text: where do enzymes come from and what are their purpose?   if you removed enzymes from the body, it would stop working and die! enzymes are responsible for the functions of every organ. the body is a big efficient chemical factory and enzymes are needed for every chemical action and reaction.  every gene's program is associated with the actions of enzymes. even vitamins and nutrients can't be used effectively without enzymes.  the immune system's function is to fight off all foreign invaders in the body such as bacteria, viruses, carcinogens and other chemicals. it relies almost totally on enzymes to do its job. a weakened immune system has a diminished volume of enzymes which includes those that are defective or worn out. enzymes have a limited life and must be replaced regularly.  where do we get enzymes? nine basic enzymes come from food, and the body takes these and changes them into over 3,000 varieties for various purposes.