*Not all products in this category have an EFSA-approved health claim. Products with an EFSA claim are described as such in the text. The other products are grouped under this theme on the basis of traditional use or product formula. For specific health questions, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist.
Written by the Plenthera team (orthomolecularly trained). Scientifically reviewed in October 2026. Last updated: 7 October 2026.
Digestion is more than just the stomach: enzymes break down food, the gut wall absorbs nutrients and trillions of micro-organisms in the large intestine do the rest. Under this theme, Plenthera offers the supplements that fit those three steps: digestive enzymes for breakdown, fibres such as psyllium husk and inulin for daily fibre intake, live cultures for the gut flora and bone broth as a protein-rich basis in the kitchen.
Which gut stack suits you?
| Situation | Stack | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Broad gut approach | Live cultures (Syntol AMD) + bone broth + fibre | Daily |
| Large or protein-rich meals | Broad-spectrum enzyme complex (Devigest ADS or Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes) or Aminolase with protein shakes | Just before the meal |
| High-fat meals | Lipagest (lipase) | At the start of the meal |
| More fibre in your day | Psyllium husk or inulin + enough water | Daily, build up gradually |
| After a period of irregular eating | Live cultures + fibre, 4–8 weeks | On an empty stomach (cultures) and with a meal (fibre) |
What is digestion & gut?
Digestion comprises three processes: breakdown (by enzymes in the mouth, stomach and small intestine), absorption (by the cells of the gut wall) and the role of the gut flora (around 100 trillion micro-organisms, mainly in the large intestine). Each of these three has its own type of supplement.
Enzymes. The body itself makes amylase (carbohydrates), protease (proteins) and lipase (fats). An enzyme complex from a microbial source supplements those enzymes with a meal. Devigest ADS from Arthur Andrew Medical combines the peptidase DPP-IV, lactase, alpha-galactosidase, bromelain, lipase and papain; Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes contains sixteen enzymes plus Bacillus subtilis as a live culture. Lipagest is a pure lipase formula for high-fat meals and Aminolase TPA an acid-stable protease for protein-rich meals and shakes. Enzymes are preferably taken just before a meal.
Fibre. Most people do not reach the recommended 30–40 grams of fibre per day. Psyllium husk (Big Food 400 g powder, KiKi capsules of 850 mg) is a swelling fibre from the seed husk of Plantago ovata that binds a lot of water; inulin from blue agave (KiKi Organic Inulin) is a neutral-tasting soluble fibre that you stir into coffee, water or yoghurt. For both: build up gradually and drink enough.
Gut flora. Syntol AMD combines 13.6 billion CFU of spore-forming and lactic acid-producing micro-organisms (including Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii) with the fibre isomalto-oligosaccharide and an enzyme complex, in acid-resistant capsules. The gut flora is being researched in connection with nutrient absorption, the gut wall and the gut-brain axis — the two-way communication between gut and brain.
Bone broth. Bone broth from Big Food, Plent and Real Roots (concentrated paste) is a protein-rich food that naturally contains collagen, glycine and minerals — a kitchen staple for those who want to approach the gut theme through food.
With serious or persistent gut complaints (blood in the stool, unintended weight loss, persistent pain), a medical diagnosis is the starting point — not self-medication with supplements.
Digestion & Gut and EFSA — what is scientifically recognised?
EFSA has not recognised an overarching gut claim. However, there are components in this category with relevant authorised claims (Regulation (EU) 432/2012):
'Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.' — applies to Vitals Elke Dag Platinum (300 µg per 2 tablets) and Big Food Runderlever (150 µg per 6 capsules).
'Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.' and 'Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.' — Vitals Elke Dag Platinum (4.2 mg riboflavin, 60 µg biotin per 2 tablets).
'Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism.' — KiKi Health Ionic Zinc (10 mg per 30 drops).
'Lactase enzyme improves lactose digestion in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose.' — this claim applies from 4,500 FCC units per serving. The enzyme complexes in this category contain lactase as part of a broader formula (Devigest ADS 2,000 ALU, Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes 1,000 ALU per capsule).
The claims apply at a daily intake that provides at least 15% of the reference intake. For live cultures, psyllium, inulin, bone broth and enzyme complexes as a whole, we describe the mechanism and the research context, not an effect.
The gut stack at Plenthera
Live cultures — Syntol AMD (360 capsules)
13.6 billion CFU, 8 strains, with fibre and enzymes. 4 capsules per day on an empty stomach; approx. 90 days per jar.
Broad-spectrum enzymes — Devigest ADS (180 capsules) and Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes (90 capsules)
For carbohydrates, proteins, fats and fibre. 1–2 capsules per meal (Devigest) or 1 capsule per meal (Doctor's Best). Doctor's Best Digestive Health Enzymes (60 capsules) is the smaller starter jar.
Lipase — Lipagest (90 or 180 capsules)
20,000 FIP lipase per capsule from three microbial sources. 1 capsule at the start of each meal.
Protease — Aminolase TPA (90 capsules)
250 mg of acid-stable protease; 1 capsule per 25 g of protein, with protein-rich meals or shakes.
Psyllium husk — Big Food (400 g) and KiKi Health (120 capsules)
Pure and organic. Powder: 1 scoop per day in a large glass of water; capsules: 1–2 per day with 250 ml of water.
Inulin — KiKi Health Organic Inulin (250 g)
93% soluble fibre from blue agave. Start with 1 teaspoon (5 g) and build up to a maximum of 3 teaspoons (15 g) per day.
Bone broth — Big Food, Plent and Real Roots
Bone broth powder (Bio or Classic, 300 g) and concentrated bone broth paste (550 g). 1 scoop or 1 teaspoon in hot water.
Other forms on the market: stand-alone L-glutamine, stand-alone lactase tablets and multi-strain live cultures in powder form — we do not currently stock these. Betaine HCl with pepsin (Doctor's Best) and TMG can be found in the Betaine category.
How do you use supplements for digestion & gut?
- First decide what you want to support: the digestive process at mealtimes (enzymes), daily fibre intake (psyllium, inulin) or the gut flora (live cultures).
- Take enzymes just before or at the start of a meal, with a glass of water. Daily maintenance: 1 capsule per meal; with large meals, 2 capsules according to the label.
- Take live cultures (Syntol AMD) on an empty stomach: 4 capsules with a glass of water, at least 30 minutes before breakfast.
- Build up fibre gradually over two to three weeks and always take it with enough water; keep drinking throughout the day. Psyllium can affect the absorption of medicines — keep two hours between it and medication.
- Use bone broth as a warm drinking broth or as a base for soup, sauces and stews.
- Give a broad approach 4–8 weeks and combine it with a high-fibre diet, regular meals, enough fluids and exercise.
- If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have serious or persistent complaints: consult a doctor first.
Myths and misconceptions about digestion & gut
Myth 1: 'A capsule solves a gut problem.'
Supplements are an addition to lifestyle, not a replacement. A high-fibre diet, regularity, water and exercise are the basis.
Myth 2: 'The more live cultures, the better.'
The number of CFU says little without the right choice of strains and stomach acid-resistant packaging. Choose a targeted formula and give it time.
Myth 3: 'You can add unlimited fibre.'
Building up too quickly causes temporary wind, and psyllium without enough water can give a tight feeling in the oesophagus. Build up gradually and drink.
Myth 4: 'All enzyme complexes are the same.'
Enzyme activity is expressed in units (DU, HUT, FIP, ALU) — not in milligrams. Compare formulas on activity per capsule and on acid stability.
Combining Digestion & Gut with other supplements
Supplements for digestion and gut work within a broader wellbeing cluster:
- Live cultures
- Digestive enzymes
- Lipase and lactase
- Psyllium husk
- Bone Broth and Ancestral food
- Magnesium — magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and electrolyte balance
- Bromelain — part of Devigest ADS and Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes
Frequently asked questions
Which supplements belong to the digestion and gut theme?
Live cultures (Syntol AMD), digestive enzymes (Devigest ADS, Doctor's Best, Lipagest, Aminolase), fibre (psyllium husk, inulin) and bone broth. Which combination suits you depends on what you want to support.
When should you take digestive enzymes?
Just before or at the start of a meal, with a glass of water.
When should you take live cultures?
According to the Syntol AMD label: 4 capsules per day on an empty stomach, for example in the morning at least 30 minutes before breakfast.
How much psyllium per day?
Follow the label: Big Food 1 scoop per day in a large glass of water, KiKi capsules 1–2 per day. Always with enough water.
What is the difference between psyllium and inulin?
Psyllium is a swelling fibre that binds a lot of water; inulin is a neutral-tasting soluble fibre from blue agave. Both count towards your daily fibre intake.
What is the difference between Syntol AMD and an enzyme complex?
Syntol AMD combines live cultures, a fibre and enzymes in one formula taken on an empty stomach. An enzyme complex contains only enzymes (plus, in the case of Doctor's Best, a spore-forming culture) and is taken with a meal.
What is the gut-brain axis?
The two-way communication between gut and brain via the nervous system, hormones and immune system. The role of the gut flora in this is being researched.
How long before you notice anything?
Enzymes work per meal. For fibre and live cultures, allow 4–8 weeks of consistent use.
Are these supplements suitable if I take medication?
Consult a doctor first. Psyllium can affect the absorption of medicines; Syntol AMD and Neprinol are only used in consultation if you take medication or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) 432/2012 — authorised health claims (vitamin A, riboflavin, biotin, zinc, lactase).
- EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies — Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for carbohydrates and dietary fibre, EFSA Journal (2010).
- Hill C. et al., "The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic", Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol (2014).
- Ianiro G. et al., "Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases", Curr Drug Metab (2016).
- Cryan J.F. et al., "The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis", Physiol Rev (2019).
- Health Council of the Netherlands — Dutch dietary guidelines 2015 (fibre intake).
Disclaimer: This text is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Supplements are food supplements, not medicines. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first. With serious or persistent complaints, medical care remains the basis.