The number of enzyme preparations in pharmacies now amounts to dozens. From the cheapest domestic Pancreatin, similar preparations go further up in price, differing in the number of enzyme units, capsule and tablet shells, and country of production. At the same time, their composition is approximately the same - 3 basic enzymes: lipase, amylase, protease. Among them is Mezim. Festal stands out from this series in that it includes two additional components that provide a more complex action compared to opponents.

What is the difference between Mezim and Festal?

There are contraindications, consult a specialist

Mezim is a well-known German enzyme preparation, presented in three forms: Forte, 10000, 20000 (20 or 80 pieces per pack). The difference between them is only quantitative and is determined by how many enzymes per tablet. Thousands are international units that measure the effectiveness of lipase, the main enzyme responsible for the breakdown of fats. The higher this indicator, the "stronger" the drug.

In addition to lipase, Mezim contains protease (protein breakdown) and amylase (carbohydrate breakdown). Their activity is also measured in units, but since secretory pancreatic insufficiency is primarily manifested by a deficiency of lipase, the gradation of pancreatin preparations according to the strength of action is indicated by lipase units.

The composition of the French Festal also includes these enzymes, there are more of them than in Mezim Forte, but less than in Mezim 10 and 20 thousand (see the comparison table below). Available in 20, 40 or 100 tablets. The main difference between Festal and Mezim is the presence of bile and hemicellulase components in each tablet. This addition provides a more comprehensive participation of the drug in the digestion of food.

1. Components of bile:
   • enhance the activity of lipase in the breakdown of fats,
   • moderately increase the contractility of the gallbladder with dyskinesia,
   • aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
   • have a slight laxative effect by increasing intestinal motility.
2. Hemicellulase- an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of plant fiber in the intestines. In a healthy person, this substance is produced in sufficient quantities by the natural microflora. In case of violations in the normoflora or a deficiency of this enzyme, fermentation processes begin, manifested in excessive gas formation and flatulence. The amount of hemicellulase in one tablet of Festal is not so large as to ensure the complete replacement of its deficiency in case of problems with the intestines, one can only count on an auxiliary effect.

What to choose?

Both drugs have been used in gastroenterology for a long time and have proven themselves well. When choosing between Festal or Mezim, it is better to proceed from the diagnosis made by the doctor. Mezim 10000 or 20000 is best used for long-term systematic treatment, for example, in chronic pancreatitis, choosing the right dosage of tablets. Mezim Forte or Festal is taken singly or short-term to help digestion. Festal is also appropriate in the presence of JPV (hypokinetic type), during diets that require an increased amount of vegetable fiber in the diet (greens, bran, vegetables), with constipation associated with malnutrition.