Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are the body's "scissors" that break down food, cutting large food molecules (starch, protein, fat) into smaller molecules for absorption and utilization by the intestines. As we age or pancreatic function declines, the body may produce insufficient amounts of these enzymes, leading to indigestion and nutrient loss.
Digestive enzymes are most commonly used to address postprandial bloating, indigestion, and food intolerances (such as lactose intolerance). They encompass multiple goals, including improving nutrient absorption, reducing the burden on the pancreas, and improving the gut environment.
Dosage information
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Digestive enzymes are most commonly used to relieve postprandial bloating, indigestion, and food intolerances (such as lactose intolerance).
Digestive enzymes are a group of proteins with specific functions, primarily secreted by the pancreas, with smaller amounts also secreted by the mouth (saliva) and stomach. Commercially available supplements mainly come from three sources:
- Pancreatin (animal-derived) : Extracted from the pancreas of pigs or cows, it is highly active and is commonly used in medicine.
- Plant-based (Fruit-sourced) : such as bromelain and papain.
- Microbial fermentation : Made by fermentation of fungi or bacteria, it can adapt to a wide range of pH values and is suitable for vegetarians.
Its core function is to " aid in food breakdown ." This includes:
- Amylase : breaks down carbohydrates.
- Protease : breaks down proteins (meat, beans).
- Lipase : breaks down fats.
- Lactase : breaks down lactose in dairy products.
The risk of dependence is low, but long-term high-dose use may lead to intestinal dependence or changes in autoregulation (although medical controversy remains, intermittent use is recommended). Certain plant enzymes (such as bromelain) may cause allergies or oral irritation.
Through hydrolysis , large molecular chains are broken down before food enters the intestines or while it is still in the intestines. For example, lactase can "cut" lactose into glucose and galactose, preventing lactose from entering the large intestine and fermenting to produce gas.
Disease prevention and assistance
Digestive enzymes effectively improve health problems
✔︎ Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (EPI)
This is usually the primary indication for prescription-grade enzymes.
✔︎ Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Some studies suggest it may help reduce bloating symptoms.
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California Gold Nutrition, Digestive Enzymes, Contains a Unique Enzyme Blend, ProHydrolase®, and Amylase Blend, 90 Vegan Capsules
Contains a patented digestive enzyme blend (ProHydrolase®) and multiple digestive enzymes such as amylase , which help break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats , and promote the efficiency of food digestion and absorption ; it supports gastrointestinal comfort and reduces digestive discomfort, making it suitable as a daily post-meal digestive health supplement.
Enzymedica, Digest Basic®, 180 capsules
It contains a variety of digestive enzymes (such as amylase, protease, lipase, etc.) , which help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats , promote food digestion and nutrient absorption ; support gastrointestinal comfort and reduce bloating or digestive discomfort, making it suitable as a daily digestive health supplement.
21st Century, Digestive Enzyme Tablets, 60 capsules
It contains a variety of digestive enzymes (such as amylase, protease, lipase, etc.) , which help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats , promote food digestion and nutrient absorption ; support gastrointestinal comfort and digestive health , and is suitable as a daily post-meal digestive health supplement.
Doctor's Best, Digestive Enzymes, 90 Vegetarian Capsules
It contains a variety of digestive enzymes (such as amylase, protease, lipase, etc.) , which help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats , promote food digestion and nutrient absorption ; support gastrointestinal comfort and reduce digestive discomfort, making it suitable as a daily digestive health supplement.
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Dosage information
The dosage calculation of digestive enzymes is quite special; it should not be based solely on milligrams (mg), but rather on "activity units."
- How to assess tag activity :
- Protease : The unit is usually HUT (Hemoglobin Unit on a)
Tyrosine basis) or USP. - Amylase : The unit is usually DU (Dextrinizing Units) or SKB.
- Lipase : The unit is usually FIP or LU (Lipase Units).
- General health advice : Take with meals (first bite before meals or during meals). If the label only indicates mg without the active ingredient, the quality is usually difficult to assess.
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) : There is no specific upper limit, but extremely high doses (such as therapeutic pancreatic enzymes) may induce fibrosis of the colon, and this dose is generally difficult to reach with health supplements.
- Other precautions : Enzymes are very sensitive to heat . Do not consume them with hot water (above 40-50°C), as this will cause the enzymes to lose their activity.
Not recommended to take with digestive enzymes
- Mechanism : These drugs (alpha-glucosidase inhibitors) work by inhibiting the enzymes that break down starch, thus slowing the rise in blood sugar. Taking digestive enzymes (especially amylase) will directly counteract the effects of the drugs.
- Consequence : Medication failure caused a spike in postprandial blood sugar.
- Recommendation : Diabetic patients should not supplement with digestive enzymes while taking this type of medication.
- Mechanism : Certain plant enzymes, such as bromelain and papain , have anti-platelet aggregation effects.
- Consequences : Using this product with anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding (such as bruising or persistent bleeding from wounds). This risk is generally lower with pure pancreatic enzymes, but complex enzymes often contain pineapple enzymes, so extra caution is needed.
- Recommendation : Those taking anticoagulants should always check the ingredient list before purchasing products to avoid those containing bromolain or papain.
- Mechanism : Gastric acid neutralizers can alter the pH value of the stomach, which may cause some acid-sensitive enzymes to dissolve or become ineffective in the stomach prematurely (unless the product has a special enteric coating design).
- Recommendation : It is recommended to take the enzyme product 1-2 hours apart, or choose an enzyme product labeled as acid-stable.
Safety Information and Side Effects
- During pregnancy : Prescription-grade pancreatic enzymes are usually classified as Category C by the FDA (use only when necessary). Because these enzymes primarily function in the intestines and rarely enter the bloodstream, they are generally considered to pose a low risk. However, **plant-based enzymes (especially papain)** have been shown in some animal studies to potentially cause uterine contractions. Pregnant women are advised to avoid high doses of plant-based enzymes or consult a doctor first.
- During breastfeeding : It is generally considered safe because enzyme molecules are large and difficult to enter breast milk, but there is a lack of large-scale clinical data to support this claim.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms : Nausea, diarrhea or mild abdominal pain may occur in the early stages (usually due to an overdose or the body's adaptation period).
- Allergic reactions : People allergic to pineapple or papaya are strictly prohibited from taking enzymes containing bromelain or papain.
