What Are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are proteins naturally produced by the body that help break food down into smaller molecules. This allows nutrients to be absorbed and used by the body for energy, growth and other important functions.
Most of the time, taking digestive enzyme supplements isn’t necessary because our bodies produce the enzymes we need. However, some health conditions can reduce the production of specific digestive enzymes. For example, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency can occur with conditions such as chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis, while reduced lactase production can occur with lactose intolerance.
The 3 primary digestive enzymes include:
- Amylase > breaks down Carbohydrates
- Protease > breaks down Proteins
- Lipase > breaks down Fats
A common example of an enzyme deficiency is in the case of lactose intolerance.
- Lactase > breaks down lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products
Other supplemental enzymes you may come across include:
- Alpha-galactosidase > Oligosaccharides breakdown (Legumes, beans & some nuts)
- Xylose isomerase > fructose breakdown ( found in fruit and some vegetables)
- Pancrealipase > Dietary fat breakdown
- Diamine Oxidase > Histamine breakdown (found in high levels in some vegetables, fruit, alcohol, tinned fish, cured meats)
- Invertase >sucrose (table sugar)> breakdown into fructose and glucose.
What does the research say about taking digestive enzymes?
Most research into digestive enzyme supplementation for IBS has focused on lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose, and alpha-galactosidase an enzyme that helps break down galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).
Research suggests lactase supplements can improve tolerance to lactose-containing foods in people with lactose intolerance. Similarly, alpha-galactosidase may help some people with IBS who are sensitive to GOS. However, digestive enzymes aren’t considered a standalone treatment for IBS. Monash University have a helpful guide with more information about IBS – check it out here.
Overall, digestive enzymes may be a helpful part of managing certain food intolerances or IBS symptoms. However, they’re unlikely to address every cause of digestive discomfort. Dietary strategies, stress management, lifestyle factors and appropriate medical care may all play a role.
If you’re regularly experiencing bloating, abdominal pain or changes in your bowel habits, consider speaking with an Accredited Practising Dietitian. They can help identify your individual triggers and determine whether an enzyme supplement or another dietary strategy is appropriate.
By Caitlin Scane, Accredited Practising Dietitian
