15% off €40

Code:DEAL
OffersBlack Friday DealsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBetter than 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event25% off Online Only OfferOutlet2 for €23 Mix & MatchBuy 2 for €6 Mix & MatchFree gift with purchaseVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarBetterYouNew NordicBioglanNatures AidDAMEDr OrganicGrass & Co.Black Friday DealsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBetter than 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event25% off Online Only OfferOutlet3 for €18 Mix & MatchShort DatedDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsAdvent CalendarsFood & Drink Shop AllVegan FoodDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksProtein ShakesJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettGrenadeNaturyaPukkaHeath & HeatherNakdHuelTwiningsMeridianPerfectTedBlack Friday DealsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBetter than 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 2 for €6 Mix & MatchOutlet2 for €3 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSugar FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoHolland & BarrettOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredGrenadeUSNApplied NutritionMyproteinHuelPhDNakdBlack Friday DealsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBetter than 1/2 priceFree gift with purchase25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreePalm Oil FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintHolland & BarrettTisserandMiaromaQ+ATrilogyEthiqueBlack Friday DealsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBetter than 1/2 price2 for €23 Mix & MatchOutlet25% off Online Only OfferAlcohol FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeMicroplastics FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportHolland & BarrettGrenadeOptimum NutritionHeath & HeatherPulsinUSNDiabloEat WaterGreenPeppersmithBlack Friday DealsBuy One Get One 1/2 Price25% off Online Only OfferBetter than 1/2 priceFree gift with purchaseBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inChristmasHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesEnergyGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseHolland & BarrettNaturtintDr OrganicVitabioticsApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionWildWeledaSolgarNew NordicBlack Friday DealsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBetter than 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event25% off Online Only Offer2 for €23 Mix & MatchOutlet3 for €18 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeAlcohol FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeNew inShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergyWomen's HealthMenopauseSkincareJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriod & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Explore related topics

All about digestive enzymes

Lady doing yoga
What are digestive enzymes and how do they help the breakdown of food? Digestive enzyme deficiency and the best digestive enzyme supplements.

Summary

1What are digestive enzymes?

They’re proteins released into the digestive system, mainly by the pancreas and small intestine. They have a very important job to do – breaking...

2Causes of digestive enzyme deficiency

Causes of digestive enzyme deficiency may include: ageing, too little or too much exercise, a poor diet – for example too little protein, too many...

3Dosage: How much is safe to take?

Amounts vary depending on the individual supplement, so read the label carefully before use. If you aren’t sure which specific enzyme you need...

Explore related topics

Good digestion means absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat – and for that, digestive enzymes are key. 

Digestive enzymes are proteins released into the digestive system that help speed up the breakdown of food into easily absorbed nutrients that our bodies can use.

Discover why digestive enzymes could be the key to good digestion below.

Why do we need a healthy digestive system?

It's only by digesting our food properly that we can absorb all the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy. 

Symptoms of poor digestion include heartburn, indigestion, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. You may also notice undigested food in your stools.1 

Handpicked content: 6 easy ways to beat bloating

What are digestive enzymes?

They’re proteins released into the digestive system, mainly by the pancreas and small intestine. 

They have a very important job to do – breaking down the food we eat into nutrients that our body can absorb and put to good use.

There are many different enzymes involved in digestion but the three main types are:
  • Amylase – this breaks down carbohydrate into sugars 
  • Protease – this digests proteins into amino acids
  • Lipase – this converts fats (lipids) into fatty acids and glycerol

How can a digestive enzyme help?

A 2016 study published in Current Drug Metabolism found that digestive enzymes may help manage digestive disorders, including lactose intolerance.3

It could also help people with discomfort in the digestive tract caused, for example, by irritable bowel syndrome.4,5,6 

Stress also affects digestive enzymes, reducing their production; when we’re in fight-or-flight mode, our body gives digestion a low priority.7

What to look for in a digestive enzyme

Digestive enzymes are available either as single or mixed enzymes. They can be:8
  • bromelain from pineapples or papain from papayas 
  • extracted from plants like fungi and yeast 
  • pancreatic enzymes taken from animals 
Check the label to see which enzymes are included and their source, particularly if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Also check which food they break down inside the body – if you have lactose intolerance, for example, look for lactase.

Digestive enzyme supplements: benefits, dosage, side-effects

Digestive enzyme supplements are designed to top up your body’s natural digestive enzymes and support your gut health.9

Not everyone needs this extra help, but you might if you aren’t producing enough enzymes – this can slow down the digestive process, leading to uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating and indigestion.10

Causes of digestive enzyme deficiency

Causes of digestive enzyme deficiency may include:11,12 
  • ageing
  • too little or too much exercise
  • a poor diet – for example too little protein, too many calories or eating too many refined carbohydrates 
  • medical conditions, such as gall stones or diabetes
In addition, digestive enzyme supplements may be helpful for a number of conditions, including:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 
While evidence for using digestive enzymes to ease IBS is mixed, a 2010 USA trial on people with IBS found the incidence of cramping, bloating and loose stools was lower when taking a combination of enzymes before meals.13 

Lactose intolerance 

People with this condition don’t make enough of the digestive enzyme lactase to break down lactose.

A 2008 study reported that taking a lactase supplement may help symptoms, but other studies have had mixed results.14,15

Dosage: How much is safe to take?

Amounts vary depending on the individual supplement, so read the label carefully before use.16 

If you aren’t sure which specific enzyme you need, try a multi-enzyme supplement – it provides all the enzymes in one dose. Do not take digestive enzyme supplements if you are:17
  • Pregnant or breast-feeding – they have not been proven safe 
  • Taking blood-thinning drugs – the enzyme bromelain also thins the blood

What are the side effects of taking digestive enzyme supplements?

At first, digestive enzyme supplements can cause the very symptoms you’re hoping to tackle, which means you may notice an increase in the following:18 
  • gas 
  • bloating 
  • abdominal cramps
  • loose stools
  • indigestion 
Other side-effects can include:19
  • headaches 
  • neck pain
  • blocked nose
  • dizziness 
Always speak to your GP or a registered nutritionist before taking digestive enzymes for the first time.

Related Articles