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The Best Digestive Enzymes for Your Stomach in 2022

  • Don-Pedro Ume, PharmD
  • March 9, 2022
digestive enzymes

About 62 million Americans are diagnosed with a digestive disorder each year. That’s more than 15% of the US population. 

Luckily, there’s a solution—the best digestive enzymes on the market today are specially formulated to tackle digestive disorders, making your life easier and healthier. 

However, it can be overwhelming to find the best one with so many brands and products out there. This article lists the top 10 digestive enzymes brands on the market in 2021 and features an in-depth buyer’s guide for digestive enzyme supplements.

The 10 Best Digestive Enzymes in 2021

We’re committed to providing you with the best products available. If you purchase through one of the links on our site, we may earn a commission. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.

Zenwise® Health Digestive Enzymes with Prebiotics + Probiotics Review

Zenwise® Health Digestive Enzymes with Prebiotics + Probiotics Review Zenwise

The Overall Best Digestive Enzymes Supplement

  • Small pills
  • One billion CFUs
  • Strengthens the immune system
star 9.9
From $17.97 for 60 vegetarian capsules Read Review
Visit Site

Pure Encapsulations® Digestive Enzymes Ultra Review

Pure Encapsulations® Digestive Enzymes Ultra Review Pure Encapsulations Review

The Best Digestive Enzyme For Atopic Individuals

  • It packs a 13-digestive enzyme blend
  • Scarcely any allergens
  • Gluten-free and non-GMO
  • Transparent manufacturing process
star 9.7
From $30.10 for 90 capsules Read Review
Visit Site

1MD™ EnzymeMD® Review

1MD™ EnzymeMD® Review 1MD Review

The Best Digestive Enzymes for Weight Loss

  • 100% plant-based
  • Fast-acting and doctor-formulated
  • Contains S. boulardii for toxin elimination
star 9.6
From $42.99 for 60 capsules Read Review
Visit Site

Wholesome Wellness Digestive Enzymes 1000MG + Prebiotics & Probiotics Review

Wholesome Wellness Digestive Enzymes 1000MG + Prebiotics & Probiotics Review Wholesome Wellness

Best Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics+Prebiotics

  • 10 billion CFU
  • Contains organic turmeric, ginger, and papaya
  • Free from soy, eggs, peanuts, etc.
star 9.5
From $25.00 for 180 vegetarian capsules Read Review
Visit Site

Dr. Matthew #1 Digestive Enzymes Review

Dr. Matthew #1 Digestive Enzymes Review Dr. Matthew

The Best Digestive Enzymes for IBS

  • Reduces gas and bloating
  • Supports gluten and lactose digestion
  • Improves nutrient uptake
  • Great for weight loss
star 9.4
From $24.96 for 60 capsules Read Review
Visit Site

Doctor's Best® Digestive Enzymes Review

Doctor's Best® Digestive Enzymes Review Doctor's Best Logo

Best Digestive Enzymes for Gas and Bloating

  • Contains immunity-boosting B. subtilis
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Plant-based formula
star 9.3
From $25.99 for 90 veggie capsules Read Review
Visit Site

Now® Foods Super Enzymes Review

Now® Foods Super Enzymes Review NOW Foods Logo

The Best Digestive Enzymes for SIBO and GERD

  • A keto-friendly product
  • Contains pancreatin and ox bile
  • Free of various allergens
  • Produced in a GMP facility
star 9.2
From $19.99 for 90 capsules Read Review
Visit Site

Dr. Tobias™ Digestive Enzymes Review

Dr. Tobias™ Digestive Enzymes Review Dr. Tobias Review

The Best Digestive Enzymes on the Market for Fatty Foods Digestion

  • 18 digestive enzymes
  • 100% plant-based
  • Made in a third-party tested facility
star 9.1
From $17.97 for 60 capsules Read Review
Visit Site

Source Naturals® Essential Enzymes®, 500 mg Review

Source Naturals® Essential Enzymes®, 500 mg Review Source Naturals

The Best Quick-Acting High-Quality Digestive Enzymes

  • Digests a variety of food categories
  • A whopping 360 capsules
  • Can be sprinkled over food
star 9.0
From $30.07 for 360 capsules Read Review
Visit Site

MAV Nutrition® Digestive Enzymes Review

MAV Nutrition® Digestive Enzymes Review MavNutrition

The Best Over-the-Counter Digestive Enzymes for Boosting Your Energy Levels

  • Three potent good bacteria strains
  • Better nutrient absorption
  • Ultimate digestion support for many foods
star 8.9
From $21.00 for 60 vegetable capsules Read Review
Visit Site

Our Top-Rated Digestive Enzymes Reviews

We reviewed numerous digestive enzyme supplements and compiled a comprehensive list of today’s top 10 digestive enzymes on the market. The unique products on our list treat various gastrointestinal issues, from bloating to IBS and GERD.

Let’s have a look at them.

Zenwise® Health Digestive Enzymes with Prebiotics + Probiotics Review

Zenwise® Health Digestive Enzymes with Prebiotics + Probiotics Review Zenwise® Health Digestive Enzymes with Prebiotics + Probiotics
star 9.9

The Overall Best Digestive Enzymes Supplement

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Advanced enzyme and prebiotic system (inulin, amylase, glucoamylase, cellulase, bromelain, lactase, invertase, bacterial protease, lipase, papain, maltase (Aspergillus niger)), probiotic blend, papaya fruit powder, sea vegetable complex, ginger root powder, apple pectin, fennel seed powder, peppermint leaf extract, turmeric root powder, microcrystalline cellulose, medium-chain triglycerides, vegetable capsule, silica, magnesium stearate.
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping for the continental US
  • Return policy: A no-hassle money-back guarantee
  • Discounts: Save 15% on subscription orders
From $17.97 for 60 vegetarian capsules
Visit Site Back To List

There are several reasons why Zenwise® Health Digestive Enzymes is the highest-rated digestive enzymes supplement on our list. 

First, it contains a variety of enzymes, including the main three—amylase, protease, and lipase. These proteins help break down foods faster, make nutrient absorption more efficient, and prevent indigestion.

Numerous digestive enzymes reviews confirm that this supplement effectively breaks down even heavy meals and hard-to-digest foods. Therefore, this product is particularly beneficial for individuals over 20, whose body’s ability to produce enzymes started to decrease gradually.

Stomach pain, flatulence, bloating, chronic constipation, and nausea are only some of the problems this enzyme blend can help solve.

Second, these top-rated digestive enzymes contain a strain of clinically proven probiotics that further enhance digestion and promote overall gut health and immune system function. 

Finally, it’s a very cost-effective supplements brand made predominantly with plant-based ingredients to make it suitable for vegetarians.


Pros

  • + Small pills
  • + One billion CFUs
  • + Strengthens the immune system

Cons

  • − Some consumers reported diarrhea and bloating upon consumption

Pure Encapsulations® Digestive Enzymes Ultra Review

Pure Encapsulations® Digestive Enzymes Ultra Review Pure Encapsulations® Digestive Enzymes Ultra
star 9.7

The Best Digestive Enzyme For Atopic Individuals

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Proprietary enzyme blend (amylase, protease, glucoamylase, protease 6.0, lactase, beta-glucanase, lipase, invertase, alpha-galactosidase, cellulase, protease 3.0, hemicellulase, phytase), vegetarian capsule, hypoallergenic plant fiber, ascorbyl palmitate.
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders over $100 with the code 'WEBFREESHIP' within the continental US.
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts: Large quantity discounts (save 5%, 7%, or 10% on orders over $500, $1,000, or $2,000, respectively)
From $30.10 for 90 capsules
Visit Site Back To List

Pure Encapsulations® Digestive Enzymes also rank high on the list of the best products on the market for people suffering from digestive problems. 

Like other good digestive enzymes products, it prevents digestive issues by helping you digest various foods—carbs, proteins, fats, dairy, etc. According to the consumer reviews, besides bloating and indigestion, this product also helps with pancreatitis.

What’s unique about this product is that it’s made with highly sensitive consumers in mind. It uses only pure, hypoallergenic ingredients, so you can be sure you’re safe from allergic reactions. 

It’s free of the most common allergens such as egg, wheat, gluten, peanuts, and tree nuts. Additionally, it doesn’t contain papain or pork gelatin—the allergenic ingredients are often found in digestive enzymes supplements.

Additionally, it doesn’t contain any unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or GMOs.


Pros

  • + It packs a 13-digestive enzyme blend
  • + Scarcely any allergens
  • + Gluten-free and non-GMO
  • + Transparent manufacturing process

Cons

  • − Relatively expensive
  • − May cause burps

1MD™ EnzymeMD® Review

1MD™ EnzymeMD® Review 1MD EnzymeMD
star 9.6

The Best Digestive Enzymes for Weight Loss

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: EnzymeMD® proprietary blend [Saccharomyces boulardii, bromelain, alpha-amylase, protease, peptidase, papain, cellulase, alpha-galactosidase, lipase, phytase, beta-glucanase, invertase, hemicellulase, maltase, xylanase, lactase, rice flour, vegetable cellulose capsule.
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on all subscription orders
  • Return policy: A 90-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts: Subscribe and save 16% on ordering one bottle, 30% on ordering three bottles, and 40% on ordering six bottles
From $42.99 for 60 capsules
Visit Site Back To List

This one-of-a-kind formula is made with 18 different plant-based digestive enzymes and provides a wide array of benefits. 

Like other good digestive enzymes, this product is effective against an array of digestive issues commonly occurring after meals. Gas, bloating, and indigestion are only some of the problems EnzymeMD helps solve.

However, these top digestive enzymes don’t only aid digestion. They also promote weight loss, according to customer reviews. 

Lastly, 1MD™ is a reputable company that sources the ingredients from safe, clinically-researched ingredients. Therefore product quality is guaranteed.


Pros

  • + 100% plant-based
  • + Fast-acting and doctor-formulated
  • + Contains S. boulardii for toxin elimination

Cons

  • − May cause stomach upset and cramps

Wholesome Wellness Digestive Enzymes 1000MG + Prebiotics & Probiotics Review

Wholesome Wellness Digestive Enzymes 1000MG + Prebiotics & Probiotics Review Wholesome Wellness Digestive Enzymes 1000MG + Prebiotics & Probiotics
star 9.5

Best Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics+Prebiotics

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Digestive enzyme blend (organic blue Agave heart (Agave tequilana), inulin, papain, amylase, protease A, cellulase, invertase, hemicellulase, lipase, lactase, alpha-galactosidase, glucoamylase, fungal pepsin, bromelain), natural enzyme blend (organic turmeric root, peppermint leaf, apple pectin, fennel seed, papaya fruit), organic prebiotic blend, marine digestive blend, 10 billion CFU probiotic blend, hypromellose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping within the mainland US
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts: Save $1.61 by ordering 3–5 bottles, or $2.42 by ordering a minimum of six bottles
From $25.00 for 180 vegetarian capsules
Visit Site Back To List

Wholesome Wellness offers another high-quality digestive enzymes formula stacked with prebiotics and probiotics for optimal gut health and immune system support. 

While this isn’t the only digestive enzyme supplement that contains probiotics, countless reviews claim it’s one of the best digestive enzymes for gas and cleansing your gut of harmful bacteria.

This digestive enzyme formula is effective against bloating and flatulence. Additionally, it offers excellent pancreatic, fat, and bowel cleansing due to the inclusion of organic turmeric, ginger, papaya, and other ingredients.

The inclusion of a wide array of different enzymes enables this product to digest a wide range of food, whether raw, spicy, processed, or fried.

This high-quality digestive enzymes formula is made in the US in a GMP-certified and third-party tested facility. It’s also free of allergens like gluten, soy, gelatin, shellfish, ox, peanuts, and eggs.

Lastly, it also qualifies among the best digestive enzymes for vegans, as it features an organic, entirely plant-based vegan formula.


Pros

  • + 10 billion CFU
  • + Contains organic turmeric, ginger, and papaya
  • + Free from soy, eggs, peanuts, etc.

Cons

  • − Some consumers reported receiving bent or empty capsules

Dr. Matthew #1 Digestive Enzymes Review

Dr. Matthew #1 Digestive Enzymes Review Dr. Matthew #1 Digestive Enzymes
star 9.4

The Best Digestive Enzymes for IBS

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Protease 1, aspergillopepsin, protease 2, amylase, cellulase, lipase, glucoamylase, alpha-galactosidase, invertase, lactase, pectinase, beta-glucanase, xylanase, hemicellulase, phytase, bromelain, acid maltase, peptidase, natural bacterial protease, peppermint.
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping with Amazon Prime; free delivery on orders a minimum of $35 on Walmart
  • Return policy: A 30-day return policy on Amazon; a 90-day return policy on Walmart
  • Discounts: None
From $24.96 for 60 capsules
Visit Site Back To List

All products on our reviews list are effective against digestive discomfort caused by conditions such as IBS, GERD, SIBO, etc. 

However, Dr. Matthew #1 Digestive Enzymes stood out as the best digestive enzymes for IBS due to the overwhelming number of positive customer reviews highlighting this feature. 

Consumers emphasize its effectiveness in providing IBS relief and eliminating symptoms such as gas, bloatedness, constipation, diarrhea, etc. Furthermore, this product proved helpful in treating digestive issues caused by gallbladder removal. 

This unique formula contains 19 enzymes in total. It’s also up to six times more potent than regular blends when it comes to digesting lactose and similar foods, making it one of the most effective digestive enzymes on our list. 

Finally, this 100% natural, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly US-made product features a pleasant peppermint flavor that leaves no unpleasant aftertaste upon consumption.


Pros

  • + Reduces gas and bloating
  • + Supports gluten and lactose digestion
  • + Improves nutrient uptake
  • + Great for weight loss

Cons

  • − It may cause an appetite increase in some consumers

Doctor's Best® Digestive Enzymes Review

Doctor's Best® Digestive Enzymes Review Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes
star 9.3

Best Digestive Enzymes for Gas and Bloating

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Digestive enzyme blend (amylase blend, dipeptidyl peptidase-4, protease SP plus blend, bromelain, invertase, papain, cellulase, alpha-galactosidase, beta-glucanase, hemicellulase, phytase, xylanase, glucoamylase, lactase, lipase, Bacillus subtilis), modified cellulose
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping with Amazon Prime; limited-time free shipping offer on orders over $20 on iHerb
  • Return policy: A 30-day return policy on Amazon; a 60-day return policy on iHerb
  • Discounts: Occasional limited-time discounts
From $25.99 for 90 veggie capsules
Visit Site Back To List

Doctor’s Best® is another brand of digestive enzymes that helps combat a wide range of digestive problems. It contains 90 gluten-free, non-GMO capsules ideal for vegetarians that provide a solution for a broad spectrum of digestive issues.

This top-rated digestive enzymes supplement aids the digestion of various types of food. The full-spectrum enzyme blend easily breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in both raw and cooked food, preventing flatulence, bloating, and other digestive issues. 

Furthermore, beta-glucanase helps break down food generally harder to digest—grains, beans, and other vegetables. At the same time, this high-quality digestive enzymes supplement is also abundant in invertase and glucoamylase that promote the easy digestion of sugars.  

Last but not least, the inclusion of probiotic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) greatly helps with alleviating abdominal discomfort. These friendly bacteria ensure optimal gut health and boost the immune system.


Pros

  • + Contains immunity-boosting B. subtilis
  • + Non-GMO
  • + Vegetarian-friendly
  • + Plant-based formula

Cons

  • − The dose might be too high for some consumers
  • − Some consumers found the pills too big

Now® Foods Super Enzymes Review

Now® Foods Super Enzymes Review Now Foods Super Enzymes
star 9.2

The Best Digestive Enzymes for SIBO and GERD

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Betaine HCl, papain, ox bile extract, papaya fruit powder, pancreatin (amylase, lipase, protease), bromelain, acid-stable protease (aspergillopepsin), cellulase, gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate, silica
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders over $50 within the contiguous US
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts: Frequent sales and discount codes
From $19.99 for 90 capsules
Visit Site Back To List

SIBO and GERD can truly turn your life and eating habits upside-down. Stomach pain, nausea, and bloating are only some of the symptoms that can occur and turn eating from a pleasant event into something that creates discomfort.

These top-rated digestive enzymes offer an array of beneficial ingredients, including enzymes that could help alleviate SIBO and GERD symptoms. But that’s not all. 

Super Enzymes also qualify as one of the best digestive enzymes for constipation and poor digestion that can occur after gallbladder removal surgery. Consumers report feeling relief in less than two weeks of the treatment. 

This is one of the best US-made digestive enzymes manufactured by a family-owned company founded in 1968. They put much effort into ensuring the proper manufacturing conditions, which is corroborated by the NPA certification.

Lastly, these high-quality digestive enzymes are keto-friendly and free of allergens such as gluten, soy, nuts, wheat, eggs, fish, and dairy.


Pros

  • + A keto-friendly product
  • + Contains pancreatin and ox bile
  • + Free of various allergens
  • + Produced in a GMP facility

Cons

  • − Some users found the smell overpowering

Dr. Tobias™ Digestive Enzymes Review

Dr. Tobias™ Digestive Enzymes Review Dr. Tobias Digestive Enzymes
star 9.1

The Best Digestive Enzymes on the Market for Fatty Foods Digestion

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Protease 1, protease 2, amylase, aspergillopepsin, lipase, glucoamylase, cellulase, invertase, beta-glucanase, alpha-galactosidase, pectinase, phytase, xylanase, hemicellulase, bromelain, lactase, papain, maltodextrin, peptidase, vegetable capsules, medium-chain triglycerides.
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders over $50; free shipping on ordering a minimum of two products
  • Return policy: All refunds and returns are managed directly with Walmart that has a 90-day return policy
  • Discounts: None
From $17.97 for 60 capsules
Visit Site Back To List

Dr. Tobias™ Digestive Enzyme, one of the most effective digestive enzymes on the market, contains 18 different plant-derived enzymes. 

Due to the different enzymes’ high number and activity level, this formula effectively digests a wide range of nutrients such as protein, sugar, fiber, lactose, fat, gluten, etc. This means you can eat meat, dairy, broccoli, and other generally hard-to-digest food with no worries. 

Notably, due to its high lipase content, this could be the best supplement for those who have difficulties digesting fatty foods. According to digestive enzymes supplement reviews, it helps reduce heartburn and other stomach disturbances associated with fatty food consumption.

Moreover, some consumer reviews rate it as one of the best digestive enzymes for post gallbladder surgery, as it helps resolve bloating, nausea, and acid reflux that often accompany gallbladder removal.

Additionally, this product is made from non-GMO ingredients and third-party-tested for effectiveness, ingredient purity, nutritional value, and label accuracy.


Pros

  • + 18 digestive enzymes
  • + 100% plant-based
  • + Made in a third-party tested facility

Cons

  • − It contains allergens (wheat, soy, and dairy)

Source Naturals® Essential Enzymes®, 500 mg Review

Source Naturals® Essential Enzymes®, 500 mg Review Source Naturals Essential Enzymes
star 9.0

The Best Quick-Acting High-Quality Digestive Enzymes

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Essential Enzymes® blend (vegetal analog of pancreatin, lipase, acid-stable protease, amyloglucosidase, alpha-amylase, hemicellulase, cellulase, lactase], gelatin, stearic acid, calcium sulfate anhydrous, silica, magnesium stearate
  • Shipping policy: Free next-day and two-day shipping on Walmart orders; Occasional limited-time deals on iHerb (free shipping on orders over $20)
  • Return policy: 60-day money-back guarantee on iHerb orders
  • Discounts: None
From $30.07 for 360 capsules
Visit Site Back To List

This blend is targeted at various digestive problems, including bloating, IBS, constipation, and gas. It’s manufactured by one of the best US supplement companies, with over 35 years of experience in the industry.

Essential Enzymes, one of the best-rated digestive enzymes, is made with non-GMO ingredients. It includes plenty of enzymes that digest a wide variety of foods, support your gut health, and boost your energy levels.

One of the main features of these top enzyme supplements is the time it takes for the supplement to start working. If you want to eat your meals immediately after taking a supplement, this is the best choice for you. There’s no delay—you can start eating immediately after taking it.

To cap it all, you can also get creative with it. If you find swallowing pills arduous, you can open the capsule and sprinkle its content all over your food. Just make sure it’s not hot, as heat can affect enzymes’ activity.


Pros

  • + Digests a variety of food categories
  • + A whopping 360 capsules
  • + Can be sprinkled over food

Cons

  • − Some consumers reported receiving broken capsules

MAV Nutrition® Digestive Enzymes Review

MAV Nutrition® Digestive Enzymes Review MAV Nutrition Digestive Enzymes
star 8.9

The Best Over-the-Counter Digestive Enzymes for Boosting Your Energy Levels

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Makzyme-Pro™, enzyme blend, bromelain, fungal lipase, papain, fungal lactase, cellulose, alpha-galactosidase, probiotic blend, silicon dioxide, vegetable magnesium stearate
  • Shipping policy: A shipping fee applies to all orders
  • Return policy: A 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts: None
From $21.00 for 60 vegetable capsules
Visit Site Back To List

MAV Nutrition presents us with the ultimate digestion issues solution in a capsule form. Like other top-rated digestive enzyme supplements, this product is effective against common digestive issues such as constipation and bloating. 

The inclusion of probiotic bacteria and various digestive enzymes for IBS and diarrhea relief keeps your gut healthy and distress-free. 

With MAV Nutrition Best Enzymes, you can feast on your favorite food (even the one that’s hard to digest) guilt-free. This is because it’s packed with enzymes covering a broad spectrum of ingredients.

Most importantly, this product can help you feel more energetic. Keeping your gut healthy will allow your body to absorb nutrients more effectively and prevent wasting excessive amounts of energy on digestion. 

Finally, these non-GMO capsules are one of the easiest to swallow.


Pros

  • + Three potent good bacteria strains
  • + Better nutrient absorption
  • + Ultimate digestion support for many foods

Cons

  • − May cause allergies in some users

How To Choose the Best Digestive Enzymes: A Buyer’s Guide 

This section is aimed at helping you navigate the digestive enzymes supplements market, highlighting the most important aspects to pay attention to. 

It covers all essential details, from who requires digestive enzyme supplementation to how to choose the best digestive enzymes supplement for you.

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into micronutrients ready for absorption in the digestive tract. There are three main types of digestive enzymes naturally occurring in the gut:

  • Amylase (converts complex carbs into simple sugar and starches)
  • Lipase (converts fats into fatty acids and glycerol)
  • Protease (converts proteins into amino acids)

What Happens in Their Absence?

When the body is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes, food can’t digest properly. As a result, discomfort or digestive disorders (such as lactose intolerance) occur. 

This is why some people require digestive enzymes supplements.

Do You Need Digestive Enzymes?

People with the following conditions usually require digestive enzyme supplementation and benefit greatly from the top enzyme supplements:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Celiac Disease
  • Gallstones
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Anal fissure
  • Diverticulitis

If you don’t have any of the above-mentioned conditions and you’re unsure whether you require digestive enzyme supplementation, it’s best to consult your doctor. While taking digestive enzymes when you don’t need them won’t hurt your health, it may be an unnecessary expense.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Digestive Enzymes Supplement

Finding a good supplement is always challenging. Therefore, we created the following section to help guide your selection process and discuss the most important details to pay attention to when choosing the best brand of digestive enzymes.

Types of Enzymes

It’s best to look for digestive enzyme supplements that contain a broad spectrum of enzymes. This way, you ensure that your supplement of choice will help your body digest a wide range of foods. 

The table below shows the most important digestive enzymes and the substances they break down. Quality digestive enzymes supplements include most of them, especially the main three.

Enzymes Substance Digested
Amylase Starch
Protease Proteins
Lipase Fats
Peptidases Peptides
Sucrase Sugar
Lactase Lactose
Maltase Maltose
Bile salts Fats globules

The Amount of Enzymes

Most US brands include high amounts of each of the three main enzymes (amylase, protease, and lipase). The amount of enzymes usually ranges from 5,000 to 80,000 units. Amylase is generally the most abundant in the top enzyme supplements in the US, followed by protease and lipase. 

However, it’s not only the number of active units that’s relevant for a product’s efficacy. The number of different enzymes matters too. 

Therefore there are cases where an enzyme blend containing 80,000 HUTs of protease may be more potent than the product featuring 100,000 HUTs of only one type of enzyme. 

This is because the product with a higher number of different enzymes remains longer in the body and ends up breaking down more bonds.

In other words, it’s better to choose quality digestive enzymes with more enzyme types and fewer units than the product with one enzyme type and more units.

Certification Information

To ensure your supplement of choice is potent, effective, and devoid of harmful ingredients, GMOs, etc., it’s always a good idea to look for third-party certification on the product label or the official website. 

Supplements, including digestive enzymes, are usually tested and certified by reputable organizations such as NSF, USP, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project, etc.

Form

Digestive enzyme supplements come in several forms—capsule, tablet, liquid, etc. 

Capsules generally act very quickly and enable superior absorption. However, encapsulated digestive enzymes can get expensive and have a shorter shelf life. 

Tablets tend to have a higher dose of active ingredients than other supplement forms and a long shelf life. However, tablets contain a large number of ingredients which increases the risk of allergies. 

Additionally, tablets have slow action and sometimes disintegrate unevenly.

How to Use Digestive Enzymes Supplements

As digestive enzyme supplements mimic the natural enzymes in our body, they need to be active in the gut before you start eating. The general rule is to take them 15–20 minutes before you eat. 

Activities That Impede the Enzyme Activity

Avoiding certain activities and practices after taking your supplement and food is also essential, as they can impede digestion and interrupt enzyme activity. They include:

  • Lying down flat immediately after a meal
  • Eating too quickly
  • Eating too much
  • Eating too little fiber
  • Consuming alcohol
  • Chewing gum
  • Using laxatives to cleanse the bowel
  • The use of medications known to impede enzyme activity (e.g., miglitol and acarbose) 

Digestive Enzymes Side Effects

Digestive enzymes can produce many side effects such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abnormal feces
  • Indigestion
  • Gastritis
  • Gas
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Nasal congestion
  • Lower limbs swelling
  • Dizziness
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Diabetes exacerbation
  • Biliary tract stones
  • Renal cyst
  • Gallbladder fluid retention
  • Viral infections
  • Muscle spasm
  • Sore throat
  • Ear pain
  • Nosebleed
  • Heartburn

 If you notice any severe adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a medical professional. 

Digestive Enzymes Supplements Overdose

Taking too many digestive enzymes most likely won’t result in serious consequences. It’s highly likely the enzyme your body currently doesn’t need will only pass through you if you accidentally take an extra capsule or two. 

However, if you take a much larger dose, you might experience particular side effects such as itching around the anus, losing consciousness, or difficulty breathing. 

Conclusion

Even the best digestive enzyme supplements aren’t omnipotent despite effectively treating various digestive issues and are often just a temporary solution. 

Therefore, it’s recommended to consult a medical professional about your underlying digestive issues and the type of digestive enzymes that would offer the optimal digestive discomfort relief.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of enzyme deficiency?

The most common symptoms of enzyme deficiency include bloating, indigestion, gas, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatty stool, undigested food in the stool, etc.

Do digestive enzymes really work?

Yes. 

Digestive enzymes help break down nutrients (such as carbohydrates, fats, and protein into smaller molecules (small enough for the small intestine to absorb). 

They provide relief to individuals suffering from common digestive issues (bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, etc.) caused by the impaired breakdown of foods. 

They’re also effective in alleviating lactose intolerance symptoms. This is because lactose intolerant individuals don’t produce enough lactase (the enzyme in charge of breaking down lactose) to prevent digestive issues from occurring upon consuming dairy products. 

However, it’s important to note that digestive enzymes don’t perform miracles or provide a permanent solution to any digestive problem.

What are good digestive enzymes?

A good digestive enzyme supplement should contain a broad spectrum of enzymes in charge of digesting different types of food (amylase for carbs, protease for proteins, lipase for fats, lactase for lactose, etc.)

Top-rated digestive enzyme supplements should also have decent activity levels and be active throughout the entire digestive tract. This enables quick and efficient digestion.

Finally, good digestive enzymes should produce minimal adverse effects, be easy to consume, and contain no harmful ingredients.

Will digestive enzymes help with bloating?

Yes. 

Any effective digestive enzyme supplement can help with bloating. Digestive enzyme supplements containing alpha-galactosidase are particularly effective against bloating resulting from eating beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli.

What are the best digestive enzymes for bloating?

Alpha-galactosidase (an enzyme derived from Aspergillus niger or common mold) proved to be one of the best digestive enzymes for bloating and gas. 

It can break down oligosaccharide linkages humans can’t digest on their own, thereby preventing the previously mentioned digestive issues.  

Can taking digestive enzymes be harmful?

Digestive enzymes are generally safe. However, even the best digestive enzymes can be harmful to individuals with particular enzyme sensitivities. 

Though enzyme allergies are rare, they can cause severe, even life-threatening reactions:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Mouth, tongue, throat, lips, and face swelling
  • Hives
  • Chest tightness, etc. 

Therefore, it’s important to note that many digestive enzyme supplements are made with pork gelatin and should be avoided by individuals with pork allergies. 

Another potential allergen present in digestive enzyme supplements is papain, an enzyme derived from the papaya fruit. 

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Don-Pedro Ume, PharmD

Don-Pedro is a pharmacist and professional content writer. He primarily enjoys writing on anything health-related, and sometimes delves into niches such as technology and education. Being a health practitioner, he’s bent on breaking down the most recondite health topics into easy-to-understand write-ups. On days when he’s not writing, he’s probably updating his music playlist or binge-watching some series!

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