Digestive Enzyme Supplements: An In-Depth Guide
Digestive enzymes play an important role in the way our bodies process food. They help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats into smaller components that the body can absorb and use as part of normal digestion.
Most people naturally produce the digestive enzymes they need. However, digestive enzyme supplements are also available for people looking for additional nutritional support or a particular enzyme, such as lactase.
If you are comparing different types of digestive support, explore NutriBrio’s digestive supplements range, which includes digestive enzymes, fibre formulas, live cultures and other products.
What Are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break food down during the digestive process.
Digestion begins in the mouth and continues through the stomach and small intestine. The pancreas also plays an important role by producing several enzymes that act on the carbohydrates, proteins and fats we eat.
Breaking food down allows nutrients to be absorbed and used by the body.
Different digestive enzymes perform different jobs, so understanding their individual roles can be useful when comparing digestive enzyme supplements.
Where Are Digestive Enzymes Produced?
Digestive enzymes are produced in several parts of the digestive system.
Saliva in the mouth begins the digestion of certain carbohydrates. The stomach contributes to protein digestion, while the pancreas produces several of the major enzymes released into the small intestine.
The small intestine also produces enzymes involved in breaking down particular sugars.
Amylase
Amylase helps break down starch and other carbohydrates. It is produced in the salivary glands and pancreas.
Protease
Proteases help break proteins down into smaller peptides and amino acids that can then be absorbed and used by the body.
Lipase
Lipase helps break down dietary fats.
It is different from protease, which acts on proteins, and amylase, which acts primarily on carbohydrates.
Lactase
Lactase helps digest lactose, the naturally occurring sugar found in milk and dairy products.
People who do not produce enough lactase may have difficulty digesting lactose.
Sucrase
Sucrase is produced in the small intestine and helps break sucrose down into simpler sugars.
Plant-Based vs Animal-Derived Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes used in supplements can come from several different sources.
Some products use animal-derived ingredients, while others use plant, fungal or microbial sources.
Two familiar plant-derived enzymes are:
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Bromelain, associated with pineapple
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Papain, found in papaya
People following vegan or vegetarian diets may therefore prefer a formula specifically made without animal-derived enzymes.
NutriBrio’s Power Digest plant-derived digestive enzyme supplement combines amylase, protease and lipase with bromelain, papain and a blend of herbs. It is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Do You Need Digestive Enzyme Supplements?
Not everyone needs to take digestive enzymes.
For most healthy people, the body produces the enzymes required for normal digestion. Digestive enzyme supplements should therefore be considered alongside your diet, the ingredients included and the reason you are thinking about taking them.
One familiar example is lactase. Someone who has difficulty digesting lactose may choose a product containing lactase when consuming dairy.
However, persistent bloating, diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or significant changes in digestion should not simply be self-treated with an over-the-counter supplement.
Speak to a doctor or qualified healthcare professional if symptoms are persistent, severe or unexplained.
Digestive Enzyme Supplements Are Not the Same as Prescription Enzymes
It is important to distinguish ordinary digestive enzyme supplements from pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, often called PERT.
Some medical conditions can cause pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes for food to be broken down and absorbed normally.
In these situations, pancreatic enzymes may be prescribed as medical treatment. This should be managed by a doctor, dietitian or specialist healthcare team rather than replaced with a general over-the-counter digestive supplement.
Digestive Enzymes vs Probiotics and Prebiotics
Digestive enzymes, probiotics and prebiotics are often discussed together, but they perform very different roles.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes act on components of food, including carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
If this is the type of support you are looking for, Power Digest is NutriBrio’s dedicated plant-derived enzyme formula.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as friendly bacteria, that are found naturally in the gut and are also available through certain foods and supplements.
Different probiotic products may contain different bacterial strains, so always check the individual formula before choosing one.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are not bacteria.
They are substances, often particular types of dietary fibre, that can be used by beneficial microorganisms already living in the gut.
Foods containing prebiotic fibres include onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus and oats.
If increasing dietary fibre is your main priority rather than adding digestive enzymes, FibreMax dietary fibre supplement provides a separate fibre-focused option within NutriBrio’s digestive supplements range.
Food and Digestive Health
Supplements are only one part of looking after digestive health.
A varied diet can provide fibre, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients while supporting the digestive system more broadly.
Useful foods to include regularly can include:
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Fruits and vegetables
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Whole grains
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Beans and pulses
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Nuts and seeds
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Fermented foods where suitable
Drinking enough fluid, eating regular meals, staying active and taking time to chew food properly can also form part of a sensible routine.
For more information about the different types of nutritional support available, read NutriBrio’s guide to the best supplements for gut health.
How to Choose a Digestive Enzyme Supplement
If you decide to try a digestive enzyme supplement, start by looking carefully at what is actually in the formula.
Check Which Enzymes Are Included
A broad digestive enzyme formula may contain enzymes such as amylase, protease and lipase.
Other products may focus on a particular enzyme, such as lactase.
The right choice depends on what you want from the supplement rather than simply choosing the product with the longest ingredient list.
Check the Source of the Enzymes
If you are vegan or vegetarian, check whether both the enzymes and the capsule shell are suitable for your diet.
Plant-derived formulas may contain ingredients such as bromelain and papain alongside other enzymes.
NutriBrio’s Power Digest provides a plant-based option containing several digestive enzymes together with herbs and natural digestives.
Read the Product Directions
Different digestive supplements have different serving instructions.
Some digestive enzyme products are designed to be taken around meal times, so always follow the directions supplied with the individual product.
Be Wary of Overstated Claims
Digestive enzyme supplements should not be treated as substitutes for medical treatment.
If you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, pancreatic disease, coeliac disease or another diagnosed digestive condition, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional about appropriate treatment before taking a new supplement.
Are There Side Effects to Digestive Enzyme Supplements?
Digestive enzyme supplements are not automatically suitable for everyone.
Possible unwanted effects vary depending on the product and its ingredients. Some ingredients may also interact with medicines or be unsuitable in particular circumstances.
Always read the product label carefully.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking digestive enzyme supplements if you:
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Take prescription medication
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Are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Have an existing digestive or medical condition
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Have allergies to any of the ingredients
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Experience persistent or unexplained digestive symptoms
Are Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes Better?
There is no single enzyme source that is automatically best for everyone.
Plant-derived products can be particularly useful for people who want a vegan or vegetarian option. More important considerations include which enzymes are present, the intended use of the product, dietary suitability and the quality of the product information.
What Is the Difference Between Digestive Enzymes and Fibre?
Digestive enzymes help break particular components of food down.
Fibre works differently. It passes through the digestive system largely undigested and forms an important part of a healthy diet and normal bowel function.
This means an enzyme formula such as Power Digest and a fibre product such as FibreMax serve different purposes, even though both sit within the wider digestive-health category.
Choosing the Right Digestive Support
Digestive enzymes can be one part of a wider approach to digestive health, but the right product depends on what you are looking for.
If you want digestive enzymes, check the enzymes included, their source, dietary suitability and the directions for use.
If your priority is broader digestive support, a fibre product, live culture formula or another type of supplement may be more appropriate.
Browse NutriBrio’s full Digestive Supplements collection to compare the available options.
For plant-derived digestive enzymes, take a closer look at Power Digest. If increasing your fibre intake is your main priority, explore FibreMax.
Persistent digestive symptoms should always be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than relying on supplements alone.
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