Digestive enzymes as a supplement: types and differences
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What digestive enzymes are and where they come from
Digestive enzymes are proteins that break food down into smaller building blocks so that your body can absorb them. Your body makes most enzymes itself: in your mouth (amylase in saliva), in your stomach (pepsin), in the pancreas and in the gut wall. The three main categories:
- Proteases break protein down into smaller peptides and amino acids.
- Lipases split fat into fatty acids and glycerol.
- Amylases and disaccharidases break carbohydrates down into simple sugars.
Why do people choose enzyme supplements?
Digestive enzymes are also available as food supplements, often obtained through fermentation or from plants (for example bromelain from pineapple and papain from papaya). People use them, for example, with large meals or with foods they personally find difficult. Apart from lactase, no health claims are authorised for digestive enzymes. Lactase improves lactose digestion in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose.
When should you see a doctor?
If you regularly or persistently have digestive complaints, or if your symptoms change, see your GP. For conditions of the pancreas or after some stomach or bowel operations, a doctor sometimes prescribes enzyme preparations; these are medicines, not food supplements. If you take acid reducers or other medicines, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using supplements.
Types of enzyme supplements and how to use them
Broad-spectrum enzyme blends
A broad-spectrum product contains a combination of protease, lipase and amylase, sometimes supplemented with, for example, cellulase, lactase or alpha-galactosidase.
Targeted enzymes
There are also products with one or a few enzymes, such as lactase (for milk sugar), alpha-galactosidase (for certain sugars in pulses and cabbage) or a lipase-rich formula. Lactase improves lactose digestion in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose.
Betaine HCl and pepsin
Some products combine betaine HCl with pepsin. Not suitable if you use acid reducers or have stomach complaints; always consult your doctor or pharmacist first.
Zinc L-carnosine
Zinc L-carnosine (PepZin GI®) is a complex of zinc and the amino acid L-carnosine. It is not an enzyme, but is often offered in the same category.
How do you use digestive enzymes?
Timing
Enzyme supplements are usually taken at the start of or during a meal, so that they mix with the food.
Dose
Always follow the recommended dose on your product's label.
Occasionally or daily?
Some people use enzymes only with large meals, others daily with their main meals. If you regularly have complaints, first ask your GP to find out the cause.
Frequently asked questions about digestive enzymes
How do I choose an enzyme supplement?
How do I choose an enzyme supplement?
Check which enzymes a product contains and which foods they are intended for, and read the product information. If you regularly have digestive complaints, first have the cause investigated by your GP.
Can I combine enzymes with probiotics?
Can I combine enzymes with probiotics?
Yes, you can. Some products (for example Arthur Andrew Syntol AMD®) combine probiotics, enzymes and prebiotics in one formula. No health claims are authorised for probiotics or, apart from lactase, for enzymes.
Can you become dependent on digestive enzymes?
Can you become dependent on digestive enzymes?
As far as is known, no: your body keeps producing its own enzymes. If you have long-term complaints, have the cause investigated rather than relying on a supplement alone.
Do all enzymes break down all nutrients?
Do all enzymes break down all nutrients?
No. Each enzyme works on a specific substance: lactase on lactose, alpha-galactosidase on certain sugars in pulses, lipase on fat. A broad-spectrum blend contains several enzymes, but no product contains them all.
May I take enzymes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
May I take enzymes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
During pregnancy or breastfeeding, always consult your midwife or GP before starting a supplement.
What enzymes are NOT for
Realistic expectations
A few important nuances:
- Not a substitute for a varied diet — enzymes do not change the quality of what you eat.
- Not a substitute for prescribed medication — conditions of the pancreas or other digestive disorders require medical supervision.
- No health claims — apart from lactase, no health claims are authorised for digestive enzymes.
Digestive enzymes are a product category with different types and combinations. Good eating habits remain the foundation: eat calmly, chew well and do not eat too much at once. If you have long-term or serious complaints, always consult your GP first.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice. A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If in doubt or if you take medication, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of the reach of young children.
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