What are they?

Digestive enzymes are protein molecules found in the food we eat and in our digestive system. These enzymes break down foods into smaller components making it easier for our bodies to digest. There are 22 naturally occurring digestive enzymes our bodies create. Additionally, foods like grains, beans, meat, fruits and vegetables contain these enzymatic proteins. When you eat a meal, digestive enzymes are released from your salivary glands, stomach, and small intestine. Each enzyme works on a specific type of food. For example, proteases are digestive enzymes which help break down protein foods, while amylases help to break down carbohydrates, and lipases help to break down fats.

Natural medicine uses digestive enzyme supplements to help treat: gas, heartburn, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, and autoimmune problems like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It is also sometimes used for providing support for cancer patients. Digestive enzymes are often found to be helpful for people who have had weight-loss surgery. They help by aiding the digestive process and assisting with better absorption of the foods they eat.

Metagenics makes a digestive enzyme supplement called SpectraZyme, which supplies a broad spectrum of non-animal derived enzymes including acid-stable lipase and three different proteases chosen to provide enzyme activity in a variety of pH ranges to optimize digestion.