What are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins that help the body break food down into smaller components so nutrients can be absorbed and used.

Different enzymes work on different parts of the foods we eat. Some help break down carbohydrates, others act on proteins or fats, while certain enzymes are involved in digesting particular sugars such as lactose.

For most people, the body naturally produces the digestive enzymes it needs. However, digestive enzyme supplements are also available for people looking for additional nutritional support.

If you are comparing different types of digestive support, browse NutriBrio’s digestive supplements, including digestive enzymes, fibre products and live culture formulas.

What Do Digestive Enzymes Do?

Digestion involves breaking food down so the nutrients it contains can be absorbed.

Digestive enzymes help with this process by acting on carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

For example:

• Amylase helps break down carbohydrates and starches.

• Protease helps break proteins down into smaller peptides and amino acids.

• Lipase helps break down dietary fats.

• Lactase helps digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.

These enzymes all perform different jobs, which is why a broad digestive enzyme formula may contain several different types.

Where Are Digestive Enzymes Produced?

Digestive enzymes are produced throughout the digestive system.

Digestion begins in the mouth, where saliva contains enzymes that start acting on food before it reaches the stomach.

The stomach continues the digestive process, while the pancreas produces several important enzymes that are released into the small intestine.

The small intestine also produces enzymes involved in breaking down particular sugars.

What Are the Main Types of Digestive Enzymes?

Amylase

Amylase is involved in breaking down starch and carbohydrates.

Salivary amylase begins working in the mouth, while pancreatic amylase later acts in the small intestine.

Carbohydrates can then be broken into smaller sugars that the body can absorb and use.

Protease

Proteases are enzymes that act on proteins.

They help break larger protein molecules into smaller components, including peptides and amino acids.

Amino acids are used throughout the body and form part of a normal balanced diet.

Lipase

Lipase helps with the digestion of fats.

It breaks dietary fats down into smaller components so they can be processed and absorbed as part of normal digestion.

Lipase is therefore different from protease, which works on proteins, and amylase, which works primarily on carbohydrates.

Lactase

Lactase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose.

Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk and dairy products. People who produce lower amounts of lactase can find lactose more difficult to digest.

Some supplements are specifically formulated with lactase for people looking for additional support when consuming foods containing lactose.

What Are Plant-Derived Digestive Enzymes?

Not all digestive enzymes used in supplements come from the same source.

Some are derived from animals, while others can come from plants, fungi or microbial sources.

Two well-known plant-derived enzymes are:

• Bromelain, associated with pineapple

• Papain, found in papaya

Plant-derived formulas can be particularly relevant for people following vegan or vegetarian diets.

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.

For a more detailed look at supplements and how to choose one, read our in-depth guide to digestive enzyme supplements.

What Happens If You Don’t Produce Enough Digestive Enzymes?

Most healthy people produce the enzymes needed for normal digestion.

However, some people can have difficulty producing sufficient amounts of particular enzymes.

Lactose intolerance is one familiar example, where the body produces lower amounts of lactase.

More significant digestive enzyme insufficiency can also occur when the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes for food to be digested and absorbed normally.

This is a medical issue and is different from simply choosing to take an over-the-counter digestive supplement.

If you regularly experience diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, ongoing bloating or significant changes in digestion, speak to a doctor rather than assuming you need digestive enzymes.

Do You Need Digestive Enzyme Supplements?

Not necessarily.

For most people, a healthy digestive system naturally produces the digestive enzymes required to process a varied diet.

Some people nevertheless choose digestive enzyme supplements as part of their nutritional routine or because they are looking for a particular enzyme.

If you are considering one, check:

• Which enzymes are included

• Where the enzymes come from

• Whether the product suits your diet

• When it should be taken

• The full ingredient list

• Any warnings provided on the label

A longer ingredient list does not automatically mean a product is more suitable. The right choice depends on what you are looking for.

Digestive Enzymes vs Probiotics and Fibre

Digestive enzymes, probiotics and fibre all relate to digestion, but they are not interchangeable.

Digestive enzymes help break down components of food.

Probiotics are live microorganisms found in certain foods and supplements.

Prebiotic fibres provide a food source for beneficial microorganisms already living in the gut.

Dietary fibre performs a different role again, contributing to the diet and normal bowel function rather than breaking food down with enzymes.

If increasing your fibre intake is your main priority, FibreMax dietary fibre supplement provides a fibre-focused alternative to digestive enzyme products.

Can Food Support Healthy Digestion?

Supplements are only one part of digestive health.

A varied diet containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds can provide fibre and a wide range of nutrients.

Other everyday habits can also support a healthy digestive routine, including:

• Drinking enough water

• Eating regular meals

• Chewing food properly

• Staying physically active

• Eating a varied diet

If you want to compare other types of nutritional support, read our guide to the best supplements for gut health.

Are Digestive Enzyme Supplements Suitable for Everyone?

No supplement is right for everybody.

Always read the product label and directions before use.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking digestive enzyme supplements if you:

• Take prescription medication

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have an existing digestive condition

• Have known allergies to any ingredients

• Experience persistent or unexplained digestive symptoms

Digestive enzyme supplements should not be used as a substitute for appropriate medical treatment.

Learn More About Digestive Support

Digestive enzymes play a specific role in breaking carbohydrates, proteins, fats and certain sugars down during digestion.

If you want to explore digestive enzymes in more detail, read our Digestive Enzyme Supplements: An In-Depth Guide.

You can also browse NutriBrio’s full Digestive Supplements collection to compare enzyme formulas, fibre products, live cultures and other digestive support options.

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