What Supplements Contain Digestive Enzymes for Better Digestion?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, digestive enzyme supplementation can be beneficial for those with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions. Understanding what supplements contain digestive enzymes is essential for individuals seeking to support their digestion and nutrient absorption.

Quick Summary

Digestive enzyme supplements come in many forms, sourced from plants, animals, or microbes. Common types include proteases, amylases, and lipases, found in over-the-counter options, specialized blends, and prescription medications for various digestive needs.

Key Points

Sources of Digestive Enzymes: Supplements can contain enzymes derived from plant-based sources (pineapple, papaya), fungal/microbial sources (yeast), and animal pancreases.
Common Enzyme Types: Key enzymes include proteases (for protein), amylases (for carbohydrates), and lipases (for fats), found in both over-the-counter and prescription products.
Lactase Supplements: Specific supplements like Lactaid contain the lactase enzyme, helping individuals with lactose intolerance break down dairy sugars.
Prescription vs. OTC: Prescription digestive enzymes, like pancrelipase, are FDA-regulated and required for specific medical conditions affecting the pancreas, unlike unregulated over-the-counter options.
Natural Food Sources: Incorporating enzyme-rich foods such as pineapple, papaya, avocado, and fermented products can also support natural digestive processes.
Choosing the Right Supplement: Selection should be based on identifying your specific digestive issues, dietary preferences (e.g., vegan), and consulting a healthcare professional.

Understanding the Role of Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are specialized proteins that catalyze, or speed up, the breakdown of food into smaller, more easily absorbable nutrients. The human body produces a wide range of these enzymes naturally in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine. However, for some individuals, certain medical conditions or dietary choices can necessitate the use of supplemental enzymes to aid in this process. These supplements can be derived from several sources, including plants, fungi, and animals.

Plant and Fungi-Derived Enzymes

Many over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements utilize enzymes harvested from plant or fungal sources. These can be particularly appealing for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. The following are some of the most common types found in these supplements:

Bromelain: Sourced from pineapples, this is a proteolytic enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins.
Papain: Extracted from papayas, this is another proteolytic enzyme known for its ability to break down proteins.
Lactase: This enzyme, often derived from purified yeast or fungi, is essential for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk products. Supplements containing lactase, like Lactaid, are widely available over-the-counter for those with lactose intolerance.
Alpha-galactosidase: Commonly found in products like Beano, this enzyme is derived from fungi and helps the body digest complex carbohydrates found in foods like beans and legumes, reducing gas and bloating.

Pancreatic and Animal-Derived Enzymes

For some individuals with specific medical conditions affecting the pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis, prescription-strength digestive enzymes are necessary. These are often derived from the pancreases of pigs or cows and contain a potent combination of the primary digestive enzymes:

Pancrelipase: This is a prescription medication that is FDA-regulated and contains a blend of amylase, lipase, and protease. It is used in pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to help the body break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Trypsin and Chymotrypsin: These proteolytic enzymes are typically sourced from the pancreases of animals and are highly effective in breaking down proteins.

Multi-Enzyme Blends

Beyond single-enzyme products, many supplements offer a combination of multiple enzymes to provide comprehensive digestive support. These blends often feature a mix of proteases, amylases, and lipases from various plant and fungal sources to target the digestion of different food types. They may also include other ingredients aimed at promoting gut health.

Comparison of Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Choosing the right digestive enzyme supplement depends largely on your specific digestive needs. The following table compares different types of supplements based on their source and primary function.


Supplement Type	Primary Source(s)	Main Enzymes	Best For	Considerations
Lactase	Fungi (Yeast)	Lactase	Lactose intolerance	Only targets dairy digestion.
Plant-Based Blends	Pineapple, Papaya, Fungi	Bromelain, Papain, Amylase, Lipase	General digestive support, vegan/vegetarian	Enzyme potency can vary widely among brands.
Alpha-Galactosidase	Fungi	Alpha-galactosidase	Digestion of beans/legumes	Specifically addresses complex carbohydrate digestion.
Prescription Pancreatic Enzymes (e.g., PERT)	Pancreases of pigs, cows	Pancrelipase (Amylase, Lipase, Protease)	Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)	Requires a doctor's prescription; FDA-regulated.
Microbial Enzymes	Fungi, Bacteria	Various Amylases, Proteases, Lipases	Broad-spectrum digestion support	Good for vegetarians, often stable over a wide pH range.

How to Choose a Digestive Enzyme Supplement

Selecting the correct supplement requires careful consideration and, ideally, consultation with a healthcare professional, especially for those with existing health conditions.

Identify the problem: Are you struggling to digest dairy (lactose intolerance), or do you experience general bloating and gas after meals? The specific problem will dictate the type of enzyme needed.
Evaluate the source: If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, plant-based or microbial enzyme supplements are the only suitable options.
Check for potency: Since the FDA does not regulate most over-the-counter supplements, potency and dosage can be inconsistent. Research reputable brands and look for independent third-party verification.
Consider prescription options: For diagnosed conditions like EPI, a doctor will prescribe a specific, FDA-regulated pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. These are not interchangeable with over-the-counter products.
Review ingredient combinations: Some blends offer a wider spectrum of enzyme types, which may be more beneficial for general digestive issues, while single-enzyme supplements are more targeted for specific sensitivities.

Dietary Sources of Digestive Enzymes

Before turning to supplements, some individuals can improve their digestive health by incorporating certain foods naturally rich in enzymes into their diet. While these may not be sufficient for treating clinical deficiencies, they can support healthy digestion.

Pineapple: Contains bromelain, which aids protein digestion.
Papaya: Contains papain, another protein-digesting enzyme.
Avocado: A good source of the enzyme lipase, which helps break down fats.
Mangoes and Bananas: Both contain amylases that assist with carbohydrate breakdown.
Honey: Raw honey contains both amylase and protease.
Fermented Foods: Options like sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi are rich in digestive enzymes and beneficial probiotics.

Conclusion

Digestive enzyme supplements can be a powerful tool for supporting digestive health and improving nutrient absorption, especially for those with diagnosed deficiencies. Supplements are available in various forms, from single-enzyme solutions for specific issues like lactose intolerance to broad-spectrum blends sourced from plants, animals, or microbes. While many over-the-counter options are available, prescription-strength enzymes are necessary for more severe conditions and are regulated more stringently. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to determine the underlying cause of digestive issues and select the safest, most effective treatment. Combining a smart supplement strategy with a diet rich in enzyme-producing foods can offer the best path toward optimizing digestive wellness. For additional resources on diet and nutrition, visit the official USDA site at Nutrition.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plant-based enzymes, like bromelain from pineapple or papain from papaya, are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Animal-based enzymes, derived from the pancreases of pigs or cows, are typically more potent and found in prescription medications used to treat conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Yes, for some individuals. Supplements containing enzymes like alpha-galactosidase (for legumes) or a broad-spectrum blend of amylase, lipase, and protease can help break down hard-to-digest carbohydrates and other food components, reducing the gas and bloating that results from improper digestion.

People with medically diagnosed conditions that cause enzyme deficiency, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis, may require prescription enzymes. Individuals with specific intolerances, like lactose intolerance, or those experiencing mild, general digestive discomfort might benefit from over-the-counter options after consulting a healthcare provider.

No. Most over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Only prescription pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies, such as pancrelipase, are FDA-regulated and require a doctor's prescription.

While both aim to improve gut health, probiotics and digestive enzymes are distinct. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut, while enzymes help break down food. Some products combine both, but it's important to check the ingredients list to see which are included.

Yes, many foods contain natural digestive enzymes, including pineapple (bromelain), papaya (papain), and avocado (lipase). Fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut also provide beneficial enzymes. However, natural food sources may not be sufficient for treating a clinical enzyme deficiency.

For most people with mild digestive issues, daily use of over-the-counter enzymes is generally considered safe. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to understand the root cause of your symptoms and ensure the supplement is right for you, especially with long-term use.