Digestive Enzymes
Woman’s stomach
Enzymes are the catalysts that enable molecules to change forms. Digestive enzymes are used in the digestive system to break down food into smaller molecules that the stomach can absorb. This allows healthy nutrients to be delivered to the body. They are essential for breaking down complex compounds into simple molecules like amino acids, simple sugars, fatty acids, nucleic acids, and cholesterol. These enzymes are secreted by various parts of the body, but most of them are produced by the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine.
Sometimes the body does not make enough digestive enzymes which can slow the digestion process and cause uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or flatulence. A deficiency of vitamins may cause the production of digestive enzymes to slow down. If you are exposed to various chemicals and pesticides or cook your food at high temperatures, which can destroy all naturally occurring enzymes, you may be low in digestive enzymes. Various health conditions can also cause low levels of digestive enzymes. Dietary enzymes are available in the form of supplements called pancreatic enzyme products (PEP).
| Types of Digestive Enzymes | |
| Amylase | Breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars |
| Protease | Breaks down proteins into amino acids |
| Lipase | Breaks down oils and fats into glycerol and fatty acids |
Enzymes and hormones made by the pancreas
Digestive enzymes may be beneficial in conditions that involve the pancreas like pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic cancer.* They may also be helpful after pancreatic or gut surgery to replenish digestive enzymes that are normally made by the pancreas.*
Digestive enzymes may help with digestive problems like having difficulty in breaking down complex proteins, starches, or fats.* The amount of digestive enzymes your body produces may decrease with age. Supplementing these enzymes may be beneficial for better digestion and help take the stress off the digestive organs.* Digestive enzymes supplements should be taken with meals.
Digestive system
Liver diseases can also cause digestive enzyme insufficiency. Adding digestive enzyme supplements may help to replenish this insufficiency.*
Disclaimers:
You should always consult your health care provider before starting any herbal supplements or products. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
