What are digestive enzymes? Improve your gut health

Digital Traffic PRO

Digital Traffic PRO

• Read in 5 minutes

What are digestive enzymes? Improve your gut health

Digestive enzymes: How they improve gut health

Digestion is a complex process that is crucial to your health. It ensures that the nutrients from your food are converted into a form that your body can absorb and use. Digestive enzymes are an essential part of this process . These little helpers play a crucial role in breaking down food into its components, thus supporting nutrient absorption. But what happens when these enzymes don't work properly or are present in insufficient quantities? In this article, we focus on digestive enzymes, explain their functions, and show how they can improve your gut health.

What are digestive enzymes and why are they important?

Digestive enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body, enabling the breakdown of food into smaller, absorbable molecules. They are produced primarily in the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine. Without these enzymes, your body would not be able to efficiently absorb nutrients from food.

The role of digestive enzymes

  • Nutrient absorption: Digestive enzymes break down complex molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into simpler components that can then pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.

  • Supports intestinal health: A lack of digestive enzymes can lead to undigested food particles in the intestines, which in turn can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and cause inflammation.

  • Preventing digestive problems: Adequate enzyme levels can help reduce symptoms such as bloating, fullness, and diarrhea.

What digestive enzymes are there and how do they work?

There are different types of digestive enzymes, each performing specific tasks in the digestive process. Here are some of the most important:


 Amylases

Amylases are responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates. They break down starch into smaller sugar molecules that can then be absorbed by your body. These digestive enzymes are produced primarily in saliva and the pancreas. Amylase is especially important for ensuring that the carbohydrates in your food are digestible and don't cause discomfort.

Proteases (peptidases)

Proteases break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. They are crucial for the absorption of proteins needed for tissue construction and repair. Proteases are produced in the stomach (e.g., pepsin) and the small intestine (e.g., trypsin and chymotrypsin). These enzymes are an essential part of metabolism and help efficiently utilize nutrients from food.

Lipases

Lipases are responsible for the breakdown of fats. They break down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol, which can then be absorbed by your body. Lipases are primarily produced in the pancreas. Lipase is another example of enzymes produced in the pancreas and plays a central role in digestion.

Lactase

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk, into glucose and galactose. A lactase deficiency leads to lactose intolerance, in which your body cannot digest milk sugar, often resulting in symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea. When should you take enzymes? If you suffer from these symptoms, taking digestive enzymes like lactase can provide relief.

These enzymes work together to ensure your body can optimally absorb nutrients from food. A healthy pancreas is crucial for the production of these enzymes, as it plays a central role in digestion. If you feel like your body isn't functioning properly or you're experiencing digestive discomfort, it might be helpful to consult your doctor and discuss taking digestive enzymes.

When should you take digestive enzymes?

Taking digestive enzyme supplements can be beneficial in certain situations. Here are some tips on when and how to take enzymes:

Indications for use

  • Enzyme deficiency: People with a deficiency of certain digestive enzymes, e.g. due to pancreatic diseases or genetic predispositions, can benefit from taking it.

  • Digestive problems: Taking enzymes can be helpful for recurring digestive problems such as bloating, fullness, or diarrhea.

  • Age: With increasing age, the production of digestive enzymes may decrease, which may make supplementation necessary.

Enzymes before or after eating?

Ideally, the intake of digestive enzymes should be timed to coincide with food intake. Some enzymes, such as amylase, should be taken before eating because they work in the mouth. Other enzymes, such as lipase, are more effective after eating because they work in the small intestine.

Plant digestive enzymes vs. animal enzymes

Digestive enzymes can come from both plant and animal sources. Here's a comparison of the two:

Plant digestive enzymes

Plant enzymes come from plants such as papaya, pineapple, or fermented foods. They are often gentler on the body and are particularly suitable for people with a vegan or vegetarian diet. One example of a natural enzyme supplement is the Bromelain Capsules from Nutrador® , which are derived from pineapple.

src="">


Animal enzymes


Animal enzymes such as pepsin and trypsin come from animal organs. They are often more potent and specific in their effects, but can trigger allergies in some people.

How do enzymes influence intestinal health?

Gut health depends heavily on a balanced microbiome—the community of bacteria that live in the gut. Digestive enzymes play an important role in maintaining this balance:

Connection between enzymes and microbiome

  • Supports digestion: By breaking down food into smaller components, enzymes ensure that less undigested food reaches the large intestine, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.

  • Reduction of inflammation: A lack of digestive enzymes can lead to inflammation in the intestine, which in turn can damage the intestinal wall and contribute to a " leaky gut ."

  • Promotes nutrient absorption: A healthy microbiome supports the absorption of nutrients and the production of vitamins that are essential for the body.

The Gut Balance Collection from Nutrador® offers a combination of probiotics and digestive supportive ingredients that can help maintain a healthy microbiome.


Natural sources of digestive enzymes in the diet

In addition to taking supplements, there are also many natural sources of digestive enzymes that can be incorporated into your daily diet:

Enzyme-rich foods

  • Papaya and pineapple: These fruits contain the enzymes papain and bromelain, respectively, which break down proteins.

  • Fermented foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt are rich in enzymes and probiotic bacteria that aid digestion.

  • Raw food: Many raw vegetables and fruits contain natural enzymes that aid digestion.

A varied diet containing these foods can support the natural production of digestive enzymes and thus promote intestinal health.

Conclusion - everything digested properly?

Digestive enzymes are essential aids in the complex process of food processing. They ensure that nutrients are absorbed efficiently and thus contribute to maintaining intestinal health. Whether from natural sources or as dietary supplements, the targeted intake of digestive enzymes can offer numerous health benefits.


This article provides a comprehensive look into the world of digestive enzymes and their importance for gut health. If you're interested in learning more about nutraceuticals and the best supplements , you can find more at Nutrador® . You'll also find information on supplements for muscle building and safe supplements for pregnancy .

Legal notice regarding health information:

Our information is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Health claims regarding food supplements must comply with the Health Claims Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 and be approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). If you have any health concerns or questions, please consult a doctor.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about digestive enzymes

Should you take digestive enzymes before or after eating?
The intake of digestive enzymes should be tailored to the specific enzyme type. Some enzymes work better when taken before meals, while others work better after meals. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations or consult a doctor.
Which digestive enzymes are important for people with lactose intolerance?
For people with lactose intolerance, the enzyme lactase is particularly important. It helps break down the milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed by your body.
Can digestive enzymes have side effects?
Digestive enzymes are generally well-tolerated. However, some people may experience side effects such as gastrointestinal upset. It is important to adhere to the recommended dosage and consult a doctor if you experience any intolerance.

Legal notice regarding health information:

Our information is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Health claims regarding food supplements must comply with the Health Claims Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 and be approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). If you have any health concerns or questions, please consult a doctor.