Digestive Enzymes: What Supplement Breaks Down Food?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

The body naturally creates digestive enzymes to break down food for nutrient absorption. When natural production is insufficient, a digestive enzyme supplement is the primary supplement that breaks down food, assisting in the digestion of carbs, proteins, and fats.

Quick Summary

Digestive enzyme supplements contain proteins like amylase, lipase, and protease to aid in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They help improve nutrient absorption and can alleviate symptoms of poor digestion such as bloating, gas, and discomfort in some individuals.

Key Points

Digestive Enzymes: Proteins that break down food (carbs, fats, and proteins) into absorbable nutrients for the body.
Amylase, Protease, and Lipase: The three main types of enzymes that target carbs, protein, and fat respectively, and are found in most broad-spectrum supplements.
Who Benefits: Individuals with specific deficiencies (e.g., lactose intolerance) or diagnosed conditions like Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency may require supplements.
Beyond Enzymes: Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics feed them, both supporting a healthy digestive ecosystem.
Choosing a Supplement: Opt for products with standardized potency units (HUT, DU, etc.) and third-party verification for quality assurance.
Natural Sources: Foods like pineapple, papaya, and avocado contain natural digestive enzymes, though supplementation provides a more consistent dose.
Expert Guidance: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements to address potential underlying issues and ensure safety.

Understanding the Role of Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are biological catalysts, or proteins, that speed up the chemical reactions involved in digestion. They work by breaking down large, complex food molecules into smaller, absorbable components. Your body naturally produces these enzymes in several areas, including the salivary glands, stomach, and pancreas. When these systems are not functioning optimally, an enzyme deficiency can occur, leading to digestive issues and malabsorption. Supplemental enzymes mimic the body's natural processes to assist with digestion.

The Three Main Classes of Digestive Enzymes

Most comprehensive digestive enzyme supplements contain a blend of three key enzyme types, each targeting a specific macronutrient:

Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates and starches into simple sugars. A lack of amylase can lead to bloating or gas after eating carbs.
Protease: This family of enzymes breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Incomplete protein digestion can result in a feeling of heaviness after a high-protein meal. Protease enzymes can also be plant-derived, such as bromelain and papain.
Lipase: Breaks down dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Symptoms of low lipase activity can include greasy stools or digestive discomfort after consuming fatty foods.

Other Important Digestive Enzymes

Beyond the core trio, several other enzymes may be included to target specific food intolerances:

Lactase: Breaks down lactose in dairy products. Individuals with lactose intolerance lack sufficient lactase.
Cellulase: Breaks down cellulose, a plant fiber humans cannot digest on their own. It can help reduce gas and bloating from high-fiber vegetables.
Alpha-galactosidase: Breaks down complex carbohydrates in beans and vegetables like broccoli. It is the active enzyme in products like Beano.

Should You Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements?

For a healthy individual, the body's natural enzyme production is typically sufficient. However, certain health conditions cause a lack of enzymes, making supplementation necessary, such as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) where prescription pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is used, and lactose intolerance. Early research also suggests potential benefits for some with IBS or functional dyspepsia, but more studies are needed. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

How to Choose a High-Quality Supplement

Consider the blend of enzymes, potency, source, and third-party certifications:

Blend of Enzymes: A broad-spectrum blend is good for general support, while targeted enzymes like lactase or alpha-galactosidase address specific intolerances.
Potency (Activity Units): Enzymes are measured in activity units (HUT, DU, FCCIP) which indicate strength, rather than milligrams.
Source: Enzymes can be from animal (pancreatin) or plant/fungal sources. Plant-based enzymes may work across a wider pH range.
Third-Party Testing: Look for seals from independent organizations like NSF or USP to verify safety and quality.
Allergens and Fillers: Check for potential irritants in the ingredients list.

Supporting Digestion with Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for optimal digestion and immune function. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed these beneficial bacteria. A healthy gut ecosystem supports the work of your natural and supplemental enzymes.

Comparison of Key Digestive Supplements


Supplement	Primary Function	Best For	Typical Symptoms Addressed
Digestive Enzymes	Breaks down macronutrients (carbs, fats, proteins) into smaller, absorbable units.	General digestive support, malabsorption, specific deficiencies (e.g., lactose intolerance).	Bloating, gas, indigestion, undigested food in stool, feelings of fullness.
Probiotics	Introduces beneficial bacteria to balance the gut microbiome.	Restoring gut balance after antibiotics, IBS, general gut health maintenance.	Diarrhea, constipation, gut flora imbalance.
Prebiotics	Feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their growth and activity.	Improving gut flora diversity and function.	Constipation, supporting a healthy gut ecosystem.
Betaine HCl	Increases stomach acid levels.	Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), which can impair protein digestion.	Indigestion, burping, and other symptoms associated with low stomach acid.

Natural Sources of Digestive Enzymes

Some raw foods contain natural digestive enzymes:

Pineapple: Contains bromelain, a protease.
Papaya: Contains papain, another protease.
Avocado: Provides lipase for fat digestion.
Raw Honey: Contains amylase and protease.
Sauerkraut: Fermentation creates beneficial enzymes.

While helpful, the enzyme content in these foods can be inconsistent, making supplements a more reliable option for managing deficiencies.

Conclusion

For diagnosed enzyme deficiencies, prescription supplements are most effective. For occasional discomfort, an over-the-counter broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement may help. Due to lack of FDA regulation for OTC supplements, efficacy varies. Choose products with third-party testing and standardized potency units. A comprehensive approach includes supplements, a healthy diet with fiber-rich foods, hydration, and stress management. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. For more information, you can visit the Johns Hopkins Medicine guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary supplement that breaks down food is a digestive enzyme supplement. These contain various enzymes like amylase, lipase, and protease to help digest carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively.

You might need a supplement if you experience frequent bloating, gas, indigestion, or see undigested food particles in your stool. However, only a healthcare professional can diagnose a specific enzyme deficiency and recommend the right course of action.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that add beneficial bacteria to your gut, supporting overall gut health. Digestive enzymes are proteins that actively break down food molecules. Probiotics support the environment, while enzymes do the direct work of digestion.

Yes, some raw foods contain natural digestive enzymes, including pineapple (bromelain), papaya (papain), and avocado (lipase). However, the enzyme content can be inconsistent and may not be sufficient for those with a deficiency.

While generally safe, digestive enzyme supplements can cause mild gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain in some individuals. High doses of protease may also cause an upset stomach.

No, over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements are not regulated by the FDA. This means their dosage, ingredients, and concentration are not guaranteed, which makes selecting a third-party tested brand important.

Betaine HCl is a supplement often used to increase stomach acid, which is crucial for protein digestion. However, it should only be used under a doctor's guidance, as it is not suitable for those with ulcers or reflux.