Are Digestive Enzyme Supplements Effective?

We know about probiotics and prebiotics for gut health, but there’s one ingredient that is often overlooked. Enzymes are naturally found within the digestive tract and can be taken in supplement form. Keep reading to find out how enzymes can support not only a healthy gut but overall wellness.*

Enzymes may support the body’s response to inflammation. Inflammation is a complex process that has usefulness in the body. However, prolonged periods of inflammation may cause damage to structures within the body such as the joints. Enzymes may assist the inflammation response by helping clear out inflammatory debris.* 

There is emerging research that suggests a possible benefit for cardiovascular health. Limited scientific studies have shown that enzymes may exert a positive effect on blood circulation, but more studies need to be done. It is clear that enzymes possess inflammation-fighting qualities that may support general cardiovascular wellness.

Do you ever wonder if you are really getting the most benefit from your vitamins and other supplements you take? Using a quality supplement in a form that the body is able to utilize is the first step to increasing your digestive system's absorption of your supplements. Enzymes can help make the supplements you take even more bioavailable, or easier to absorb.* A study of note compared the absorption of plant-based protein with animal-based protein and whether or not supplemental enzymes would affect absorption. Typically plant proteins are not as readily absorbed by the body as animal protein. In this study taking an enzyme supplement led to peak concentrations of plant-based protein at levels comparable to animal protein intake.*

What enzymes do best is support digestive processes. Digestive enzymes can be very effective for individuals that struggle with digestion issues or sensitivity to certain types of foods. Our bodies already create specific enzymes to break down sugars, fats and other food components. Enzymes can be particularly helpful for occasional issues with digestion, such as bloating because it helps break food down into smaller elements. There are certain foods that contain beneficial enzymes that support digestion, such as raw honey, ginger, pineapples, papaya and avocados. Avocados contain lipase, an enzyme that is helpful for breaking down fat for digestion, ideal for those who have trouble eating a meal with a higher fat content. If you struggle with eating high fiber foods like beans, alpha galactosidase enzymes may help. Commonly used enzyme supplements often contain bromelain and papain. Bromelain from pineapples and papain from papaya are enzymes that break down protein. In fact, bromelain is an ingredient often added to meat tenderizer. It’s important to remember that enzymes become fragile when exposed to heat. For the best benefits, enjoy these foods in their raw form to maximize enzyme content. You can also get enzymes in a convenient softgel form with Nature’s Lab EnZym Balance. This supplement contains 16 enzymes including alpha galactosidase, bromelain and papain. It also includes soothing aloe vera gel leaf, ginger powder and turmeric powder.