Dgestion body makes its own digestive enzymes. Don't miss your FREE gift. That Enzymes for healthy digestion, they can do their healtyy as Type diabetes diagnosis Enzymes for healthy digestion your stomach and small intestine. Along with better digestion, increased energy and alertness are also reported. The most common side effect of replacement digestive enzymes is constipation. A study of 50 people with IBS tested the effects of the supplement Biointol — a combination of digestive enzymes, fiber, and sugar. List of Partners vendors.

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Enzymes for healthy digestion -

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. Probiotics: What you need to know. Amara AA, Shibl A. Role of probiotics in health improvement, infection control and disease treatment and management.

Saudi Pharm J. Zhang YJ, Li S, Gan RY, et al. Impacts of gut bacteria on human health and diseases. Int J Mol Sci. Amylase test. Fabris E, Bulfoni M, Nencioni A, et al.

Intra-laboratory validation of alpha-galactosidase activity measurement in dietary supplements. Lipase tests. Office of AIDS Research. Brennan GT, Saif MW. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: A concise review. Trang T, Chan J, Graham DY. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in the 21 st century.

World J Gastroenterol. Edakkanambeth Varayil J, Bauer BA, Hurt RT. Over-the-counter enzyme supplements: What a clinician needs to know. Mayo Clin Proc. Stool elastase. Bitter orange. Food and Drug Administration.

FDA Dietary supplements. Chronic pancreatitis. Cystic fibrosis. Pancreatic cancer. Lactose intolerance. Celiac disease. We recommend working with a healthcare provider to clarify the nature of your digestive discomfort in order to determine whether a digestive enzyme will help you and, if so, which one to take.

When selecting the best digestive enzymes to recommend, our registered dietitian who works specifically with patients with gastrointestinal conditions considered the most common health conditions that may benefit from supplementation, as well as supplement ingredients and effectiveness.

Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Medical Expert Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy.

Digestive enzymes may not be safe for those with a genetic condition called galactosemia avoid alpha-galactosidase , those who take diabetes medications, such as Precose acarbose , or those who are pregnant or lactating.

Also, there is no evidence that digestive enzymes help with sugar alcohol intolerance, food allergies, celiac disease, or IBD. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and to find out what dosage to take.

FODMATE is our top pick to reduce symptoms in people with multiple food intolerances because it contains the three over-the-counter enzymes most studied to improve digestive symptoms in intolerant people. If you have IBS , active untreated SIBO, or have a known intolerance to multiple commonly malabsorbed nutrients such as lactose, fructose, and galacto-oligosaccharides , FODMATE by Microbiome Labs may be beneficial.

This blend holds great promise for providing dietary freedom to those with more than one FODMAP intolerance. FODMATE's blend contains lactase for lactose, aka milk sugar , xylose isomerase for fructose sugar , and alpha-galactosidase for galacto-oligosaccharides.

While avoiding FODMAPs is a known way to prevent symptoms of FODMAP intolerance, it requires excluding a wide variety of healthy and tasty foods and can be difficult for travel, daily life, or other circumstances in which dietary restriction is not suitable. Each two-pill serving of FODMATE contains 10, ALU of lactase, 1, GaIU of xylose isomerase, and a milligram blend of the three additional enzymes to support FODMAP digestion.

Since FODMAPs include a wide variety of foods from wheat to beans to onions to watermelon, this digestive aid offers digestively sensitive folk the ability to have complex dishes without needing to take separate enzymes.

Active Ingredient: Lactase, alpha-galactosidase, endo- and exo-inulinase, glucose isomerase, pectinase Form: Capsule Standard Dosage: 2 capsules.

There is a limit to how much of the sugar fructose any human can absorb. Our intestines have receptors that attach to fructose and move it through the digestive process. However, humans have varying amounts of these receptors, and if you consume more fructose than you have the capacity to absorb, the unabsorbed fructose can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

If you consume excess fructose from foods such as honey, agave nectar, mangos, or asparagus yes, fructose is in some vegetables, too , this enzyme helps convert the fructose into more absorbable glucose, which can prevent digestive discomfort in sensitive people. Although Fructaid is not a cure for those with hereditary fructose intolerance, this European-born product can be a ticket to dietary freedom for those with temporary fructose intolerance due to active SIBO or ongoing fructose intolerance associated with IBS.

Many foods that contain fructose also contain other FODMAPs, which this product is not designed for. However, if fructose is your issue, a dose of milligrams of this enzyme has been shown to adequately convert 25 grams of fructose about the amount in one whole mango or one can of soda. Each Fructaid capsule contains 40 milligrams, so you may need to take four the standard dose or more capsules depending on the fructose content of your meal.

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. 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.

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