Your body naturally produces the protein that’s essential for breaking down and digesting food
Sometimes, the food you love doesn’t always love you back — and in those cases, you may experience gastrointestinal problems, like an upset stomach, diarrhea or gas.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Could your body be struggling to break down food properly due to a lack of digestive enzymes? These types of protein naturally occur in your body to help with the breakdown of food into smaller molecules, allowing your body to extract nutrients, like carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Gastroenterologist Alison Schneider, MD, helps us understand why digestive enzymes are so important.
Digestive enzymes break down the food you eat so your body can easily absorb its nutrients. Your stomach, small intestine and pancreas all make digestive enzymes. These are some of the major types:
“These enzymes are responsible for breaking down the major dietary components of the foods that we eat, so they’re vital to life,” says Dr. Schneider.
If your body is lacking in digestive enzymes, you may notice symptoms like stomachaches, diarrhea and gas.
But don’t get digestive enzymes confused with probiotics. While both support your gut health and aid in digestion, probiotics are live bacteria that help balance your gut microbiome. By keeping your gut healthy, they play an important supporting role in the work of digestive enzymes.
Advertisement
You can find digestive enzymes naturally in food like:
A few types of digestive enzyme insufficiency include:
Other conditions that could lead to difficulties include:
If your healthcare provider thinks you may have a digestive enzyme deficiency, they may recommend prescription enzyme supplements.
“Medicinal enzymes are combinations of amylase, protease and lipase that can help people with enzyme deficiencies digest food,” explains Dr. Schneider. “Typically, we can adjust the doses for each person’s clinical needs.”
You’ve probably seen digestive enzyme supplements in drugstores, health food stores or online. If you’re struggling with digestive problems regularly, you may be tempted to reach for one with the hopes that it will instantly knock out your symptoms.
But do over-the-counter (OTC) digestive enzyme supplements work?
“There are some studies that show treatment with digestive enzymes was well-tolerated and effective in the reduction of GI symptoms,” reports Dr. Schneider. “However, more large-scale trials are needed to fully establish their effectiveness for various conditions like functional dyspepsia and IBS.”
Another important factor? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements, stresses Dr. Schneider. So, it can be hard to determine how much of each enzyme is really in any particular supplement.
If you choose to take a digestive enzyme supplement, you may experience the following symptoms:
Dr. Schneider stresses the importance of talking to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
While digestive enzymes benefit your digestion, in most cases, you don’t need to worry about your body making enough.
But if you notice that you’re frequently dealing with digestive issues, like stomachaches and diarrhea, talk to a doctor. They can help determine the source of your belly troubles — and provide proven treatment options.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
The caffeine and natural acids in coffee may trigger acid reflux, but there are ways to lessen the effects
Olive oil is high in heart-friendly unsaturated fats
The tropical fruit is a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C
Alternating between periods of eating and fasting may benefit your health
High amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat in red meat may be linked to heart disease
This plant-based eating plan focuses on lowering cholesterol, making it a great companion to the Mediterranean diet
Research consistently shows that soy-based foods do not increase your risk of breast cancer
Wait a few hours, then start with water or ice chips, graduating to clear liquids and then, soft, bland foods
Wearing a scarf, adjusting your outdoor activities and following your asthma treatment plan can help limit breathing problems
Your diet in the weeks, days and hours ahead of your race can power you to the finish line
When someone guilt trips you, they’re using emotionally manipulative behavior to try to get you to act a certain way