Pro Natura’s Fructaid enzyme supplement contains the only enzyme known to help improve fructose absorption: glucose (xylose) isomerase. If you consume excess fructose from foods such as honey, agave nectar, mangos, or asparagus (yes, fructose is in some vegetables, too), this enzyme helps convert the fructose into more absorbable glucose, which can prevent digestive discomfort in sensitive people. Sugar alcohol intolerance: There are currently no digestive enzymes with a proven ability to aid tolerance to sugar alcohols (i.e., ingredients ending in “ol” such as erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol). If you experience digestive upset with these foods, an over-the-counter enzyme is unlikely to provide relief. The body relies on an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO) to break down histamine, a naturally occurring substance found in certain foods such as aged cheese, canned fish, spinach, and eggplant. Match dosage to food portions: Digestive enzymes have a dose-response relationship to the nutrient they target. For a product to be effective, the dose of the enzyme should be enough to match the amount of the food. Products that are blends of multiple enzymes tend to contain smaller amounts of individual enzymes compared to products that offer a single enzyme. Treatment for Lactose Intolerance. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For better digestion of dairy, Pure Encapsulations is a clear winner. It has much higher levels of the digestive enzyme lactase than other digestive enzyme supplements (in some cases, over ten times higher!). Who should buy digestive enzymes? Ox (cow): Commonly found in enzyme products targeting fat digestion (e.g., ox bile supplements), as well as pancreatic enzyme products.* Those who do not eat beef may choose to avoid this ingredient. Of the most researched enzyme products, documented side effects include gastrointestinal upset, such as gas, bloating, and nausea. Products should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of excessive use. High-dose lipase intake, in particular, has been shown to cause damage to the colon walls. When it comes to digestive enzymes, there is no “adjustment period,” so if you find one is not working, or especially if you have an allergic reaction to any supplement, stop taking it. Digestive enzyme” is an umbrella term that includes many types of enzymes, each with its unique function. If you are experiencing digestive issues, you will only benefit from a digestive enzyme supplement if it contains the enzyme or enzymes that are targeted for your specific condition.

The human body naturally produces digestive enzymes to break down food molecules into smaller, easily digestible substances. Many people's bodies generate all the enzymes needed for digestion. However, if you have an enzyme deficiency, you may have trouble breaking down certain foods and experience uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. A common example is lactose intolerance, which is when the body doesn’t make enough of the enzyme lactase, needed to digest lactose (milk sugar). Look for enteric coating: Enzymes are pH-sensitive, meaning their effectiveness will be affected by the acidity of the environment. Enteric coating is an acid-resistant barrier on a pill or capsule that allows the enzyme to remain intact before reaching the small intestine, where it helps with digestion. Enzyme supplements that are enteric-coated are most likely to be effective.

Dhingra D, Michael M, Rajput H, Patil RT. Dietary fibre in foods: a review. J Food Sci Technol. 2012;49(3):255-266. doi:10.1007/s13197-011-0365-5 A: The best digestive enzymes for gastrointestinal health are the ones that are linked directly to digesting the kinds of nutrients you encounter most often in your diet. It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to your healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking. Customize your regimen: Even when a digestive enzyme is appropriately selected for a digestive issue, individual responses can vary. It may take some experimentation with dosage relative to food portions and to the speed of your digestive tract to optimize results. Consider consuming a food both with and without an enzyme supplement and with different amounts of the supplement to determine if and how much is helpful. Have a full spectrum of digestive enzyme to help support healthy digestion and promote good gut bacteriaTo improve fructose digestion, those with DFI can take an enzyme called xylose isomerase (aka glucose isomerase) when eating fructose-containing fruits, vegetables, and sweetened foods. As the name suggests, cellulase is an enzyme that supports the breakdown of cellulose or plant fibre in the body. Cellulose is part of the plant wall in fruits and vegetables, but we don’t have the enzymes to digest this fibre. 15 While some people tolerate high amounts of fibre, others notice extra gas and bloating after eating it. An increasing number of people take digestive enzymes today, especially those with certain health conditions. This includes gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s, hypochlorhydria (having too little stomach acid), or pancreatic insufficiency (too little pancreatic enzymes). Alpha-galactosidase is a supplemental enzyme derived from yeast that can break down GOS when taken with a meal.