Yes, ProEnzol chewable digestive enzyme tablets and low-potency probiotics were formulated with children (4 years of age and older) in mind.

While ProEnzol does not make any recommendations concerning the use of our supplements during pregnancy and lactation, healthcare professionals have reported using ProEnzol digestive enzyme and probiotic supplements because they work in the digestive tract only. ProEnzol Gastro Calm™ has also been effectively used to help ease occasional stomach upset. Unfortunately, many of the ingredients in other ProEnzol supplements, the herbal extracts, and phytonutrients, in particular, have either not been studied for their effects during pregnancy and lactation or have known contraindications.

The shelf life or time during which ProEnzol supplements retain full potency ranges from 18 months to 3 years from the date of manufacture based on stability studies conducted on each product. Most enzyme-containing supplements have a 3-year expiration date whereas probiotic supplements have an expiration date of 18 months. An expiration date does not mean the product is immediately ineffective. It simply means one or more of the ingredients might be at less than 100 percent of labeled potency.

Yes, ProEnzol probiotic products are very stable when stored in cool, dry conditions. They do not require refrigeration to retain their full potency. Accelerated stability test results indicate ProEnzol probiotic supplements can withstand high temperatures and humidity for short periods of time. However, prolonged storage in excessive heat and humidity can adversely affect the stability of the product, shortening its shelf life.

ProEnzol supplements should be stored tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Products should not be exposed to moisture or heat so storage locations such as the bathroom, above the stove, or on a window ledge in direct sunlight should be avoided. Whenever possible, supplements should be stored in their original container. Storing the supplements in a pillbox or a baggie might result in some changes in product appearance.

ProEnzol has options for those who cannot swallow capsules. We have sugar-free, chewable digestive enzyme tablets in two different flavors as well as a chewable digestive enzyme tablet sweetened with natural sugars. We also offer a probiotic supplement in powder form to be mixed with water. ProEnzol formulations in capsule form can be easily removed from the two-piece, pull-apart capsules and mixed with water or another clear liquid. A medicine spoon or eyedropper may prove useful for this application.

Whenever cooked and/or processed food is consumed, taking a ProEnzol digestive enzyme supplement is recommended to help the body’s own enzymes break down the food into usable nutrients. A meal or snack consisting of raw foods may not need a digestive enzyme supplement, whereas, an unusually large meal of cooked and processed food may need more than the recommended dosage.

When to take a ProEnzol supplement is completely dependent upon the purpose of the product. As a general rule, those supplements formulated to assist the body in the digestion of food are meant to be taken at the beginning of the meal, with the first bite of food. Although taking digestive enzyme supplements at the beginning of the meal is the most effective, taking them during or immediately after a meal will still provide digestive assistance. ProEnzol supplements intended for systemic support usually include pHysioProtease® which should be taken between meals or on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal or 1 hour before a meal). ProEnzol probiotic supplements should also be taken on an empty stomach to help protect the microorganisms from the rigorous digestive process. Some products in each category have different directions than those indicated above so please refer to the product label or online/ product reference sheet descriptions for specific directions for each ProEnzol supplement.