recently prescribed me Zenpep enzyme supplement (25,000 lipase USP units; delayed release capsules) and within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time I've been experiencing what feels like light glutened side effects for me so far - dull headache, slight brain fog, mild abdominal pains. I'm curious: Is Zenpep is gluten free? If these symptoms are normal or expected when first beginning to take Zenpep or supplements like it, I'm willing to give it some time, but if not, it's understandably defeating as I was finally on a good symptom-free run.

I've reviewed all of the active and inactive ingredients on Zenpep.com, and though it's not officially labeled as such, it "seems" to be gluten-free from what I can research. However, not being as wise or knowledgeable as so many on this forum yet, am I missing something?

If Zenpep is in fact gluten-free, then would there be any other common reasons or predispositions that may cause this reaction? Can taking pancreatic enzymes not always be a good idea for Celiacs?

Hoping for any anecdotes of people who are Celiac or severely intolerant and have taken Zenpep.

Sorry for long post - thank you so much!

Unsure exactly...but why just one enzyme? I take Jarrow enzymes plus. Much better line up in my opinion, I also take extra bromeline on high protein meals, and sometimes papaya enzymes after a meal.

GrayGluten Newbie
GrayGluten
Posted
  • Author
7 hours ago, Ennis_TX said:

Unsure exactly...but why just one enzyme? I take Jarrow enzymes plus. Much better line up in my opinion, I also take extra bromeline on high protein meals, and sometimes papaya enzymes after a meal.

Zenpep is actually a combination of Lipase, Protease and Amylase. Should have clarified - dosage on package is based on Lipase units for some reason.

It's what my doctor recommended, but plan to revisit next appointment.

Curious if there are any similar, recommended OTC enzyme brands or prescription alternatives that may be certified gluten free?

Ennis-TX Grand Master
Ennis-TX
Posted
3 minutes ago, GrayGluten said:

Zenpep is actually a combination of Lipase, Protease and Amylase. Should have clarified - dosage on package is based on Lipase units for some reason.

It's what my doctor recommended, but plan to revisit next appointment.


Curious if there are any similar, recommended OTC enzyme brands or prescription alternatives that may be certified gluten free?

Extra 15% off this month on jarrow with code look at the enzymes plus. I mentioned. might as well use them to stock up on anything else you might need.


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