Digestive enzyme supplements are gaining popularity for their potential to relieve gut discomfort, heartburn, and other digestive issues. But how exactly do digestive enzymes work, and who should consider taking them? Morgan Denhard, a registered dietitian at Johns Hopkins Medicine, provides expert insights.
What Are Digestive Enzymes & How Do They Work?
Digestive enzymes are naturally occurring proteins that help break down food, aiding in nutrient absorption and overall digestion. Digestion starts in the mouth, where saliva begins breaking down food, and continues through various stages in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
“The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion, producing key enzymes responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats,” says Denhard.
Types of Digestive Enzymes
Your body produces several essential digestive enzymes, including:
- Amylase – Breaks down carbohydrates (produced in the mouth and pancreas)
- Lipase – Breaks down fats (produced in the pancreas)
- Protease – Breaks down proteins (produced in the pancreas)
Additionally, the small intestine produces enzymes like:
- Lactase – Helps digest lactose (found in dairy)
- Sucrase – Breaks down sucrose (table sugar)
What Is Digestive Enzyme Insufficiency?
Some people don’t produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to difficulties in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Common enzyme deficiencies include:
- Lactose intolerance – A lack of lactase causes difficulty digesting dairy.
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) – The pancreas fails to produce enough enzymes for digestion.
- Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency – A genetic condition preventing proper sugar digestion.
Symptoms of Digestive Enzyme Deficiency
If your body lacks digestive enzymes, you may experience:
✅ Bloating
✅ Stomach pain or cramps
✅ Gas
✅ Diarrhea
✅ Oily stools
✅ Unexplained weight loss
If these symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider as they may indicate a digestive disorder.
Digestive Enzymes vs. Probiotics: What’s the Difference?
People often confuse digestive enzymes with probiotics. While digestive enzymes break down food, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Both are important, but they serve different functions in digestion.
Causes of Digestive Enzyme Deficiency
Some enzyme deficiencies are genetic, while others develop due to medical conditions or treatments. Common causes include:
🔹 Chronic pancreatitis
🔹 Cystic fibrosis
🔹 Gastrointestinal surgeries
🔹 Pancreatic cancer
Natural & Supplementary Sources of Digestive Enzymes
💊 Prescription Digestive Enzymes
For individuals diagnosed with enzyme deficiencies, doctors may prescribe Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT). PERT contains amylase, lipase, and protease to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
🛒 Over-the-Counter Digestive Enzymes
Many people take non-prescription enzyme supplements for bloating, acid reflux, and digestive discomfort. These may contain:
✔ Amylase, lipase, and protease
✔ Lactase for lactose digestion
✔ Alpha-galactosidase (helps break down gas-producing fibers in beans and vegetables)
However, over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements are not regulated by the FDA, meaning their effectiveness and safety may vary.
🥑 Can You Get Digestive Enzymes from Food?
Some foods, like pineapples and avocados, contain natural enzymes, but their impact on digestion is minimal. Instead, focus on a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to naturally support your digestive system.
🛑 Avoid highly processed and fried foods, as they can cause gut irritation and worsen digestive issues.
Should You Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements?
If you frequently experience bloating, gas, or indigestion, it’s best to consult a doctor before taking digestive enzyme supplements. In most cases, your body’s natural enzymes work best when supported by a nutritious diet rather than relying on supplements.
By understanding how digestive enzymes function and making informed dietary choices, you can support optimal digestion and gut health naturally!
