A protected a amylase is described. Pelletization and encapsulation technology in which slow release materials and pH sensitive materials are used to protect the a amylase from inactivation at low pH. The protected a amylase was found to be highly stable after as long as 3 hour treatment in acid (pH 3.0). When treated in pH 3.0 for 1 hour and followed by treatment with lipase and pancreatin in pH 7.0 for 2 hour to simulate in vivo environment it was found that a amylase was fully released and measurable. In addition the protected a amylase showed superior efficacy to the unprotected a amylase. The protected a amylase also demonstrated enhanced thermostability.
