Gut Health & Digestive
Digestive Enzymes (Protease / Lipase / Amylase)
Also known as: Pancreatin · Bromelain · Papain · Betaine HCl
Supplemental enzymes that help break down macronutrients, reducing bloating and improving nutrient absorption — particularly useful for those with reduced endogenous enzyme output.
Effective Dose
1–2 capsules with each meal
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Moderate
Gut Health & Digestive
Mechanism
Enzymatic digestion of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
primary action
Best For
Bloating
IBS, Low stomach acid, Nutrient absorption
This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Digestive Enzymes (Protease / Lipase / Amylase)?
Digestive enzymes include proteases (protein digestion), lipases (fat digestion), amylases (carbohydrate digestion), and specific enzymes like lactase (lactose), alpha-galactosidase (beans/legumes), and cellulase (plant fibre). Deficiencies occur with age, low stomach acid, pancreatic insufficiency, and some gut conditions.
How It Works: The Science
Proteases cleave peptide bonds, lipases hydrolyse triglycerides to fatty acids and monoglycerides, and amylases cleave alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds in starch. Bromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya) are plant-derived proteases that also have systemic anti-inflammatory effects when taken on an empty stomach.
Primary Mechanism
Enzymatic digestion of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
1–2 capsules with each meal
1–2 capsules with each main meal containing protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Choose full-spectrum products with protease, lipase, amylase, and ideally lactase and alpha-galactosidase.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
Very safe as food-derived enzymes. Avoid if allergic to the source organism (pineapple for bromelain, papaya for papain). High-dose proteases may cause GI irritation.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
Those over 50 (declining enzyme output), anyone with chronic bloating after meals, those with IBS or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and athletes eating very high protein diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →