Digestive Enzymes promote efficient digestion while maximizing nutrient absorption. They work to break down fats, proteins and carbs, assisting in key aspects of digestion such as:**
What are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are natural compounds found in the gastrointestinal tract that break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates in food as part of the digestion process, enabling the body to absorb various nutrients. Certain digestive enzymes help with specific components of food; for example, papain (from papaya) and protease work on protein, while other enzymes correspond to sugars and fats.**
Studies have shown that between 60 and 70 million Americans have digestive issues, ranging from mild discomfort to greater concerns that affect overall quality of life. Digestive enzymes promote greater digestive comfort, increased nutrient absorption, and better digestive efficiency. Digestive enzymes also help promote energy metabolism by liberating the stored energy in foods – optimizing overall wellness and vitality. Plus, since 80% of the immune system is in the gastrointestinal system, digestive enzymes benefits immunity, too.**
Digestive enzymes are particularly useful for seniors, as optimal digestion often slows down in later years. In fact, the body’s natural synthesis of several important digestive enzymes notably declines with age. This issue may be remedied with digestive enzyme supplements. Some of the most prominent digestive enzyme supplements are:**
- Papaya: Derived from the renowned tropical fruit, papaya enzymes, which include the compound papain, aid in nutrient digestion by assisting in the absorption of protein. Papaya-sourced digestive enzymes may be particularly helpful for those with pancreas issues, since they feature activity similar to pancreatic compounds that uphold healthy digestion. Papaya is sometimes taken in chewable supplement form after eating.**
- Bromelain: This enzyme is extracted from the stems of pineapples and has long been used to support ideal digestion in the fruit's native South America. Research has found that the compound contains considerable inflammation-modulating activity, which promotes gastrointestinal health and may also affect other aspects of wellness, including joint comfort.**
- Pancreatin: Digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas, pancreatin is a combination of amylase, lipase and protease, and most commonly called upon when the gland is not functioning optimally. Investigations have indicated that these enzymes are well tolerated and help to maintain efficient and comfortable digestion, particularly when the effectiveness of the pancreas may be compromised.**
- Lactase: This important enzyme is crucial to the body in breaking down lactose, a key component of dairy products. For those who cannot easily process lactose, lactase assists with digestive ease, benefitting overall gastrointestinal health.**
- Amylase: An enzyme found in saliva and the pancreas, amylase facilitates the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugars. The compound is common in formulas featuring various digestive enzymes and a component of pancreatin, along with protease and lipase.**
- Lipase: This enzyme helps the body to process lipids (fats). Along with amylase and protease, lipase is one of the digestive enzymes that make up pancreatin.**
- Protease: Like amylase and lipase, protease is one of the digestive enzymes that form pancreatin. Protease allows the body to efficiently process protein.**
- Cellulase: As its name implies, this enzyme complex is linked to cellulose, helping the body to break down sugar molecules and encouraging overall healthy digestion.**
Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Digestive enzyme supplements are primarily available as capsules, regular tablets and chewable tablets. Enzyme formulas often include bromelain, pancreatin and/or papain (papaya). Many digestive enzymes are plant-based. Some supplements will present a comprehensive range of many different digestive enzymes to best facilitate digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Other products may present a standalone single enzyme for more targeted digestive support.**
Digestive Enzymes Directions for Use
Seeking advice from your health care provider prior to taking digestive enzyme supplements or starting any regular supplementation is suggested. There is no set recommended dosage, and many digestive enzyme supplements are in the range of 100 to 1,500 mg.**
