Digestive enzyme supplements -
Gibson PR, Newnham E, Barrett JS, Shepherd SJ, Muir JG. Review article: Fructose malabsorption and the bigger picture. Schnedl WJ, Schenk M, Lackner S, Enko D, Mangge H, Forster F. Diamine oxidase supplementation improves symptoms in patients with histamine intolerance. Food Sci. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Department of Health and Human Services. Treatment for Lactose Intolerance. Levine B, Weisman S. Enzyme replacement as an effective treatment for the common symptoms of complex carbohydrate intolerance. Nutr Clin Care.
Park SY, Rew JS. Is lipase supplementation before a high fat meal helpful to patients with functional dyspepsia? Gut Liver. Levine ME, Koch SY, Koch KL. Lipase supplementation before a high-fat meal reduces perceptions of fullness in healthy subjects.
Increasing Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Symptoms With Ingestion of Galacto-Oligosaccharides Are Mitigated by [alpha]-Galactosidase Treatment.
Money ME, Walkowiak J, Virgilio C, et al. Pilot study: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial of pancrealipase for the treatment of postprandial irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhoea.
Frontline Gastroenterology. Achufusi TGO, Sharma A, Zamora EA, Manocha D. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: Comprehensive review of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment methods. Lin MY, Dipalma JA, Martini MC, Gross CJ, Harlander SK, Savaiano DA. Comparative effects of exogenous lactase beta-galactosidase in preparations on in vivo lactose digestion.
Dig Dis Sci. Edakkanambeth Varayil J, Bauer BA, Hurt RT. Over-the-counter enzyme supplements: what a clinician needs to know. Mayo Clinic Proc;89 9 doi: Majeed M, Majeed S, Nagabhushanam K, et al.
Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of a Multienzyme Complex in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
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Fact checked by Autumn Rauchwerk, MS, RDN, E-RYT. Editor's Note Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology.
Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Best for Fructose Intolerance:. Best for Histamine Intolerance:. Best for Lactose Intolerance:. Best for Gas from Vegetables:. Best for Chronic Indigestion:. In This Article Expand. Our Picks. Will You Benefit from a Digestive Enzyme Supplement?
Who May Not Benefit from Over-the-Counter Digestive Enzymes. How We Select Supplements. What to Look For. Digestive Enzymes We Do Not Recommend.
Tips for Using Digestive Enzymes Effectively. Why Trust Verywell Health. Best Overall. Microbiome Labs FODMATE Digestive Enzymes. Pros For low-FODMAP diet, IBS, active SIBO Broad spectrum for multiple intolerances Convenient capsule form.
Cons Less widely available More expensive. Best for Fructose Intolerance. Fructaid Enzyme Supplement. Pros For fructose intolerance associated with IBS and active SIBO Can be taken as a pill or mixed into liquid Adjustable dosage based on amount of fructose intake.
Cons More expensive Not appropriate for Hereditary Fructose Intolerance HFI. Best for Histamine Intolerance. Seeking Health Histamine Block. Pros Can help avoid large dietary restriction Convenient capsule form For histamine intolerance, histamine-blocking medications, MCAS, some cases of SIBO.
Cons More expensive May not fully alleviate symptoms. Best for Lactose Intolerance. Kirkland Fast-Acting Lactase Enzyme. Pros For lactose intolerance Convenient travel packets Fast-acting and no added ingredients More affordable. Cons Less widely available. The 8 Best Over-the-Counter Gas Medicines to Help You Relieve Pain and Bloating.
Best for Gas from Vegetables. ValuePricedMeds Bean-zyme. Pros Good for sensitivity to some vegetables, FODMAP sensitivities, IBS, constipation, and active SIBO Convenient tablet form More affordable. Cons May interact with diabetes medication.
The 10 Best Antacids To Fend off Heartburn, According to Doctors. Best for Chronic Indigestion. Enzymedica Digest Gold With ATPro. Cons Limited research. The 9 Best Iron Supplements of A digestive enzyme supplement may be beneficial for the following individuals: Those with lactose intolerance: Lactase enzyme supplement Lactose intolerance is when your body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose the sugar naturally found in milk and milk products.
Taking a lactase enzyme supplement can be helpful if you have lactose intolerance and want to eat lactose-containing foods. Those with fiber-rich diets who experience bloating: Alpha-galactosidase supplement If you regularly consume legumes e.
Alpha-galactosidase is a supplemental enzyme derived from yeast that can break down GOS when taken with a meal. A very small amount of research also suggests that lipase supplementation, the fat-digesting enzyme, may also be of help to those with IBS.
Those with active untreated small intestinal bacterial overgrowth SIBO : individual digestive enzymes or FODMAP enzyme cocktail supplement If you have active SIBO , the bacteria in your small intestine can interact with FODMAPs and cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Low-FODMAP diets are often recommended until SIBO is treated. Short-term supplementation with individual digestive enzymes or a "cocktail" mix of multiple enzymes may help with the digestion of FODMAP-rich foods, such as lactose, fructose, or GOS. Those with histamine intolerance: diamine oxidase DAO supplement The body relies on an enzyme called diamine oxidase DAO to break down histamine, a naturally occurring substance found in certain foods such as aged cheese, canned fish, spinach, and eggplant.
However, if you have a DAO deficiency or you take in more histamine than DAO can break down, you may experience a variety of digestive symptoms, including diarrhea, bloating, skin reactions, and chest tightness. In some cases, delayed reactions can occur and may be worse during allergy season.
Those with MAST cell activation syndrome MCAS or those on medications that block DAO are more likely to have histamine intolerance. In addition to histamine-blocking medications and dietary histamine avoidance, you may use supplemental DAO to help break down histamine in the body.
Those with fat sensitivity: possible lipase supplement If your pancreas is working normally, but high-fat foods e. Limited research has shown that symptoms may improve if you supplement with lipase before a high-fat meal, though more data is needed to create standardized recommendations.
Those with functional dyspepsia FD : Potential lipase supplement Functional dyspepsia is a condition where you have indigestion without a clear cause. While there is no enzyme deficiency with this condition, a small amount of research has shown the benefit of taking lipase before fat-rich meals.
Those unable to restrict their diet: Appropriately selected enzyme for intolerance While the surest way to feel your best after a meal is to avoid the foods that are known to trigger your digestive symptoms, there are a variety of reasons why diet restriction is not possible.
In these cases, an appropriately selected enzyme for your intolerance can offer a key tool for dietary freedom. For some people, a limited diet while eating out, traveling, or at social functions may be impractical or stressful, while for others, long-term dietary restriction is not recommended.
For example, those with food intolerances that are in recovery from an eating disorder may benefit from having a digestive aid instead of cutting foods out of their diet. Those who have strong cultural ties to certain foods may also benefit from a supplement to help digest a food that is an important part of their diet and heritage.
Who May Not Benefit from Over-the-Counter Digestive Enzymes If you do not have digestive symptoms, an enzyme supplement is unlikely to provide a noticeable benefit. Additionally, certain digestive enzyme supplements may not be safe for: Those with a genetic condition called galactosemia avoid alpha-galactosidase Those who take diabetes medications, such as Precose acarbose Those who are pregnant or lactating Some conditions require prescription enzyme replacement therapy.
If you have any of the following conditions, work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option: Pancreatic insufficiency: The pancreas makes key digestive enzymes—protease, amylase, and lipase. A condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency causes a deficiency in these enzymes, resulting in poor nutrient digestion, particularly of fat.
Pancreatic insufficiency can also arise from cystic fibrosis, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic surgery, among other conditions. If you have pancreatic insufficiency, prescription pancreatic enzyme replacement is needed. Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency CSID : A known sucrase-isomaltase enzyme deficiency calls for a prescription-only enzyme called sacrosidase in order to adequately digest sucrose-containing meals.
In addition, there is no evidence of digestive enzymes to help with the following: Sugar alcohol intolerance: There are currently no digestive enzymes with a proven ability to aid tolerance to sugar alcohols i.
If you experience digestive upset with these foods, an over-the-counter enzyme is unlikely to provide relief. Food allergies: If you have mild to severe reactions to foods that are related to a food allergy , a digestive enzyme supplement is not an effective treatment or preventative strategy.
For example, a lactase enzyme supplement will not help with a milk allergy. Promptly consult your healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, itching, rashes, or blood pressure changes after eating certain foods. Celiac disease: The only treatment for celiac disease —an autoimmune condition that results in intestinal damage in response to gluten—is a lifelong gluten-free diet.
Despite some product marketing claims, there is no digestive enzyme or supplement that makes gluten safe for consumption for people with celiac disease. Digestive enzymes are not indicated for IBD management.
However, in some cases, temporary lactose sensitivity is associated with active IBD and may be helped by lactase enzymes if consuming lactose. How We Select Supplements Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.
The experts we talked to included: Registered dietitian Shira Hirshberg , MS, RDN, LDN, founder of All Foods Nutrition in Providence, Rhode Island Yevgenia Pashinsky , MD, a gastroenterologist with New York Gastroenterology Associates in New York City What to Look for in a Digestive Enzyme Supplement Form Digestive enzyme supplements can be formulas containing: Broad digestive support: A blend of multiple different digestive enzymes in one e.
Over-the-counter digestive enzymes typically come in one of the following physical forms: Capsules Tablets Chewables Powder There is no research suggesting greater efficacy of one form of the supplement over another; however, keep in mind that some chewable and flavored products may contain additional ingredients, such as sugar alcohols, that can cause extra symptoms.
Key ingredients to be aware of: Porcine pig : Commonly found in enzyme products targeting fat digestion, such as over-the-counter pancreatic enzymes. Ox cow : Commonly found in enzyme products targeting fat digestion e. Aspergillus niger : A plant-based mold. Those who are vegan can consume this source.
Trichoderma: A plant-based fungus. Prebiotics avoid for gas and bloating include: Fructo-oligosaccharides FOS Inulin chicory root fiber Sugar alcohols avoid for diarrhea include: Sorbitol Mannitol Xylitol Erythritol Digestive Enzyme Dosage Digestive enzyme dosage is not standardized across products, and many enzymes do not have research-based guidelines.
However, of the enzymes that have been studied in human digestion, the following dosages have been shown to improve symptoms: Alpha-galactosidase supplements: At least GalU units of alpha-galactosidase enzyme at the start of a meal.
Lactase supplements: At least 3, ALU acid lactase units of lactase enzyme at the start of a meal, though larger portions of lactose-containing dairy may need 6,, ALU.
Xylose isomerase supplements: milligrams has been shown to help digest 25 grams of fructose about two medium apples or one can of soda. Diamine oxidase: 4. How Much Is Too Much? Digestive Enzymes We Do Not Recommend Numerous digestive products advertise enzymes derived from raw fruits and vegetables, as well as some from animal sources, for digestion enhancement.
Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a probiotic and a digestive enzyme? What's the difference between prescription and over-the-counter digestive enzymes?
Do digestive enzymes improve digestion? Do digestive enzymes help with weight loss? There is no research showing digestive enzyme supplements result in weight loss. Do digestive enzymes help with constipation? Are digestive enzyme supplements a scam? Is there a downside to taking digestive enzymes?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Accept All Reject All Show Purposes. Some people might benefit from digestive enzyme supplements if their GI system does not make enough of those proteins.
There are many digestive enzyme supplements, varying in types and dosages. For example, people with lactose intolerance do not naturally make enough lactase, a digestive enzyme that helps break down the sugar in dairy products.
Lactaid is an oral supplement that helps your body digest dairy products. Like digestive enzymes, probiotics aid digestion. Probiotics are microbes that live in your gut. Your gut has a balance of "good" and "bad" microbes, and probiotics are the "good" kind that help maintain that balance.
Probiotics do not break down food themselves but assist the work of digestive enzymes. An imbalance of "good" and "bad" microbes in your gut might cause similar symptoms to a lack of digestive enzymes. You might have bloating, excess gas, and stomach cramps. You can purchase over-the-counter OTC digestive enzyme supplements, or a healthcare provider might prescribe them.
The type of digestive enzyme will determine how and when you use it. OTC digestive enzymes come in various forms, such as capsules, powders, and tablets. You might need to take digestive enzymes after a meal or with food, depending on which form you use.
For example, you might mix powder forms into a smoothie or water. OTC digestive enzymes are usually based on the ones your body naturally produces, including:. The dosages of OTC digestive enzyme supplements vary depending on the form and ingredients.
Talk with a healthcare provider to figure out how much to take. Prescription digestive enzymes are available as capsules or tablets. Healthcare providers usually prescribe digestive enzyme supplements as part of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy PERT.
PERT helps treat cystic fibrosis CF and frequent pancreatitis. A healthcare provider might prescribe 30,—40, IU international units to take with meals and 15,—20, IU to take with snacks as part of PERT. You might take half of your total dosage with the first part of your meal and the other half during or after eating.
The primary role of digestive enzyme supplements is to aid digestion. You might benefit from supplements if your GI system does not naturally produce enough digestive enzymes. Research has identified benefits and possible uses of digestive enzyme supplements, including:.
Digestive enzyme supplements are not for everyone, especially those without a true enzyme deficiency or severe GI symptoms. A stool sample can help determine whether you are deficient in certain enzymes.
Anytime you shop for a supplement, it's a good idea to shop at big-chain retailers, which are more likely to take recalled supplements off their shelves. Ensure your supplement contains the enzyme a healthcare provider thinks might help improve your digestion. Double-check the ingredients list to ensure it contains nothing you are allergic to.
Look for potentially problematic ingredients, such as bitter orange or kava, both of which research has linked to adverse effects. The Food and Drug Administration does not test supplements for efficacy or safety before they hit the market.
Third-party testers, such as the Natural Products Association and USP Quality Supplements , offer up their own seals of approval for supplements. Supplements must contain the exact ingredients on the label and meet quality standards to earn one of those seals.
Look for those seals to help ensure that you buy a quality product. Digestive enzyme supplements might benefit people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI. With EPI, your pancreas does not make enough digestive enzymes.
As a result, your small intestine cannot digest food properly. Health conditions that cause EPI include:. People with lactose intolerance might use lactase supplements to help them break down the sugar in dairy products.
Some evidence suggests that digestive enzyme supplements might also benefit people with celiac disease, an immune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine.
There's a lack of research on the safety of digestive enzyme supplements. Still, some evidence suggests that the risk of using them is low. Research has not identified whether certain digestive enzyme supplements, such as lipase, are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people.
It might be helpful to err on the side of caution and not use these supplements unless a healthcare provider directs you to do so. There also isn't enough research to determine if digestive enzyme supplements are safe for children. Bile salt-stimulated lipase might be unsafe and worsen GI symptoms in premature infants.
You might take too much of a digestive enzyme supplement if you use more than the label instructs or what a healthcare provider prescribes.
Stop taking digestive enzyme supplements if you have an adverse reaction, and seek medical attention right away. Adverse reaction symptoms might include:. Some digestive enzymes might interact with certain drugs, so let a healthcare provider or pharmacist know about any medications you take.
For example, bromelain , a digestive enzyme that helps reduce inflammation, might interact with amoxicillin, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet drugs. Removing foods from your diet that cause digestive distress might be easier than starting a digestive enzyme supplement.
Eating certain foods, like those with fiber, might assist digestion. High-fiber foods include:. GI symptoms can be frustrating. Digestive enzyme supplements might be useful depending on your symptoms and underlying health conditions.
Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement. They can advise what type of digestive enzyme and how much of it to take. Consider any dietary causes of your digestive troubles before taking a supplement.
You might improve your gut health by adding high-fiber foods to your diet. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, et al.
Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases. Curr Drug Metab. Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplements: what you need to know - consumers. Patricia JJ, Dhamoon AS. Physiology, digestion. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Skip to main content. Enzyme Nutritional DDigestive. Item Form. Container Type. Product Benefits. Digestive Health Support. Energy Management. New research shows Digestive enzyme supplements risk First aid for DKA infection from prostate biopsies. Enayme Performance tracking work is linked to high Digestkve pressure. Icy Digestiev and toes: Poor circulation or Raynaud's phenomenon? Digestive enzyme supplements promise to fix everything from bloating and flatulence to heartburn and gut health. But don't be too quick to reach for them. Some of them are clearly beneficial, in certain situations.
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Talk with your doctor about your GI symptoms, potential causes, and whether digestive enzyme replacement is a good choice for you. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
VIEW ALL HISTORY. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a rare and relatively unknown condition that affects the pancreas and its enzymes.
Up to 90 percent of those with cystic fibrosis also have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. See why these two conditions are closely related. Your doctor will order diagnostic tests, such as a fecal fat test and a blood test, to diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Find out what you…. Most of the symptoms associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI are related to the digestive system. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.
What Are Digestive Enzymes and How Do They Work? Medically reviewed by Youssef Joe Soliman, MD — By Ann Pietrangelo and Kerry Weiss — Updated on January 22, What they are Types How they work Natural sources Who needs digestive enzymes?
Side effects When to see a doctor Takeaway Your body makes digestive enzymes to help you break down food and absorb nutrients. What are digestive enzymes? Types of digestive enzymes. How do digestive enzymes work? Natural sources of enzymes.
Who needs digestive enzymes? Potential side effects. When to see a doctor. The takeaway. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.
We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Jan 22, Written By Ann Pietrangelo, Kerry Weiss. Medically Reviewed By Youssef Joe Soliman, MD.
Mar 9, Written By Ann Pietrangelo, Kerry Weiss. Sometimes the body doesn't make enough digestive enzymes, which can slow digestion and lead to uncomfortable symptoms. For example, if your small intestine doesn't make enough of the enzyme lactase, you can have difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar in milk and milk-based products.
This can lead to bloating, flatulence, and loose stools. Doctors prescribe special enzyme pills to substitute for the lack of natural enzyme production for people who can't make enough digestive enzymes because of a health condition, like chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis.
People with known deficiencies get benefit from these drugs. On the other hand, over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements — available in health food stores and drugstores or through the Internet — are not medications.
The FDA does not regulate them. Active Ingredient: Glucose xylose isomerase Form: Capsule Standard Dosage: 4 capsules mg. Histamine intolerance is an emerging area of research, with more to uncover for the digestively troubled. Research has shown that histamine intolerance often stems from a deficiency in DAO, the enzyme responsible for degrading histamine.
While a low-histamine diet is one way to improve things, it can be extremely challenging since histamine occurs in so many foods, from spinach to vinegar to deli meat, and the exact amount is unknown. Oral supplementation of DAO has been shown to significantly improve reactions to dietary histamine, such as watery diarrhea, severe bloating, and abdominal pain.
Note that this product is pork-derived, and therefore not suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The frequency of lactose intolerance, mixed with the popularity of lactose-rich foods, such as milk, ice cream, and fresh mozzarella cheese, makes lactase enzymes a top pick of digestive aid supplements.
In fact, among the digestive enzymes available on the market, lactase has been most widely studied and clinically proven to improve lactose intolerance symptoms such as gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea when taken in sufficient doses at the start of a meal.
Each Kirkland lactase caplet contains 9, ALU lactase units , which is about the amount needed to digest the lactose in 4.
When taken at the start of eating, the supplement offers a fast hit of lactase to help digest milk sugar that would otherwise be inadequately digested.
Kirkland caplets are a top choice because they do not contain other potential gas-causing ingredients, such as mannitol, which competitor brands often include. Additionally, they are individually wrapped and portable to have on standby for a planned dairy chow-down or surprise lactose-heavy meal.
Active Ingredient: Lactase enzyme Form: Capsules Standard Dosage: 1 capsule 9, ALU. Good for sensitivity to some vegetables, FODMAP sensitivities, IBS, constipation, and active SIBO.
Fiber, by definition, is not digested in humans. We simply lack the enzyme to fully break it down. This is a good thing, in fact, because bacteria in the gut are left to feed on it—a process known as bacterial fermentation—and produce beneficial byproducts.
However, one of these byproducts is gas, and some forms of fiber result in larger amounts of it. Galacto-oligosaccharides GOS , found in foods like beans, chickpeas, broccoli, cauliflower, and lentils, are one type of highly fermentable fiber. If you eat a lot of these foods, and especially if you have IBS, chronic constipation , or active SIBO, you may notice more digestive distress in response.
Research has confirmed that the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, the active ingredient in Bean-zyme, can help break down fiber before it makes its way down to our gut bacteria.
Humans do not produce this unique enzyme, which is derived from a food-grade, plant-derived mold called Aspergillus niger , so external supplementation is the only way to go.
If you typically experience uncomfortable bloating or gas from plant-rich meals, have IBS, constipation, or active SIBO, a Bean-zyme tablet at the start of a GOS-rich meal can help prevent the side effects that may otherwise accompany the fermentation party in your intestines.
Active Ingredient: Alpha-galactosidase Form: Tablets Standard Dosage: 1 capsule GalU. Digest Gold Enzymedica contains a proprietary blend of 14 digestive enzymes, including the main pancreatic enzymes needed for digestion—proteases for protein , lipase for fats , and amylase for starch.
The enzyme doses in Digest Gold are not on par with those in prescription enzymes for pancreatic insufficiency and are therefore not suited for conditions like exogenous pancreatic insufficiency [EPI] or pancreatitis , but this product offers a significantly higher dose than most general enzyme blends on the market.
According to recent research, those with IBS or functional dyspepsia may particularly benefit from supplementing with lipase before consuming fat-rich meals.
While studies in humans are small, the higher dose of lipase 4, units may be a helpful remedy if fatty foods tend to provoke your symptoms. Of note, a subset of people with sucrase-isomaltase deficiency SID may also find a benefit from this product if they are starch intolerant and carefully chewing for extra amylase production is not enough to prevent symptoms caused by starchy foods like grains and potatoes.
Active Ingredient: Proprietary blend of 14 enzymes Form: Capsule Standard Dosage: 1 capsule. If you are experiencing digestive issues, you will only benefit from a digestive enzyme supplement if it contains the enzyme or enzymes that are targeted for your specific condition. The first step in considering whether or not you need a digestive enzyme and, if so, which type you need is clarifying what is causing your symptoms.
In addition to diet assessment, a variety of medical tests can be performed by a gastroenterologist to pinpoint the issue. A digestive enzyme supplement may be beneficial for the following individuals:. Those with lactose intolerance: Lactase enzyme supplement. Those with fiber-rich diets who experience bloating: Alpha-galactosidase supplement.
Those with active untreated small intestinal bacterial overgrowth SIBO : individual digestive enzymes or FODMAP enzyme cocktail supplement. Those with histamine intolerance: diamine oxidase DAO supplement. Those with fat sensitivity: possible lipase supplement. Those with functional dyspepsia FD : Potential lipase supplement.
Those unable to restrict their diet: Appropriately selected enzyme for intolerance. If you do not have digestive symptoms, an enzyme supplement is unlikely to provide a noticeable benefit. Although many products are marketed as improving digestion, there is no evidence for general health or for those who are symptom-free.
Some medical conditions require treatment beyond over-the-counter products. Additionally, certain digestive enzyme supplements may not be safe for:. Some conditions require prescription enzyme replacement therapy.
If you have any of the following conditions, work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option:.
In addition, there is no evidence of digestive enzymes to help with the following:. Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.
We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market.
Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend. To help develop this list, we also spoke with experts about digestive enzyme supplements.
The experts we talked to included:. Digestive enzyme supplements can be formulas containing:. Over-the-counter digestive enzymes typically come in one of the following physical forms:.
There is no research suggesting greater efficacy of one form of the supplement over another; however, keep in mind that some chewable and flavored products may contain additional ingredients, such as sugar alcohols, that can cause extra symptoms.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to your healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.
Digestive enzymes may be derived from plant or animal sources. If you are vegan, vegetarian, or avoid certain animal products for religious reasons, read product labels carefully.
Key ingredients to be aware of:. Some digestive enzyme products may also contain added ingredients such as prebiotics , which can worsen gas and bloating in digestively sensitive people, or sugar alcohols, which can worsen diarrhea. Chewable supplements are more likely to contain one of these ingredients as a sweetener.
Prebiotics avoid for gas and bloating include:. Sugar alcohols avoid for diarrhea include:. Digestive enzyme dosage is not standardized across products, and many enzymes do not have research-based guidelines. However, of the enzymes that have been studied in human digestion, the following dosages have been shown to improve symptoms:.
Note that products that contain enzyme blends may contain lower amounts of each enzyme compared to products that contain only one type of enzyme.
If you have poor digestion of a single nutrient, such as lactose or fructose, you may benefit most from a product that contains only the necessary enzyme. If you have multiple intolerances e. There are generally no established upper limits for over-the-counter enzymes. Unlike prescription enzymes, there is no standard dosing for commercially available digestive enzymes, and guidelines may vary across different products.
Additionally, many products contain ingredients that have not been studied in human digestion and therefore have unknown health risks. Of the most researched enzyme products, documented side effects include gastrointestinal upset, such as gas, bloating, and nausea.
Products should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of excessive use. High-dose lipase intake, in particular, has been shown to cause damage to the colon walls. Numerous digestive products advertise enzymes derived from raw fruits and vegetables, as well as some from animal sources, for digestion enhancement.
Although these ingredients may facilitate a chemical reaction breakdown outside of the human body, the following enzymes lack evidence as digestive remedies in humans:.
The supplement company NOW released the results from a recent study looking at the potency of 19 different bromelain supplements sold on Amazon. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple plants, in particular, has become expensive to source, which may be leading to companies cutting corners.
While there are some biases to consider in this study, given NOW is a market competitor of other brands sold on Amazon, it raises the warning that the limited regulation of the supplement industry can lead to misrepresentations of what the product actually contains.
For this reason, Verywell Health recommends supplements that have proven efficacy from science-backed research and products from reputable brands that do internal and third-party testing. Digestive enzymes require specific conditions to do their job.
A product is most likely to be effective with the following considerations:. Probiotics are live microorganisms that live in the human gut and can offer specific health benefits. Digestive enzymes are nonliving proteins made by the body to break down food components into digestible building blocks.
Probiotics and enzymes are both found in our digestive tract and can be taken in supplement form. While consuming probiotics through food or supplements can help to support a healthy gut microbiome which may improve digestion , they are not directly involved in the chemical breakdown of food like digestive enzymes.
If you have a digestive enzyme deficiency or dietary intolerance, probiotic supplements or probiotics added to digestive enzyme supplements are not known to be an effective remedy. Prescription enzymes differ from over-the-counter products in that they offer much higher doses of enzymes that are standardized precisely controlled and regulated by the FDA.
If you have a condition called pancreatic insufficiency, in which the pancreas doesn't produce enough of the key digestive enzymes lipase, protease, and amylase , a prescription enzyme regimen known as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy or PERT is advised.
Although some over-the-counter digestive enzymes offer the same enzymes found in the prescription formula, the dosage is significantly lower and typically insufficient for improving digestion. Similarly, if your digestive symptoms stem from sucrose intolerance—a diagnosable condition known as a sucrase-isomaltase deficiency or CSID—enzymes bought at a store will not meet your needs.
A digestive enzyme called sacrosidase Sucraid is available by prescription only. It comes in a liquid form that needs to be refrigerated, and there is currently no over-the-counter substitute.
Digestive enzymes are objectively important for good digestion, though the effect of an enzyme supplement depends on the ingredients it contains and whether it is appropriate for your digestive issue. If you have digestive symptoms due to an enzyme deficiency or intolerance, supplementing with the particular enzyme responsible for the nutrient you are malabsorbing can improve symptoms.
Digestive enzymes are not intended to treat constipation. However, if you have an enzyme deficiency or dietary intolerance, you may notice changes in your bowel movements. Poor digestion of nutrients most often results in gas, bloating, or diarrhea, though constipation may be experienced in some cases as well.
Digestive enzymes are most effective when matched to the appropriate issue. A random blend of enzymes may not be an effective digestive aid. Although many products are marketed with broad claims for digestion and health, proven benefits are limited to certain conditions.
For those with lactase deficiency, fructose intolerance, or galacto-oligosaccharide sensitivity, supplementing with adequate doses and appropriate timing of the target enzyme has been clinically shown to improve symptoms.
There are few risks associated with enzyme supplementation. Known side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly with increased dosage.
Digestive enzyme suppements might help enzymw stomach issues, Digestive enzyme supplements on Digestive enzyme supplements cause. Digestive enzymes are proteins your gastrointestinal GI system Digesgive to help break down food. You can also consume digestive enzymes in the form of supplements. Digestive enzyme supplements might help with symptoms like bloating, excess gas, nausea, and stomach pain in people who cannot digest food completely. Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration does not test supplements for efficacy or safety.
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