The main categories of digestive enzymes include:. Digestive Enzymes are produced naturally by the body, but a number of factors can inhibit their production which can affect your digestion and absorption of nutrients.

For example, stress, eating too quickly, and alcohol consumption can all inhibit digestive enzyme secretion. Pregnancy can increase the need for supplemental enzymes even more. In pregnancy, levels of progesterone are elevated. Progesterone serves a number of important purposes, but it also relaxes the smooth muscles that line the digestive tract.

These muscles are important to keeping digestion moving, and when they are relaxed, your motility the motion of the intestines that moves food and waste along is also slowed.

Progesterone also relaxes the sphincter in the esophagus and the sphincter that controls the release of digestive juices. This can lead to uncomfortable heartburn. Digestive Enzymes can help your food to move from the stomach into the small intestine more quickly, alleviating heartburn.

In addition, food quality has changed. Unfortunately, modern day farming practices have led to soil depletion, which has greatly reduced the presence of enzymes in our food. Key elements needed for enzyme production in plants, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur have declined.

Furthermore, there has been an increase in processed food consumption, and processed foods lack the enzymes needed for digestion. Finally, the enzymes that do exist in food exist in raw food. Once food is heated or cooked, enzyme potency declines.

The supplement facts panel looks different for digestive enzymes than for other supplements. This is because the potency of digestive enzymes is not measured in weight like vitamins and minerals, and enzymes do not provide nutrients in the form of calories or vitamins.

Instead, the potency of digestive enzymes are measured by activity units. Therefore, you will see a number followed by the activity unit next to each enzyme.

This represents the potency of each enzyme. Our Digestive Enzymes were designed to help digest a large, well rounded meal containing protein, fat, and carbohydrates, and including some difficult-to-digest foods like gluten, dairy, and legumes. They are also supportive of smaller, simpler meals and snacks.

We chose to exclude cellulase, Betaine HCL, and Ox Bile as they are not beneficial for everyone at all times and should be used in specific circumstances for Betaine HCL and Ox Bile.

For cellulose, we don't usually suggest supplementing with it and instead have your microbiome do the work of breaking down these fibers. In addition, herbs are also often added to Digestive Enzymes. However, many herbals can actually deactivate enzymes, so we excluded them for optimal potency.

The Starter Plan Prenatal Multi Omega The First Trimester Plan The Complete Plan® Hydration Support. The Fertility Support Plan The Fertility Support Plan for Women.

The Women's Health Plan Women's Multi Women's Omega-3 Stress Support. All Stages. Digestive Enzymes Our Digestive Enzymes support nutrient absorption and digestive comfort from eating a variety of foods. Take one 1 capsule before every meal, or more as needed.

Have Questions? What makes us different. Optimal Nutrients. Formulated By Experts. Backed by Clinical Insights. Third Party Tested. For All Perinatal Stages. Comprehensive digestive enzymes for an optimal you. Our formula includes a variety of enzymes to support the digestion of different macronutrients and foods.

Protein Digestion Carb Digestion Fat Digestion. Proteases 21, HUT, 4, PC, 50 SAPU, DPP IV, 2AP. Amylase 3, DU. Supports the first stage of breaking down starches or carbohydrates like potatoes, rice, and bread. Glucoamylase 9 AGU. Follows amylase to further breakdown partially processed starches or carbohydrates like potatoes, rice, and bread.

Invertase SU. Supports the digestion of refined sugars. Acid Maltase 14 MaltU. Alpha-galactosidase GalU. Breaks down the carbohydrates in beans and legumes that can otherwise cause flatulence.

Lactase 1, ALU. Breaks down lactose, supporting the digestion of dairy. Lipases FIP, 10 FIP, 10 FIP. Real Reviews from Real Customers. We have answers. Thoughtful inquiry is needed.

What are enzymes and how do they work? Digestive enzymes are proteins that your body makes to break down food and aid digestion. 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. As with any commercially available supplement, digestive enzyme products are minimally regulated and can include contaminants and doses that do not match the label or vary across brands.

Products with ox and bovine ingredients may present risk of disease transition, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy aka mad cow disease. Additionally, some digestive enzymes can cause adverse side effects when taken in excess. For example, papain can cause esophageal perforation at high doses.

Those that are pregnant, lactating, have a preexisting medical condition or those taking any medications should consult a healthcare professional before taking any digestive enzymes.

Suzie Finkel, MS, RD, CDN , is a nutrition consultant specializing in the nutritional management of digestive problems. As a GI dietitian, she provides evidence-based nutrition services for a wide array of conditions, including enzyme deficiencies. Her goal is to demystify nutrition mis information and facilitate digestive comfort.

Tuck CJ, Taylor KM, Gibson PR, Barrett JB, Muir JG. Increasing symptoms in irritable bowel symptoms with ingestion of galacto-oligosaccharides are mitigated by [alpha]-galactosidase treatment.

Am J Gastroenterol. Sanders SW, Tolmac KG, Reitberg DP. Effect of a single dose of lactase on symptoms and expired hydrogen after lactose challenge in lactose-intolerant subjects. Clin Pharm. Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.

Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases. Curr Drug Metab. Komericki P, Akkilic-Materna M, Strimitzer T, Weyermair K, Hammer HF, Aberer W.

Oral xylose isomerase decreases breath hydrogen excretion and improves gastrointestinal symptoms in fructose malabsorption - a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 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. J Med Food. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.

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List of Partners vendors. By Suzie Finkel MS RD CDN. Medically reviewed by Jonathan Purtell, RDN. 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.