20
Considered
170
of Research
99
Examined
5
Interviewed
Pro and prebiotics often steal the spotlight in digestive health, but let's not overlook digestive enzyme supplements. They're key players in nutrient absorption, with amylase tackling carbs, lipase on fats, and protease for proteins.
Missing out on these can mean trouble like indigestion, gas, and bloating. Some experts even believe they're more crucial than live microorganisms for nutrient breakdown and absorption.
However, our thorough testing, guided by our dietitian, revealed that many enzyme supplements fall short, with some even causing unpleasant side effects.
But don't worry, we've found the best ones to share with you.
The Best Digestive Enzymes
- Best Overall Digestive Enzyme Supplement: EnzymeMD Digestive Enzyme Supplement
- Cheapest Digestive Enzyme Supplement: NOW Super Enzymes
- Best Digestive Enzymes for Lactose Intolerance: DigestWell
- Best Digestive Enzyme Capsules for IBS: NOW Super Enzymes
- Best Digestive Enzyme for Gas & Bloating: EnzymeMD Digestive Enzyme Supplement
- Best Digestive Enzyme Supplement With Probiotics: Onnit Total Gut Health
- Strongest Digestive Enzymes Supplement: Enzymedica Digest Spectrum
- Best Vegan Digestive Enzyme Supplement: Dr. Anna Cabeca's Keto-Green Enzymes
Our Top Digestive Enzyme Supplements (April 2024)
1 - EnzymeMD Digestive Enzyme Supplement (Best Overall & for Bloating)
- Main Enzyme Type : Protease
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Claims to contain 18 different types of enzymes to reduce bloating, gas, and cramps
- May provide a boost in probiotics to rebalance your healthy gut bacteria
- Available with good bulk-order discounts
- Many positive comments about it working within about a week
Cons
- The proprietary blend hides the exact amounts of enzymes
EnzymeMD could be your go-to if you're missing various enzymes.
It packs 18 different types, aiming to tackle severe cramps and bloating, plus probiotics for gut balance.
A nice perk? Regular discounts and bulk-buy options on their site.
The downside we saw is that it’s another one of those products with a proprietary blend where you don’t get the exact details.
But from my experience, it's been a game-changer for my digestion, making mornings feel way lighter and side-effect-free.
2 - DigestWell (Best for Lactose Intolerance)
- Main Enzyme Type : Protease 25k HUT
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Suitable for vegans thanks to using only plant-based ingredients
- Claims to be formulated to help maintain the lining of the small intestine
- Seems to work well for people who suffer from bloating, gas, and cramps due to lactose intolerance
Cons
- It may contain some traces of nuts
This supplement's a bit lighter on dosage, perfect if your stomach troubles aren't too harsh.
It's vegan-friendly, using only plant-based ingredients.
The formula is designed to soothe the lower stomach lining, a common trouble spot.
Many users, especially those with lactose intolerance, reported relief after dairy meals
One of my members who had a mild lactose intolerance noted an ease in her usual post-dairy discomfort during the testing phase.
Just a heads-up, though – if you're allergic to nuts, tread carefully.
3 - Dr. Anna Cabeca's Keto-Green Enzymes (Best Vegan)
- Main Enzyme Type : Protease 120k HUT
Pros and Cons
Pros
- May provide one of the broadest ranges of digestive enzymes
- Seems to work well to break down dairy products
- Entirely plant-based making it suitable for vegans
Cons
- Free shipping is only available on bulk orders or subscriptions
Next up is Dr. Anna's digestive enzyme supplement.
It stands out as it's genuinely based on scientific research, unlike some others claiming doctor formulation.
Reviews often praise its ability to tackle dairy digestion issues, like easing stomach upsets or bloating from cheese.
I was personally surprised by Dr. Anna’s enzyme effectiveness. I enjoyed the dairy products with ease during the trials.
A little tip - consider the bulk order or subscription option to save on shipping costs.
4 - Ora Organic Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes Powder
- Main Enzyme Type : Protease 48k HUT
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Seems to be pretty fast-acting and may help with digestive issues within days
- Promotes healthy digestion
- It’s dairy, soy, and gluten-free to avoid common allergies
- Comes in a powdered form with a tasty pineapple flavor
Cons
- The exact amounts of ingredients are hidden behind a proprietary blend
If you’re looking for organic digestive enzyme supplements, then Ora may have you covered. All the plant-based enzymes are from certified organic sources.
And the combination of different types seems to be working well for users.
I don't like swallowing tablets, and seeing that it came in powdered form was a plus for me. I personally loved the taste that worked well in my morning smoothie ritual.
The only thing we didn’t like is that the exact details about the amounts of enzymes and ingredients are hidden behind a proprietary blend.
5 - Onnit Total Gut Health (Best With Probiotics)
- Main Enzyme Type : Protease 80k HUT
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Claims to provide a medically proven combination of digestive enzymes
- Contains some added probiotics to rebalance your gut flora
- Comes in convenient packets to bring with you to take while on the go
Cons
- It’s quite an expensive product
The Onnit digestive enzyme supplement is another one that looks like it has been formulated based on scientific research.
Our dietitian confirmed that the combination and amounts of enzymes might be just the right balance to settle most stomach issues after eating.
And because it comes in convenient packets, you may be able to bring it with you if you’re eating a larger meal away from home.
The one thing I would say based on my experience with it is that it’s not the cheapest product, but the quality justified the cost, and it has some added probiotics and prebiotics as well.
6 - Rainbow Light Advanced Enzyme System
- Main Enzyme Type : Bromelain 40k PU
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Claims to use a proven digestive herb blend to settle bloating and indigestion
- Vegan certified option based on plant sources
- Many positive reviews that it might help break down dairy products
Cons
- Some reviewers said it could take several weeks to become effective
The Rainbow Light digestive enzyme supplement is mainly focused on delivering bromelain, which reports by Medical News Today shows it plays a role in reducing inflammation and breaking down protein into amino acids [1].
And inflammation is a common problem when it comes to bowel issues, especially those that cause pain and cramping.
A few of our clients have been using it during bulking phases where they eat large volumes of food, and they found it seemed to help with a faster breakdown of fat and dairy protein.
While it does seem to work well, we did note that a few users said that it could take several weeks to notice a significant difference.
7 - American Health Super Papaya Enzyme
- Main Enzyme Type : Protease 4,800 USP
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free from the most common allergens to not cause reactions
- The tablets are chewable which may suit people who don’t like swallowing tablets
- Many positive reviews about improvements in digestive functions
Cons
- Full serving sizes come in 3 tablets
This supplement is all about plant-based enzymes, steering clear of usual allergens like gluten and soy – great for dodging even minor allergies.
It's got a neat twist: the tablets are chewable and taste good, perfect if you're not into swallowing big pills.
I've given these a good run during our tests and found they do ease post-meal stomach troubles.
Just make sure you set yourself a reminder throughout the day to take all three tablets to get the full dosage.
8 - Enzymedica Digest Spectrum (Strongest Option)
- Main Enzyme Type : Protease 98k HUT
Pros and Cons
Pros
- One of the strongest digestive enzyme supplements available
- Seems to work well for dairy intolerances
- Might also work for people with gluten allergies
Cons
- Some people found it didn’t work fast enough
Enzymedica's supplement caught our attention as possibly the most potent in delivering protease, known for breaking down unwanted nutrients and bacteria.
A team member, often troubled by gas and bloating from certain cheeses, found long-term relief with this supplement.
While it does provide a stronger dose, keep in mind, that some of our users mentioned it could take a couple of weeks to feel a major difference, especially for more severe digestive problems.
9 - NOW Super Enzymes (Cheapest & Best for IBS)
- Main Enzyme Type : Amylase 37k USP
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Positive comments from people who seemed to have some relief from IBS
- Seems to work well for digesting healthy fats more effectively
- Comes in a good bulk-order bottle
Cons
- It’s limited to just three types of enzymes
The NOW digestive enzyme supplement is mainly based on amylase, which, according to Dr. Axe, has been shown to play a key role in breaking down carbs [2].
This could be particularly useful for athletes who are going through a carb-loading phase for a competitive event or when building more muscle.
We also noted a few online comments from people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or low stomach acid who found that it may help reduce the symptoms.
The only downside is that this is one of the products that is limited to just three enzymes, so it may not solve all tummy troubles.
10 - Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes Ultra
- Main Enzyme Type : Protease 60k HUT
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides a broad selection of enzymes that might help with digestive issues
- Contains a good dose of alpha-galactosidase to reduce gas
- Free from the most common allergens to not cause reactions
Cons
- The capsules might be a bit large for some people to swallow
The final one of our recommended digestive enzyme supplements is one that we liked because of a decent amount of alpha-galactosidase.
According to Global Healing, this enzyme is key in breaking down complex sugars and fats, often linked to cramps and bloating [3].
The enzyme lineup looks promising, and it's crafted to dodge common allergens like soy and gluten.
Just a heads-up: the capsules are a tad larger than others we've tried, but don't worry, their size doesn't compromise their effectiveness – my digestion was smooth sailing.
How We Picked and Tested the Products
My team and I prioritized products that were potent, natural, and clinically proven when selecting products on our list for digestive enzyme supplements.
Enzyme Types and Diversity
When selecting the best digestive enzyme supplements, my team and I focused on the variety and types of enzymes included. We understood that a diverse range of enzymes, targeting different nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, was crucial for comprehensive digestive support.
Potency and Activity Units
We also paid close attention to the potency and activity units of the enzymes. This involved examining how effective each enzyme was in breaking down specific food components, ensuring that the supplements we chose were powerful enough to make a noticeable difference in digestion.
Source (Animal, Plant, Microbial)
The source of the enzymes was another key criterion. We explored options from animal, plant, and microbial sources, considering factors like bioavailability and potential allergenicity. Our aim was to find supplements that were gentle on the stomach yet effective.
Additional Ingredients (Probiotics, Prebiotics)
We also looked for supplements that included beneficial additional ingredients like probiotics and prebiotics. These components can enhance gut health and further aid in digestion, making the supplements more comprehensive in their action.
Quality and Purity Standards
Lastly, quality and purity standards were non-negotiable. We sought products that adhered to high standards, such as being non-GMO and gluten-free, to ensure safety and efficacy. This was crucial in our selection process to provide recommendations that our readers could trust.
Buyer’s Guide - Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Consider these things when planning for digestive enzyme supplementation.
1 - Main Enzyme Type
Keep two things in mind here.
First off, different enzymes tackle different nutrients - some focus on carbs and fats, others on proteins, and a few even target the not-so-welcome stuff.
Secondly, since enzymes work in various parts of your gut. So you'll want a mix of the following:
- Alpha-Galactosidase
- Amylase Thera-blend
- Beta Glucanase
- Cellulase Thera-blend
- Glucoamylase
- Hemicellulase
- Invertase
- L Acidophilus
- Lactase
- Lipase Thera-blend
- Maltase
- Protease Pectinase
- Phytase
- Xylanase
2 - Enzyme Source
You've got animal or plant-based enzymes. Our experiments lean towards plant sources being easier on the stomach.
Most of the stuff we tested was plant-based. Think malting grains or fermenting plants - often more effective than dairy-based enzymes.
3 - Other Helpful Ingredients
Your gut loves enzymes for breaking down big nutrients. But, if you're dealing with gas or bloating, it might be a bacteria party gone wrong in there.
Adding some pro and prebiotics to your enzyme mix can help balance things out, tackling issues like cramps or diarrhea.
And hey, if you've got recurring stomach woes or a weak immune system, enzyme supplements could be a game-changer.
4 - Artificial Ingredients
We always recommend that you avoid a digestive enzyme supplement with artificial substances added in.
According to reports by CNBC, there is increasing evidence that chemical sweeteners and flavors might be causing serious damage to your digestive tract and gut flora [4].
Always read the label, especially with powders or chewables - these are often where the artificial stuff hides.
5 - Flavors
I totally get that not everyone likes swallowing tablets and that a supplement powder might be more convenient.
But you have to be careful when it comes to flavors. The nicest tasting ones are often full of sugars or artificial ingredients mentioned above.
Don’t be fooled into buying something just because it might taste great. That doesn’t mean getting something that requires you to pinch your nose, but natural flavors should be a priority.
Natural Enzyme-Rich Foods
I already mentioned that dietitians generally recommend plant-based enzymes, and here are six ways to get natural digestive enzymes into your gut.
1 - Pineapple
One of the key digestive enzymes to reduce inflammation is bromelain, and pineapples are the richest source of this enzyme. It also happens to be delicious, and if you have a regular fruit smoothie, then make sure you add some.
2 - Papaya
This tropical fruit is claimed to be rich in protease, which may play a key role in breaking down protein. It might also help you deal with constipation and other IBS or enzyme deficiency-related issues.
3 - Mango
We’re on a tropical fruit roll here, but mangoes could help you get a good dose of amylase to help you better break down starchy materials. Complex carbs normally require a lot of digestion time, which a digestive enzyme like amylase could significantly reduce.
4 - Honey
The more natural the honey, the better, which means less processing and ideally from an organic source. It’s rich in protease and amylase to better process proteins and carbs.
5 - Bananas
While green bananas might be a richer source of fiber, nicely ripened ones contain two important enzymes called amylase and glucosidase. These break down starch into sugars, which is why ripe bananas taste sweeter.
“You can simply let nature take its course and ripen a banana over time. You can also try to speed things up by sticking the bunch in a paper bag to trap ethylene and hasten the production of amylase.”
- Stella Parks, Food Writer
6 - Avocados
Unlike other fruits, avocados are low in sugar and rich in healthy fat. To help you break down that fat more easily, they also contain a digestive enzyme called lipase.
FAQs
When Should You Take Digestive Enzymes?
You should take digestive enzymes right before or while eating a meal. This might not be recommended for smaller meals, but if you take a single dose per day, it's better to take it with your main meal.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar as Good as Digestive Enzymes?
No, apple cider vinegar is not as good as digestive enzymes. The benefits are very different; ACV doesn’t deliver digestive enzymes to your stomach.
Is It Ok to Take Digestive Enzymes Every Day?
Yes, it’s OK to take digestive enzymes every day, but most people only need to take them occasionally. If you have more serious stomach issues, talk to your doctor before taking them long-term.
Do Digestive Enzymes Make You Poop?
No, digestive enzymes don’t make you poop. They may actually break down more of your food to be absorbed, resulting in less waste being passed through your system.
Can Digestive Enzymes Irritate the Stomach?
Yes, digestive enzymes can irritate the stomach in some cases. But there shouldn't be an issue for people who already suffer from common stomach issues. Most will actually be relieved of cramps and bloating.
The Best Digestive Enzyme Supplement Is
After testing about 50 of the apparently best digestive enzymes, we brought it all down to 1MD’s EnzymeMD.
It has 18 different enzymes that could improve your digestive health.
We also found that the majority of our clients preferred it, and many of them said that they were better able to deal with dairy products after taking it in just a week.
Order yours today and see how quickly it might be able to help you with common digestion issues.
Our #1 Recommendation
EnzymeMD Digestive Enzyme Supplement (Best Overall & for Bloating)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Claims to contain 18 different types of enzymes to reduce bloating, gas, and cramps
- May provide a boost in probiotics to rebalance your healthy gut bacteria
- Available with good bulk-order discounts
- Many positive comments about it working within about a week
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of April
- The proprietary blend hides the exact amounts of enzymes
About The Author
You May Also Like
