12 best digestive enzyme supplements from a nutrition PhD

mbg Associate Food and Health Secretary
mbg Associate Food and Health Secretary
Merrill Reidman is Associate Food and Health Editor at MindbodyGreen. Reidman is a bachelor of journalism from Fordham University and a minor in film and television. She has covered beauty, health and well-being throughout her editorial career.

Image by Tatzana Zlatkovich / Stocky
June 30, 2022
Digestion is a natural process that occurs in every body - but have you ever wondered how your body actually breaks down food? An important player: digestive enzymes. These proteins are made biologically in the pancreas (there are three main types: amylase, protease and lipase) - however, if your body does not make enough of these, it may be more difficult to digest food and absorb the nutrients you need. Provides a balanced diet.
Although deficiency of digestive enzymes in the body is not completely common, adding this supplement to your routine can make it easier for the body to break down food in general. But really, should everyone take digestive enzymes?
What do digestive enzymes do?
Before determining whether your diet really needs a digestive enzyme supplement, it is important to know what role it plays in the body. "Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food macromolecules into their small building blocks to facilitate their absorption in the body through the intestinal lining," digestive health expert Vincent Pedre, MD, previously explained to MBG. "The body makes a variety of digestive enzymes, from salivary amylase to stomach protease to small intestine lipase."
Simply put, important macronutrients of proteins, fats and carbohydrates are naturally broken down and absorbed by the body. A digestive enzyme supplement supports this function of the body, helping to reap the important benefits of all the healthy foods you eat.
Who can benefit from taking digestive enzymes?
Anyone who is good at intestinal health can benefit by adding a digestive enzyme to their daily routine, to alleviate bloating and discomfort and to make sure you are actually getting nutritional benefits from the type of food you eat. "People with more bloating and gas, especially those over the age of 50, are more likely to have less acid in their stomachs and are at lower risk of producing less enzymes," Terry Wahls, MD, once noted.
Now, without further ado, here are the best digestive enzyme supplements - carefully selected by Ashley Jordan Ferreira, PhD, RDN, Scientific VP of Nutritionist and Mindbodygreen.
Other symptoms that may benefit you from digestive enzymes:
- Lack of regular bowel movements
- Frequent burping
- Feeling full especially after eating
How we chose.
We have chosen supplements that provide high-quality digestive enzymes to support the overall digestion of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, fats and more.
Plant-origin if possible
Although not all nutrients and targeted bioactives are plant-derived by design, our product selections take advantage of as many botanical, herbal and phytonutrients as possible.
In the lineup of selected products, you will find formulas with a spectrum of digestive enzymes and many thought provoking formulas have been created with the help of herbs, prebiotic fiber and even probiotics.
Whether capsules, powder or chewable — we choose to enhance brands and products with high-quality active ingredients and a short, clear list of excipients with useful functions.
Mbg picks for the best digestive enzymes of 2022:
Professional
- Versatile
- 31 Power house components
- Prebiotic, probiotic, digestive enzymes
Dietary considerations: Vegan, Non-GMO, Glue-free, USDA-certified organic, Free milk, Soy-free
Hiding some extra vegetables wherever you can in your day is always a good idea and provides a mixture of organic whole foods as well as enzymes to support smooth digestion while promoting mbg’s organic + healthy gut microbiome. Among other delicious recipes, this is a great way to get the pre- and probiotics as well as the digestive enzymes you need.
Cons
- Not vegan-friendly
- Large pills may cause difficulty in swallowing
Dietary considerations: Non-GMO, Kosher, Vegetarian
Considering a balanced diet contains an array of macronutrients, it just means that your supplement should be able to account for it. This full-spectrum digestive enzyme provides support as your body breaks down proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber into the process of getting the most nutrients out of your diet.
The best pancreatic enzymes with HCL and bile: Designed for Health Digest.

Designed for Health Digest
View on Amazon | $ 40Cons
- If taken without food, stomach may get upset
Dietary considerations: Non-GMO, Vegetarian
Combining betaine HCI as well as pancreatic enzymes to support the digestion of your primary macronutrients, this supplement is great for those who experience gas and bloating after a meal. Supports digestion. *
Best for gluten sensitivity: Metagenics SpectraZyme® Gluten Digest

Metagenics Spectrazyme: Gluten Digest
View on Amazon | $ 85Professional
- Gentle on the stomach
- Increases digestion of gluten *
Cons
- Not vegan-friendly
- Dosage of 2 capsules
- Expensive
Dietary considerations: Non-GMO, Glue-free, Vegetarian
If you struggle with gluten sensitivity, you know that discomfort and bloating can come from eating foods that don’t agree with you. Made with Tolerase G to help with sticky digestion, this supplement will support your body when you eat the food of your choice. *
Cons
- Plastic bottle
- Short-term use only
Dietary considerations: Vegetarian
FODMAPS (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) are short chain carbohydrates that may be more difficult for certain individuals to digest, resulting in bloating. Designed for short-term use to help facilitate digestion of FODMAP-rich foods, this supplement works to enhance the benefits of a low-FODMAP diet and help you and your gut feel your best. *
Professional
- Helps maintain a healthy inflammatory response *
Cons
- 3-capsule serving size
- Plastic bottle
Dietary considerations: Non-GMO, Glue-free, Free milk, Soy-free
The foods you eat can affect your entire body, including your muscles and bones. This supplement specifically works to support the musculoskeletal system, smooth digestion and promote muscle relaxation, as well as joint and cartilage health. *
Cons
- The excipient list (aka "other" ingredients) contains rice, which can be starchy
Dietary considerations: Vegan, Non-GMO, Glue-free, Vegetarian
Although plant-based foods are undoubtedly good for the body, some vegetables can be more difficult to break down and this is where a digestive enzyme becomes useful. This gentle vegetarian formula works with your body to support the digestive system so that you can absorb all the nutrients from your balanced diet with optimal comfort. *
Professional
- Includes probiotic and digestive enzymes
- Provides well-balanced digestion balance *
Dietary considerations: Vegan, Non-GMO, Glue-free, USDA-certified organic, Free milk, Soy-free
Sometimes your gut may need a little extra help to make it feel better, and a probiotic call along with your digestive enzymes can be effective in optimizing digestive health so that your body can absorb nutrients most effectively. Combining a probiotic with four targeted strains to prevent swelling, this combination is the powerhouse pairing your gut needs. *
Professional
- Prebiotics and probiotics
Cons
- Long list of helpers (aka "other" elements)
Dietary considerations: Vegan, Non-GMO, Glue-free, Free milk, Soy-free
Adding probiotics to your diet will naturally feed good bacteria in your gut and along with digestive enzymes you can work for optimal gut health.
Professional
- Budget-friendly
- pH optimized enzyme
Cons
- Not vegan-friendly
- Stomach may be upset
Dietary considerations: Glue-free, Free milk, Raw, Vegetarian
You don’t have to hit your wallet after actually buying a quality supplement that supports your health, and these raw enzyme capsules from the Garden of Life help your body digest solid foods and make it easier to absorb their valuable nutrients. * Optimal to improve pH as you eat as well as complete your digestion, this affordable supplement fits well with vegetarian food.
Cons
- Plastic bottle
- 2-capsule serving size
- Adults only
Dietary considerations: Free milk, Soy-free, Vegetarian
For those who have difficulty swallowing, a chewing supplement, rather than a capsule, may be more suitable for getting the digestive enzymes you need. Taken before meals and offering a wide spectrum of digestive enzymes in one tablet, this supplement has anti-inflammatory benefits and makes food and nutrient absorption much smoother. *
Dietary considerations: Non-GMO, Soy-free, Kosher
Babies can also benefit from taking digestive supplements, and these papaya enzyme lozenges not only taste great, but are especially effective in providing the body with what it needs for smooth digestion. * Just be sure to take them. Later Your food
When to take digestive enzymes.
Bottles of your digestive enzymes should include instructions on when to take the best benefits, but keep in mind that this supplement is designed to make the digestive process smoother. Your body breaks down food in the right way and absorbs the nutrients in your food adequately. * However, some brands recommend taking your enzyme supplement with food or shortly after eating এটি depending on which product you choose.
Side effects of digestive enzymes.
As with any new supplement, it’s important to be aware of the side effects, and it’s always worth checking in with your healthcare professional for guidance.
Depending on which product you choose, side effects of digestive enzymes may include:
- Abdominal discomfort or cramping
- Instability
- Frequent bowel movements
The risk of these side effects is relatively minimal unless you are taking the recommended dose of your specific supplement. In addition, taking digestive enzymes with or directly before a meal can help alleviate any unwanted side effects and reduce it completely if you choose a milder option.
Takeway.
Healthy and smooth digestion is essential for your body to feel comfortable and to get the most nutrition from the foods you eat. If you experience bloating, gas, and discomfort after eating regularly, it may be worth considering a digestive enzyme for your eating routine to help your body break down food more efficiently and support your overall well-being. *
When you can get these enzymes from an external food source, a digestive enzyme supplement can provide additional, targeted support for those who are good at intestinal health. *
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, consult your doctor before starting a supplemental routine. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider when considering which supplements are right for you.