What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes play an essential role in how your body processes the food you eat. Without them, food would not be properly broken down into smaller components that your body can absorb and use.

When digestion is inefficient, nutrients may not be absorbed as effectively. This can contribute to digestive discomfort such as bloating or gas. For this reason, digestive enzymes are commonly discussed as part of digestive support routines.

In this article, we’ll cover what digestive enzymes are, what they do, where they come from, and how they’re commonly used to support digestion.

In This Article:

• What Are Digestive Enzymes?
• Why Does Your Body Need Digestive Enzymes?
• What Do Digestive Enzymes Do?
• Digestive Enzyme Production
• Types of Digestive Enzymes and What They Do
• Commonly Discussed Benefits of Digestive Enzymes
• Natural Sources of Digestive Enzymes
• Digestive Enzymes vs. Probiotics
• Digestive Enzyme Supplements
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins produced by the body that help break down food into smaller components (such as amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars) so those nutrients can be absorbed and utilized.

Digestive enzymes are present throughout the digestive system, including:

• Saliva
• Stomach
• Pancreas
• Small intestine

Each enzyme targets a specific type of nutrient and plays a role in normal digestion.

Why Does Your Body Need Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are necessary for nutrient absorption. Without them, the body would not be able to properly digest proteins, carbohydrates, or fats.

These nutrients are required for energy production, tissue maintenance, and many normal physiological processes. When food is not adequately broken down, digestive discomfort may occur. On top of that, nutrient utilization may be less efficient.

What Do Digestive Enzymes Do?

Digestive enzymes help break down:

• Proteins into amino acids
• Carbohydrates into simple sugars such as glucose
• Fats into fatty acids and glycerol

When digestion is inefficient, some individuals may experience bloating, gas, or discomfort after meals. Supporting digestion may help improve how nutrients are utilized, especially when meals are larger or higher in protein or fat.

If the body can better utilize nutrients, it could help support better results with health and fitness goals.

Digestive Enzyme Production

The body naturally produces digestive enzymes, with the pancreas playing a primary role.

Certain medical conditions, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, are known to impair enzyme production and digestion (1). Outside of diagnosed conditions, digestive comfort and efficiency can vary from person to person. It all comes down to factors such as meal composition and individual tolerance.

Types of Digestive Enzymes and What They Do

There are several types of digestive enzymes, each with a specific function.

Lipase

Lipase helps break down dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol, supporting fat digestion.

Amylase

Amylase assists in breaking down carbohydrates such as starches into simple sugars. It is found in both saliva and pancreatic secretions, which is why digestion begins in the mouth.

Proteases

Proteases help break down proteins into amino acids and peptides. Amino acids are required for normal tissue repair and maintenance.

Additional enzymes commonly discussed include:

Lactase: assists with lactose digestion

Bromelain: a protease derived from pineapple

Papain: a protease derived from papaya

Different enzymes target different components of food. This is why multi-enzyme formulations are commonly used. It can be a great way to help support the digestion and utilization of each macronutrient.

Benefits of Digestive Enzymes

Supports Digestive Function

Digestive enzymes assist in the breakdown of food. This may help reduce feelings of bloating or discomfort after meals in some people (2).

Supports Nutrient Utilization

By helping break down food, digestive enzymes support the body’s ability to utilize these nutrients (2).

Supports Digestive Comfort

Efficient digestion places less strain on the digestive tract, which may help support meal tolerance and comfort.

Natural Sources of Digestive Enzymes

Some foods naturally contain digestive enzymes, including:

• Fruits
• Pineapple (bromelain)
• Papaya (papain)
• Mango (amylases)
• Kiwi (actinidain)
• Fermented Foods
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Miso

While these foods can contribute enzymes, intake varies. Enzyme content can also differ depending on preparation and portion size.

Digestive Enzymes vs. Probiotics

Digestive enzymes and probiotics serve different roles.

Digestive Enzymes:

• Are not living organisms
• Assist in breaking down food
• Support digestion and nutrient breakdown

Probiotics:

• Are live beneficial bacteria
• Support the gut microbiome
• Play a role in digestive balance

They are often used together because they support digestion in complementary ways. Individual responses may vary.

Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Digestive enzyme supplements typically contain a blend of enzymes designed to assist in breaking down multiple types of nutrients.

They are commonly used because:

• Enzyme dosing is consistent
• Multiple enzymes are provided in one product
• They support digestion without adding calories

When used as directed, digestive enzyme supplements can help support digestion and meal tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are digestive enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins that assist in breaking down food into absorbable nutrients.

How do I know if digestive enzymes may be helpful?

Individuals who experience bloating, gas, or discomfort after meals may consider digestive enzymes as part of a digestive support routine.

Can digestive enzymes be taken with other supplements?

Digestive enzymes are commonly used alongside other supplements and are not known to interfere with their use.

How quickly do digestive enzymes work?

Some individuals notice digestive comfort shortly after use, while others may take longer. Responses vary.

Supporting Digestive Comfort

Digestive enzyme supplements are commonly used by individuals who experience digestive discomfort. This can be after meals for those who consume higher-protein or higher-fat diets.

At 1st Phorm, we don’t cut corners. We design every product to be maximally effective to help you get incredible results. The same can be said about our digestive enzyme supplements.

Not only do we have our own Digestive Enzymes formula, but far more gut-health supplements that can help support your health goals.

My go-to is Opti-Greens 50. It’s more than just digestive enzymes, though. It has probiotics, organic grasses, superfoods, vegetables, fruits, and herbs to help support overall gut health and digestion.

Try Opti-Greens 50 for yourself today!

...and if you have any additional questions or need any help in the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We have a full team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Nutrition Coaches right here in St. Louis, Missouri.

Just give us a call at 1-800-409-9732 or send us an email at CustomerService@1stPhorm.com. We're available Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 8 PM Central and Saturday & Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM Central. We’ll be more than happy to help in any way we can!

References:

(1) Tian, Chao, et al. “Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, Jan. 2025.

(2) Ianiro, Gianluca, et al. “Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases.” Current Drug Metabolism, vol. 17, no. 2, 2016, pp. 187–193.

(3) Yang, Yifan, et al. “Potential Roles of Exogenous Proteases and Lipases as Prebiotics.” Nutrients, vol. 17, no. 5, 2025, article 924.

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