When it comes to alleviating discomfort from food intolerances and improving overall digestive health, digestive enzyme supplements can play a pivotal role. These supplements help your body break down food components into simpler, more absorbable forms, relieving symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort after meals. However, with a myriad of products on the market, choosing the right supplement that fits your dietary needs can be daunting.
To provide expert guidance through this complex selection process, we've collaborated with Kathy Shattler, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience in various medical specialties, including supplements and digestive health.
Our guide explores key considerations such as the variety of enzymes included, the presence of additional supportive ingredients, and more. We've carefully researched a range of best-selling digestive enzyme supplements on sites like Amazon and iHerb to ensure you find a product that not only addresses your specific digestive issues but also promotes your overall digestive health.
Quick List - Top Digestive Enzyme Supplement
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for over 25 years, Kathy has mastered numerous medical specialties and teaching methods: health promotion, counseling, academic teaching, endocrinology, psychiatry/mental health, supplements, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, aging, and alternative medicine. Experiences include: -Managing her own telehealth/nutrition consulting business -Directing a continuing education program for RDs and nurses -Consulting for long-term care regulatory affairs -Working with State and local health departments -Coordinating diabetes education programs Her experiences led her to reach people with life-changing information as a medical editor and writer. For over five years, Kathy has acquired increasingly complex roles. Passionate about the root causes of disease, she obtained her certification in Integrative Medicine and Functional Nutrition from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics three years ago. This series continues to influence her approach to writing.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Enzymes help by breaking food components down into the smallest particles that can be absorbed to create energy and nourish the body.
Digestive enzymes are crucial for breaking down food into absorbable components. They transform carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller molecules such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, aiding their absorption into the bloodstream. This process helps maximize the body's energy production and nutrient utilization.
Digestive enzyme supplements help improve digestion and relieve issues like gas, bloating, and fatigue by breaking down food more effectively.
For those with food intolerances, these supplements can be particularly beneficial. By aiding the breakdown of substances like lactose or fructose, enzyme supplements allow individuals to enjoy a broader range of foods without discomfort. This can significantly enhance their quality of life and dietary satisfaction.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Digestive Enzyme Supplement.
Look for third-party lab testing to ensure your supplement is safe and accurately labeled.
When choosing digestive enzyme supplements, verifying safety through third-party lab testing is crucial. Reputable testing organizations like NPA, USP, NSF, and Consumerslab.com are known for their rigorous standards. Identity specifications, safety and toxicity tests, and labeling accuracy are also key factors to check. These measures help safeguard against potential health risks.
Specific enzymes are designed to target and digest different types of problematic foods.
An enzyme supplement with a blend of multiple enzymes helps break down all types of foods for better digestion and nutrient absorption.
For those experiencing general bloating and gas post-meal, a blend of multiple digestive enzymes can be particularly effective. A multi-enzyme supplement targets proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fibers with specific enzymes like protease, lipase, amylase, and cellulase. Such a blend ensures that all major food components are digested more efficiently, enhancing nutrient absorption and minimizing digestive distress.
It is very important to target the problematic food with the right enzyme, like lactase for dairy or alpha-galactosidase for legumes.
Choosing the right enzyme supplement is crucial for managing food intolerances. If you have issues with dairy, fructose, or legumes, it's essential to target these specific foods.
For those with lactose intolerance, lactase supplements can help you enjoy dairy products without discomfort. Similarly, if fructose causes issues, supplements, including aldolase, can ease your symptoms, allowing you to enjoy fruits and sugary foods.
Legumes can be problematic for some, but alpha-galactosidase supplements can help digest these foods better. By choosing supplements that include enzymes that target certain foods, you can alleviate symptoms and enjoy a more varied diet without worry.
Enteric-coated supplements can protect enzymes from stomach acid and help prevent nausea and stomach pain.
Enzyme supplements with enteric coating ensure that the enzymes reach the intestines before being released, preventing nausea and stomach pain. The enteric coating protects the enzymes from being destroyed by excess stomach acid or low pH. This protection is particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from heartburn due to excess stomach acid secretion.
Enteric-coated supplements maintain their effectiveness by shielding the enzymes. Those experiencing discomfort from high stomach acid levels should consider these supplements to improve digestion without causing additional stomach issues.
The extra ingredients in some supplements may affect how your body reacts to the supplements.
Added sugars may cause complications like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
When selecting enzyme supplements, it's crucial to avoid those with added sugars to prevent digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially in sensitive individuals. Added sugars require extra breakdown by the body, which can strain the digestive system, leading to fatigue and, in some cases, anemia due to poor nutrient absorption.
Carefully checking ingredient lists for hidden sugars and choosing supplements without added sugars can help maintain better digestive health and ensure the supplements work effectively without causing additional complications.
Be aware that added prebiotics can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea, especially for those with SIBO, FODMAP intolerance, or IBS
Enzyme supplements with added prebiotics can further aid digestion, but they may also cause unwanted side effects like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. These symptoms occur because prebiotics have an osmotic effect in the intestines, causing rapid fermentation. Individuals with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or FODMAP intolerance should avoid prebiotics. Their sensitivity can result in unpleasant digestive symptoms, making it crucial to consider potential side effects before choosing supplements with added prebiotics.
Properly labeled vegetarian enzymes are as effective as animal-based ones.
If you are vegetarian or have a dietary restriction, it's important to look at the source of the enzyme. For those who need them, vegetarian enzyme supplements are generally as effective as animal-based ones, though metabolism may vary.
Enzymes such as protease, lipase, and amylase can be found in a variety of plant-based and natural sources. Careful selection based on labels and certifications can help maintain digestive health without compromising dietary principles.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unit Count | Unit Form | Number of Enzymes | Enzymes Present | Flavor | Vegetarian | |||||
1 | NOW Health Group Inc. Super Enzymes | ![]() | Supercharge Your Digestion Game | 180 Capsules | Capsule | 8 | betaine HCl, ox bile extract, papaya fruit powder, pancreatin, bromelain, acid-stable protease, papain, and cellulase. | Unflavored | ||
2 | Zenwise, LLC Digestive Enzymes | ![]() | Prebiotic, Probiotics, Sea Vegetable Extracts, and Fruit Powders | 180 Capsules | Capsule | 10 | inulin, glucoamylase, amylase, bromelain, cellulase, invertase, lactase, bacterial protease, papain, and lipase | Unflavored | ||
3 | JB7, LLC Physician's Choice|Digestive Enzymes | ![]() | 16 Enzymes for Optimal Digestion | 60 Capsules | Capsule | 16 | bromelain, protease 4.5, protease 6.0, papain, peptidase, protease 3.0, amylase, glucoamylase, cellulase, invertase, beta-glucanase, lactase, alpha-galactosidase, xylanase, hemicellulase, and lipase. | unknown | ||
4 | KK Nutrition, Inc. Lemme|Debloat | ![]() | Triple Action Gut Relief | 60 Capsules | Capsule | 5 | amylase, lactase, lipase, cellulase, and protease. | Unflavored | ||
5 | Prestige Brands, Inc. Beano|Gas Prevention and Digestive Enzyme Supplement | ![]() | Enjoy Meals with Less Gas | 100 Capsules | Capsule | 1 | alpha-galactosidase | |||
6 | OLLY Beat The Bloat Capsules | ![]() | Beat The Bloat with OLLY | 25 Capsules | Capsule | 6 | amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, lactase, alpha-galactosidase, and lipase | |||
7 | American Dietaids Co Inc American Health|Original Papaya Digestive Enzyme Chewable Tablets | ![]() | Chewable Enzyme Support | 600 Capsules | Chewable Tablet | 3 | papain (from papaya), amylase, and protease (from papaya) | "Original" | ||
8 | Threshold Enterprises Ltd. Source Naturals|Essential Enzymes | ![]() | Complete Digestive Support | 120 Capsules | Capsules | 7 | hemicellulase, cellulase, amyloglucosidase, alpha-amylase, lipase, acid-stable protease, and fungal pancreatin | Unflavored | unknown | |
9 | Ogilive Brands, Inc. Love Wellness|Bye Bye Bloat|BBB-LW | ![]() | Say Goodbye to Bloating | 60 Capsules | Capsule | 6 | amylase complex, protease complex, pepsin complex, lipase complex, bromelain complex, and papain complex | Ginger | ||
10 | Hum Nutrition Inc Flatter Me | ![]() | Comprehensive Daily Bloating Relief | 60 Capsules | Capsules | 18 | protease 3.0, protease 4.5, protease 6.0, peptidase, bromelain, neutral bacterial protease, papain, lipase, amylase, glucoamylase, alpha-galactosidase, invertase, diastase, hemicellulase, cellulase, beta-glucanase, phytase, and lactase | Ginger | unknown |
Unit Count | 180 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Capsule |
NOW Supplements Super Enzymes is a dietary supplement designed to support healthy digestion with a powerful blend of enzymes, including bromelain, ox bile, pancreatin, and papain. Each capsule is formulated to help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, ensuring optimal nutrient availability from your meals.
It’s important to note that the product is sensitive to heat and sunlight, which may cause it to melt or get damaged. Additionally, those with specific health conditions or allergies, especially to papaya or pineapple, should consult a physician before use.
Flavor | Unflavored |
---|---|
Vegetarian |
Unit Count | 180 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Capsule |
These all-natural, vegan Digestive Enzymes feature an array of pre-and probiotics, including Lactobacillus Acidophilus, three kinds of seaweed extract, and powdered fruits and herbs. Zenwise claims that this will help digest what they refer to as the “hard 5”: meat, dairy, fried food, raw vegetables, and alcohol. Customer reviews showcase the positive results that people have experienced from this supplement. Customers have called it “transformative,” and one even said that “these pills have changed [his] life” in regards to mitigating the digestive issues caused by certain foods.
Flavor | Unflavored |
---|---|
Vegetarian |
Unit Count | 60 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Capsule |
Physician's CHOICE Digestive Enzymes offer a comprehensive solution for digestive health by combining 16 beneficial enzymes with organic prebiotics and probiotics. This dual-action approach targets meal-time discomfort, aiding in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy, and fats.
Designed to enhance digestive function, these enzymes work synergistically to provide relief from bloating and discomfort. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, offering a convenient option for those looking to improve their digestive wellness with a scientifically formulated product.
Flavor | |
---|---|
Vegetarian | unknown |
Unit Count | 60 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Capsule |
Lemme Debloat 3-in-1 Prebiotic, Probiotic & Digestive Enzyme Capsules provide a comprehensive solution for gut health, targeting occasional bloating, gas, and discomfort. This vegan-friendly supplement combines prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support a balanced gut microbiome and improve digestion.
The five digestive enzymes in the formula—protease, amylase, cellulase, lactase, and lipase—help break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and dairy for better nutrient absorption and digestive comfort. The capsules are free from gluten, GMOs, artificial flavors, and synthetic colors, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Flavor | Unflavored |
---|---|
Vegetarian |
Unit Count | 100 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Capsule |
Beano Ultra 800 is a digestive enzyme supplement designed to prevent gas, bloating, and discomfort caused by hard-to-digest foods like beans, vegetables, and whole grains. Each tablet contains a natural enzyme that helps break down complex carbohydrates, making these foods easier to digest and reducing the likelihood of stomach discomfort.
To use, simply take two Beano tablets before a meal that may cause gas or bloating. It may be effective if taken up to 30 minutes after a meal. The product is also vegetarian-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Flavor | |
---|---|
Vegetarian |
Unit Count | 25 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Capsule |
OLLY Beat The Bloat Capsules are designed to provide digestive support specifically for women, helping to alleviate occasional digestive issues such as bloating and gas. This supplement combines a blend of digestive enzymes and botanical extracts, including dandelion, fennel, and ginger, to promote comfort and ease stomach discomfort. Each bottle contains 25 capsules, packaged conveniently for daily use.
The digestive enzyme blend in these capsules includes amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, lactase, alpha-galactosidase, and lipase. These enzymes work together to break down various components of your diet, making digestion smoother.
Flavor | |
---|---|
Vegetarian |
Unit Count | 600 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Chewable Tablet |
American Health Original Papaya Digestive Enzyme Chewable Tablets are designed to promote nutrient absorption and aid digestion. These chewable tablets are a convenient after-meal supplement that combines papaya enzymes with chlorophyll and peppermint to help freshen breath. Each serving size is three tablets, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
This supplement is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and yeast-free, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions. It contains three primary digestive enzymes: papain, amylase, and protease, all sourced from papaya, making it vegetarian-friendly. The addition of calcium further supports your overall health.
Flavor | "Original" |
---|---|
Vegetarian |
Unit Count | 120 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Capsules |
Source Naturals Essential Enzymes is a digestive supplement formulated to aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food. Each capsule contains a blend of seven enzymes designed to address various aspects of digestion, helping to alleviate issues such as gas and constipation.
The enzyme blend in Source Naturals Essential Enzymes includes hemicellulase, cellulase, amyloglucosidase, alpha-amylase, lipase, acid-stable protease, and fungal pancreatin. This product is free from common allergens, including yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy, and wheat, and contains no sugar, starch, preservatives, or artificial additives.
Flavor | Unflavored |
---|---|
Vegetarian | unknown |
Unit Count | 60 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Capsule |
Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat is a digestive enzyme supplement designed to provide relief from bloating and gas, specifically formulated for women. This supplement combines digestive enzymes with a blend of organic herbs like fenugreek, dandelion, and fennel to support healthy digestion and reduce water retention.
Each serving size is two capsules, and with 60 capsules per bottle, it provides 30 servings. The product is non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from artificial fragrances, flavors, and dyes, making it a clean choice for digestive health support.
Flavor | Ginger |
---|---|
Vegetarian |
Unit Count | 60 Capsules |
---|---|
Unit Form | Capsules |
HUM Flatter Me is a daily supplement designed to relieve bloating and support overall digestive health. This unique formula features 18 full-spectrum digestive enzymes that help break down proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibers, and milk sugar, promoting efficient nutrient absorption.
Additionally, the inclusion of ginger, fennel seed, and peppermint leaf helps soothe the digestive system and further aid in digestion. With a 30-day supply, taking one capsule twice daily before your two main meals can help you manage bloating and digestive discomfort effectively.
Flavor | Ginger |
---|---|
Vegetarian | unknown |
Enzymes play a crucial role in digestion by breaking down the food we eat into smaller, absorbable nutrients. These proteins act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in the body. Specific enzymes target different types of food: amylases break down carbohydrates, proteases handle proteins, and lipases deal with fats.
This breakdown process allows nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream, fueling our bodies and supporting overall health. Without these enzymes, our digestive system would struggle to process food efficiently, leading to discomfort and nutritional deficiencies. Digestive enzyme supplements can aid those who need extra support in this vital process.
Taking a digestive enzyme supplement can be most effective just before or at the start of a meal. This timing helps ensure that the enzymes are present as food enters your stomach, maximizing their ability to aid digestion. If you frequently experience bloating, gas, or discomfort after eating, supplements might help alleviate these symptoms. Additionally, those with specific conditions like lactose intolerance or pancreatic insufficiency may benefit from enzyme support. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best schedule for your individual needs.
No. 1: NOW Health Group Inc.|Super Enzymes
No. 2: Zenwise, LLC|Digestive Enzymes
No. 3: JB7, LLC|Physician's Choice|Digestive Enzymes
No. 4: KK Nutrition, Inc.|Lemme|Debloat
No. 5: Prestige Brands, Inc.|Beano|Gas Prevention and Digestive Enzyme Supplement
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices