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Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements For Digestion To Buy In 2024
Updated on
- Written by Markita Lewis, MS, RD
Medically reviewed by
Kimberly Langdon, MD
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HUM Flatter Me
- Contains both digestive enzymes and herbal blend
- Vegan-friendly
- Third-party tested
Life Extension Enhanced Super Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics
- Formulated to support plant-based diet
- Can help with nutrient absorption
- Great customer service and brand reputation
Gundry MD PrebioThrive
- Contains mostly organic prebiotic ingredients
- Free of added sugars and artificial sugars
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Everyone has had that moment when a meal didn’t quite “sit right” with you and you feel uncomfortable for a while afterward.
In some cases, taking an antacid may give some relief, but it may not be the most effective way to deal with your symptoms. Your digestive issues may be a matter of the enzymes that break down your food into individual nutrients.
If you’re tired of feeling bloated or uncomfortable after your meals and want an enzyme supplement for relief, we’ve rounded up some of the best digestive enzyme supplements for digestion.
Best Digestive Enzymes Supplements For Digestion On The Market In (April. 2024)
- HUM Flatter Me – Editor’s Choice
- Life Extension Enhanced Super Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics – Most Potency
- Gundry MD PrebioThrive – Best for Bloating
- 1MD EnzymeMD – Best Variety
- Live Conscious DigestWell – Most Sustainable
What Are Digestive Enzymes?
Naturally occurring digestive enzymes are small proteins that your body makes to break down food into smaller parts so that our bodies can digest and absorb foods. Without adequate levels of certain digestive enzymes, foods pass through the digestive tract partially digested and cause side effects including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramping.
People with conditions such as lactose intolerance, pancreatic insufficiency – which has to be treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, or certain types of IBS may experience symptoms with eating because they lack the enzymes to break down certain foods.
Best Digestive Enzymes In 2024
HUM Flatter Me
HUM’s Flatter Me is a vegan-friendly digestive enzyme supplement backed by nutritionists and filled with ingredients to help reduce bloat and digestive issues.
- Contains both digestive enzymes and an herbal blend
- Vegan-friendly
- Third-party tested
- Must be taken twice per day
Flatter Me is a digestive enzyme from the beauty supplement company HUM. HUM is a company dedicated to combining beauty and nutrition into all of its products, with nutritionists and dietitians at the core of the company to help provide individualized recommendations.
HUM’s Flatter Me formula combines digestive enzymes and natural ingredients to support healthy digestion and a flatter stomach.
Each vegan capsule has a proprietary enzyme blend of 18 full-spectrum digestive enzymes to break down proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, and milk sugar. Flatter Me also contains an herbal blend of ginger, fennel, and peppermint.
Flatter Me is non-GMO, gluten-free, free of artificial sweeteners and colors, and contains ingredients that are sustainably sourced.
To take Flatter Me, take one capsule twice daily before your two biggest meals of the day.
Each bottle of Flatter Me contains 60 capsules, and HUM offers subscription services to make keeping up with your gut health easy.
Unopened products purchased from HUM can be returned within 30 days for a full refund. If you have opened your product, you can receive store credit from your return if it is within 30 days of purchase.
Life Extension Enhanced Super Digestive Enzymes and Prebiotics
If you’re looking for a potent digestive supplement that also has a probiotic, Life Extension’s Enhanced Super Digestive Enzymes are a great option.
- Formulated to support a plant-based diet
- Can help with nutrient absorption
- Great customer service and brand reputation
- Contains wheat and soybeans
Enhanced Super Digestive Enzymes and Prebiotics are made by Life Extension, a company that strives to help people meet their wellness goals through supplements that have pure ingredients, potent formulas, and are of high quality.
Enhanced Super Digestive Enzymes and Prebiotics were created to support digestion and increase comfort while eating.
Life Extension’s Enhanced Super Digestive Enzymes contain 10 powerful digestive enzymes per vegetarian capsule to digest fats, carbs, and proteins. It also contains B. coagulans, a probiotic[1] shown to reduce IBS symptoms, increase gut nutrient absorption, and increase nutrient availability in the gut.
The formulation is unique in that it is primarily focused on supporting people who follow a plant-based diet.
To get the most use out of Life Extension’s Enhanced Super Digestive Enzymes, take one capsule before you eat. This supplement can be taken one to two times daily before heavy meals.
Each bottle contains 60 vegetarian capsules and this product is free of GMOs. You can save on your purchase if you buy in bulk or choose AutoShip during your purchase.
Life Extension products have an impressive 12-month return policy so that you can replace your product or get store credit easily.
Gundry MD PrebioThrive
PrebioThrive is a top digestive health supplement for many reasons. It is easy to take, contains well-studied prebiotics for gut health and digestion, and is free of gut irritants.
- Contains mostly organic prebiotic ingredients
- Free of added sugars and artificial sugars
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Contains major allergen milk
- Not vegan-friendly
PrebioThrive is a supplement from the well-known supplement brand Gundry MD. Gundry MD was founded by Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiac surgeon who created the concept of Holobiotics, or the belief that true health happens in cooperation with your body’s microbiome.
Gundry MD PrebioThrive is designed to help the good bacteria in your gut and support healthy digestion, energy levels, and overall feelings of wellness.
This formula is a powdered-mix supplement containing 5 prebiotics in a proprietary prebiotic blend – acacia gum, flaxseed, galacto-oligosaccharides, agave inulin, and guar gum to support digestion.[2]
Most of the ingredients in this mix are organic, and the supplement is free of sugar and artificial sugars, soy, and lectins.
To use PrebioThrive, mix one scoop of powder with 8 oz of water or another beverage and take it in the morning. Gundry MD’s website recommends taking this drink mix with a probiotic for a synbiotic effect, given that this supplement contains prebiotics.
Each bottle contains 30 servings of this probiotic powder, and you can purchase a single jar or save by buying in bulk.
Gundry MD’s PrebioThrive has a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee available for your purchase.
1MD EnzymeMD
EnzymeMD covers all aspects of digestion with digestive enzymes, plant-derived enzymes, and powerful probiotics. This doctor-formulated blend is well-rounded with effective ingredients.
- Ingredients are in clinically studied doses
- Contains digestive enzymes, probiotics, and other enzymes
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- May have to take many capsules daily
EnzymeMD is a plant-based digestive enzyme supplement from the company 1MD. This brand commits to having pure ingredients, NSF-certified facilities, and products made with ingredients in their clinically studied doses.
1MD Nutrition also works with a group of board-certified doctors to create their formulations to support different functions of the body. EnzymeMD was formulated by a board-certified gastroenterologist and made to help with indigestion, bloating, and long-term digestive health.
This broad-spectrum digestive enzyme blend contains the powerful probiotic S. boulardii and 18 plant-based enzymes to break down fats, carbs, proteins, lactose, and cellulose. It also contains bromelain and papain, natural enzymes from papaya and papaya that support nutrient absorption and digestive health.
S. boulardii is a yeast[3] with probiotic properties and is shown to be effective in supporting a healthy gut microbiome, and normal intestinal function, and helping symptoms of digestive issues.
For best results, take one to two capsules of EnzymeMD about 20-30 minutes before each meal.
You can choose to purchase a single 60-capsule bottle or save more when you buy in bulk or subscribe. All purchases have a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Live Conscious DigestWell
Live Conscious lives up to its name by using plant-based digestive enzymes, sustainable packaging, and consciously sourced ingredients in its comprehensive digestive enzyme supplement.
- Contains enzymes, probiotics, and botanicals
- Supplements are third-party tested
- 365-day money-back guarantee
- Contains major allergens milk, wheat, and soy
Live Conscious is a brand that focuses on creating supplements meant to balance the mind, body, and spirit in the modern world, combining traditional wisdom with contemporary science.
Live Conscious has a large commitment to sustainability in its product sourcing, packaging, and how it gives back to the environment.
DigestWell is a fast-acting digestive support supplement formulated for gas and bloating, as well as aiding in nutrient absorption.
Each capsule of DigestWell contains 10 broad-spectrum digestive enzymes; botanicals including ginger extract, fennel powder, peppermint leaf, papain, and bromelain; and B. subtilis DE111, a probiotic.
B. subtilis DE111 is a clinically studied[4] strain that supports the gut microbiota and can positively impact anti-inflammatory immune system activity.
DigestWell is non-GMO, preservative-free, and third-party tested for quality. Each bottle contains 90 vegetarian capsules.
For best results, take one DigestWell capsule 20 minutes before each meal with 8 ounces of water.
You can purchase DigestWell as a one-time purchase or save when you buy in bulk or subscribe. DigestWell has a 365-day money-back guarantee on all of its products.
Types Of Digestive Enzymes
Special digestive enzymes[5] exist for the different carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that we typically eat in our diet.
Amylases are the enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugars, while proteases turn proteins into individual amino acids. Lipases break down the fats we eat into smaller fatty acids. Certain digestive enzyme supplements may include lactase (to break down lactose, a milk sugar) or cellulase (to break down cellulose, a type of fiber).
Digestive supplement enzymes can contain one or a combination of different enzymes and may have additional ingredients that can support normal gut function.
Dosage
For the best results with your digestive enzyme supplement, take the dosage recommended on the package. Most brands will recommend taking digestive enzymes from one to two supplement capsules before your two largest meals of the day. However, this is not the case with all digestive enzyme supplements and some may need to be taken with each meal.
If you do not experience any relief from taking the standard dosage of digestive enzymes, speak with your doctor’s best digestive enzymes for personalized recommendations to meet your needs. Your primary care physician or a specialist can help you find the appropriate dosage of individual digestive enzymes[5] if needed.
How Long Does It Take For The Enzyme Supplement To Work?
Most digestive enzyme supplements are fast-acting and don’t take a significant amount of time to start working. For the best results, take your enzyme supplement immediately or up to 30 minutes before your meal for your supplement to have time to work. If you are unsure if an enzyme supplement is working for you, try taking it consistently for a few days to see if you notice any difference in symptoms.
How To Choose The Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements?
We’ve listed some of the top digestive enzyme supplements available, but this is not an exhaustive list. If you have issues with digestion and want to choose a high-quality digestive enzyme supplement, consider these tips below:
Look For Broad-Spectrum Digestive Enzymes
While some people may only need a specific type of digestive enzyme, a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme can be the easiest choice for most. A broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement means that it combines multiple enzymes to break down different nutrients. The best digestive enzyme supplements will contain proteases, amylases, cellulases, lactase, and lipases.
Choose Supplements Free Of Gut Irritants
If you’re choosing a digestive enzyme supplement, be sure that it doesn’t contain any ingredients that could potentially cause digestive symptoms. Artificial sugars are a common cause of digestive upset[6] and lectins can interfere[7] with nutrient absorption if consumed in large quantities.
Look For Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes
Just like human digestive enzymes, animal-derived digestive enzymes work in a small pH range. Typically, the acidic environment of the stomach stops the activity of animal-based enzymes until they can reach the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Plant-based digestive enzymes have the advantage of being able to work at a wider pH range[8] and can stay active throughout more of the digestive process.
Choose Supplements With Other Gut-Supporting Ingredients
In addition to digestive enzymes, other known ingredients can help reduce digestive symptoms and support overall gut health. High-quality digestive enzyme supplements may include probiotics, botanical ingredients like peppermint and fennel, or other plant-based enzymes like bromelain and papain to support gut health.
Choose Independently Tested Supplements
As with any dietary supplements, purity, and potency are two major qualities to look for in the best digestive enzyme supplements. Look for brands that are third-party tested by organizations like NSF International, Consumerlab.com, or USP. Some brands will note that their products have been tested by independent laboratories.
Final Thought
Being able to digest your food properly is essential to life. When your body cannot produce the necessary amounts of enzymes to make digestion easy, then choosing a digestive enzyme supplement can be a great support to your body.
When choosing the best digestive enzyme for you, it may be necessary to choose a single enzyme supplement over a broad-spectrum supplement depending on your individual needs. However, if you simply want some general support for your digestion and gut health, choosing a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme may be best.
Digestive enzyme supplements that contain probiotics, prebiotics, or botanical ingredients can provide additional benefits. Not only do these ingredients assist in the immediate digestion of food, but they can also support long-term gut health.
In addition to a digestive enzyme supplement, it can be helpful to take a look at your diet to determine any food triggers. If you’re unsure of what foods are causing you digestive upset, start keeping a food journal to track patterns in your symptoms and begin to adjust your intake to reduce digestive symptoms. For example, fatty foods such as fried foods may cause upset digestion. Sometimes a special diet is needed to minimize consistent digestive issues – a registered dietitian can help you with finding a diet that is best for your digestive system and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Digestive enzymes are beneficial to digestion and can help improve nutrient absorption and overall gut health.
It is best to take digestive enzymes up to 30 minutes before eating a meal. If you forget to take them before a meal, it is acceptable to take enzymes during or immediately after a meal.
A probiotic is a living microorganism like a bacteria or yeast that provides health benefits when consumed and typically helps break down food components we can’t digest. A digestive enzyme, however, is a protein that is often naturally produced by the body that helps us break down food in our gut.
Traditionally, digestive enzymes are recommended for people with enzyme deficiencies such as lactose intolerance or pancreatic insufficiency. However, people with general indigestion or older adults who have decreased digestive function can benefit from digestive enzymes.
Digestive enzyme supplements are generally safe to take.
+ 8 sources
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- Cao, J., Yu, Z., Liu, W., Zhao, J., Zhang, H., Zhai, Q., & Chen, W. (2020). Probiotic characteristics of Bacillus coagulans and associated implications for human health and diseases. Journal Of Functional Foods, 64, 103643. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2019.103643
- Davani-Davari, D., Negahdaripour, M., Karimzadeh, I., Seifan, M., Mohkam, M., Masoumi, S. J., Berenjian, A., & Ghasemi, Y. (2019). Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 8(3), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8030092
- Pais, P., Almeida, V., Yılmaz, M., & Teixeira, M. C. (2020). Saccharomyces boulardii: What Makes It Tick as Successful Probiotic?. Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland), 6(2), 78. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof6020078
- Freedman, K. E., Hill, J. L., Wei, Y., Vazquez, A. R., Grubb, D. S., Trotter, R. E., Wrigley, S. D., Johnson, S. A., Foster, M. T., & Weir, T. L. (2021). Examining the Gastrointestinal and Immunomodulatory Effects of the Novel Probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE111. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(5), 2453. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22052453
- Ianiro, G., Pecere, S., Giorgio, V., Gasbarrini, A., & Cammarota, G. (2016). Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases. Current drug metabolism, 17(2), 187–193. https://doi.org/10.2174/138920021702160114150137
- Ruiz-Ojeda, F. J., Plaza-Díaz, J., Sáez-Lara, M. J., & Gil, A. (2019). Effects of Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 10(suppl_1), S31–S48. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy037
- Panacer, K., & Whorwell, P. J. (2019). Dietary Lectin exclusion: The next big food trend?. World journal of gastroenterology, 25(24), 2973–2976. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v25.i24.2973
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Written by:
Markita Lewis, MS, RD
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
