Considering an enzyme supplement?

My acupuncturist sold me a product called Vitalzym. I haven't noticed any obvious benefits. What can you tell me about it?

JEFF W.

San Diego

The product: A body without enzymes would be like a computer without silicon. You just can't run without them. These, after all, are the special proteins that help drive just about every chemical reaction in the body. They let us breathe, think, fight infections, digest food -- things you want to do on a daily basis. ...

The claims: Tom Miano, World Nutrition's vice president of sales and marketing, declined to comment on Vitalzym, but there's no shortage of claims on the company's website. We are told that the supplement cleans the blood, boosts the immune system and eases the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. Some alternative health websites also claim that enzymes in Vitalzym and similar products help fight cancer.

Bottom line: Some doctors are skeptical. "The stuff doesn't work," says Dr. Steven Bratman, coauthor of the "Natural Health Bible" and senior editor of the online Natural and Alternative Treatments Database. Bratman says enzyme pills can help some people digest food, but it's unlikely that Vitalzym or similar products ease pain, boost the immune system or live up to other promises. ...

There's no known shortage of enzymes in people with rheumatoid arthritis, adds Dr. Richard Brasington, a rheumatologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis -- nor any evidence to suggest supplying more of them would help. ...

•	Considering an enzyme supplement? Vitalzym claims to boost the immune system and ease arthritis pain. The catch: It doesn't, a doctor says. Los Angeles Times, Monday, April 2, 2007 Byline: Chris Woolston, Special to The Times