{"id":39427,"date":"2025-04-21T22:16:08","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T22:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/39427\/"},"modified":"2025-04-21T22:16:08","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T22:16:08","slug":"the-best-digestive-enzymes-for-maximum-nutrient-absorption","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/39427\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Digestive Enzymes For Maximum Nutrient Absorption"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>They say you are what you eat\u2014but a more accurate measure is you are what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vogue.com\/article\/meals-rich-in-vitamin-d-and-magnesium\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nutrients<\/a> you absorb. When it comes to absorption, digestive enzymes are crucial. \u201cThe best digestive enzymes, whether natural or in supplemental form, help ensure your food is properly broken down so your body can absorb the nutrients,\u201d explains nutritionist and founder of <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/groundednourish.com\/\" class=\"external-link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/groundednourish.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/groundednourish.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Grounded Nourishment<\/a> Meg Gerber, RD, IFNCP, CGN. Optimal nutrient absorption, in turn, helps power your body with energy to grow and perform vital functions.<\/p>\n<p>Specific enzymes break down specific macronutrients (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vogue.com\/article\/protein-rich-foods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">proteins<\/a>, fats, carbohydrates, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vogue.com\/article\/dairy-cause-of-acne-skin-health-diet-lactose-intolerance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dairy<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vogue.com\/article\/best-fiber-supplements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fiber<\/a>). \u201cWe naturally make our own digestive enzymes, mainly in the salivary glands, pancreas, and small intestines,\u201d says Brooklyn-based nutritionist and registered dietician <a data-offer-url=\"http:\/\/mayafellernutrition.com\/\" class=\"external-link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;http:\/\/mayafellernutrition.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"http:\/\/mayafellernutrition.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Maya Feller<\/a>, MS, RD, CDN. \u201cBut a digestive enzyme supplement is a solution to help support digestion for those with a clear diagnosis of an intolerance or insufficiency that impairs the body\u2019s ability to break down nutrients.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot to consider when it comes to digestive enzymes, especially since they aren\u2019t regulated by the Food &amp; Drug Administration (FDA), so we asked nutritionists and dieticians for their ultimate tips to find the best digestive enzymes on the market.<\/p>\n<p>Vogue\u2019s Favorite Digestive Enzymes:In This Article:<\/p>\n<p class=\"BaseWrap-sc-gjQpdd BaseText-ewhhUZ UnifiedProductCardBrandName-kBReJq iUEiRd fUKWbF kWVbwh upc-brandName\">MaryRuth Organics<\/p>\n<p id=\"upc_68027d0aec25dcae04598c5f\" type=\"embed\" class=\"BaseWrap-sc-gjQpdd BaseText-ewhhUZ UnifiedProductCardName-jnQGSN iUEiRd qICFz vJQvI\">Ultra Digestive Enzyme Capsules<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Why We Love It:<\/strong> If you want more from your digestive enzymes, MaryRuth Organics delivers. These capsules not only contain a powerful mix of essential enzymes, but also vitamins B1, B6, B12, calcium, magnesium, amla, and more for full-on support. \u201cFor most people I recommend a broad-spectrum blend that contains amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, cellulase which will help to digest a meal with a variety of ingredients,\u201d says registered dietician and founder of <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/realnutritionnyc.com\/about\/\" class=\"external-link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/realnutritionnyc.com\/about\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/realnutritionnyc.com\/about\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Real Nutrition<\/a> Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CND. One capsule a day helps support overall <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vogue.com\/article\/best-gut-health-supplements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gut health<\/a> and energy levels for optimal nutrient absorption.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key ingredients:<\/strong> Protease, Amylase, Thiamin, B6, B12, Calcium<\/li>\n<li><strong>Form:<\/strong> Capsule<\/li>\n<li><strong>Certifications:<\/strong> Vegan, Non-GMO Project verified, GMP certified, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, Clean Label Project certified,\u00a0 B Corp certified<\/li>\n<li><strong>Serving Size:<\/strong> 1 capsule<\/li>\n<li><strong>Number of Servings:<\/strong> 60<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"BaseWrap-sc-gjQpdd BaseText-ewhhUZ UnifiedProductCardBrandName-kBReJq iUEiRd fUKWbF kWVbwh upc-brandName\">Thorne<\/p>\n<p id=\"upc_68027d0a538edc633bd95524\" type=\"embed\" class=\"BaseWrap-sc-gjQpdd BaseText-ewhhUZ UnifiedProductCardName-jnQGSN iUEiRd qICFz vJQvI\">Advanced Digestive Enzymes<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Why We Love It:<\/strong> Thorne sets the gold standard for quality and performance thanks, in part, to their stringent testing and contributions from independent researchers from places like Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health. \u201cI like to look for formulas made with clean ingredients, free from fillers or artificial ingredients, that\u2019s been third-party tested for quality and purity,\u201d says Shapiro. Thorne delivers on all fronts\u2014not only does it include a comprehensive blend of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin, composed of amylase, lipase, and protease, and ox bile to ease digestive discomfort, but the brand also puts the formula through four rounds of testing to make sure it\u2019s top tier in quality and performance. Especially brilliant to soothe bloat after meals heavy in fats or red meat, the brand also recommends it as a tool for those who\u2019ve undergone gallbladder removal. The formula also doesn\u2019t contain lactose, which is often used to dilute pepsin and pancreatin, so it\u2019s an amazing option for those who are lactose intolerant.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Ingredients:<\/strong> Hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin, and ox bile<\/li>\n<li><strong>Form:<\/strong> Capsule<\/li>\n<li><strong>Certifications:<\/strong> NSF certified, GMP certified, third-party tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Serving Size:<\/strong> 2 capsules<\/li>\n<li><strong>Number of Servings:<\/strong> 90<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Why We Love It:<\/strong> Some of the most common food sensitivities are lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity. \u201cDigestive enzyme supplements can make it possible for people who are lactose intolerant to tolerate, digest, and absorb nutrients in dairy products,\u201d says Feller. This capsule helps target bloating and digestive discomfort associated with dairy or gluten triggers with a blend of protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, and pepper. \u201cDigestive enzymes are also a great tool for those who are dairy or gluten sensitive and need support when they eat out,\u201d adds Gerber.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Ingredients:<\/strong> Protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, and pepper<\/li>\n<li><strong>Form:<\/strong> Capsule<\/li>\n<li><strong>Certifications:<\/strong> Clean Label Project certified, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, third-party tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Serving Size:<\/strong> 1 capsule<\/li>\n<li><strong>Number of Servings:<\/strong> 60<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"BaseWrap-sc-gjQpdd BaseText-ewhhUZ UnifiedProductCardBrandName-kBReJq iUEiRd fUKWbF kWVbwh upc-brandName\">Juna<\/p>\n<p id=\"upc_68027d0a013f01e4ae9270e0\" type=\"embed\" class=\"BaseWrap-sc-gjQpdd BaseText-ewhhUZ UnifiedProductCardName-jnQGSN iUEiRd qICFz vJQvI\">Detox Digestive Enzymes &amp; Probiotics<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Why We Love It:<\/strong> Because they both affect digestion, some may confuse digestive enzymes with probiotics. \u201cEnzymes are proteins that help break down food, decrease discomfort after meals, and allow for maximum nutrient absorption,\u201d says Shapiro. \u201cProbiotics are live bacteria that support your microbiome, help maintain balance in your gut, crowd out harmful bacteria, and support immunity, mood, and digestion.\u201d Often, the best results come from using both. With 5 probiotics, 13 digestive enzymes, pomegranate, and herbs, this powerful capsule tackles digestion from a 360-degree approach.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Ingredients:<\/strong> DigeSEB Plus PB\u2122, lemon balm, bitter melon<\/li>\n<li><strong>Form:<\/strong> Capsule<\/li>\n<li><strong>Certifications:<\/strong> USDA organic, third-party tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Serving Size:<\/strong> 2 capsules<\/li>\n<li><strong>Number of Servings:<\/strong> 30<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"upc_68027d0a3ab532ba6ca624c2\" type=\"embed\" class=\"BaseWrap-sc-gjQpdd BaseText-ewhhUZ UnifiedProductCardName-jnQGSN iUEiRd qICFz vJQvI\">Debloat+ Anti-Bloat Supplement with Digestive Enzymes<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Why We Love It:<\/strong> If you want to soothe bloat or relieve discomfort after an occasional overindulgence, this capsule works right away to help alleviate symptoms of indigestion. Made with ingredients renowned in Ayurvedic medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues and 17 digestive enzymes, including alpha galactosidase which helps break down carbohydrates found in beans and cruciferous vegetables, a twice daily dose can feel like a reset button for your digestive tract.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Ingredients:<\/strong> Blend of digestive enzymes, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and licorice root<\/li>\n<li><strong>Form:<\/strong> Capsule<\/li>\n<li><strong>Certifications:<\/strong> Certified B Corp, non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free<\/li>\n<li><strong>Serving Size:<\/strong> 2 capsules<\/li>\n<li><strong>Number of Servings:<\/strong> 30<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Everything You Need to Know<\/p>\n<p>What are digestive enzymes?<\/p>\n<p>AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n<p>Many people don\u2019t know that we naturally make our own digestive enzymes, with the pancreas producing the most important enzymes. \u201cOne of the main functions of the <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17205399\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pancreas<\/a> is to secrete digestive enzymes into the small intestine with each meal,\u201d says Feller. \u201cDigestive enzymes help to break down protein, fats, and carbohydrates into more simple compounds that can be absorbed by the body.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Do digestive enzyme pills actually work?<\/p>\n<p>AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n<p>Yes, they can. \u201cIt ultimately depends on the individual and the condition being treated,\u201d says Shapiro. \u201cBut many people do find them helpful and I do recommend them to ease symptoms like bloating or indigestion.\u201d It goes without saying but the best results from digestive enzyme pills comes when you take them as directed or as instructed by a health professional. Shapiro also likes to recommend them for clients when traveling to help ease digestion when eating foods or at times they\u2019re not accustomed to.<\/p>\n<p>What to Look for in a Digestive Enzyme Supplements<\/p>\n<p>AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n<p>When deciding between digestive enzyme supplements, you ideally want a broad spectrum product that includes enzymes to break down all types of macronutrients, explains Gerber. \u201cFor example, amylase, lactase, sucrase, and maltase break down carbohydrates, proteases like pepsin and chymotrypsin help break down proteins, and lipase helps break down fats,\u201d she says. \u201cSome products contain extra lactase for those who are more dairy sensitive or a protease known as DPP-IV to help with those who are gluten sensitive.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Who should take digestive enzymes?<\/p>\n<p>AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n<p>Generally people who struggle with any sort of digestion issue\u2014IBS, bloating, fullness after meals, acid reflux, or stomach pain with certain foods\u2014is an ideal candidate for digestive enzymes. \u201cAging, stress, and certain conditions like autoimmune diseases can also lead to suboptimal digestive enzyme output,\u201d says Gerber. \u201cTherefore taking enzymes with meals can be supportive.\u201d It\u2019s also worth noting that having a clear diagnosis of an intolerance or insufficiency that impairs the body\u2019s ability to break down certain nutrients from a professional can help you distinguish the right digestive enzyme for your needs. \u201cFor example, dairy digest supplements and lactase enzymes may not be the same,\u201d says Feller. \u201cSome formulations have varying amounts of lactase so\u00a0the digestive enzyme may or may not work as intended depending on the individual and how much dairy is consumed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Which is better: digestive enzymes or probiotics?<\/p>\n<p>AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n<p>Both digestive enzymes and probiotics can support gut health because they work differently. However, if you\u2019re someone who needs a digestive enzyme, a probiotic isn\u2019t necessarily a swap because it doesn\u2019t support the same activity. \u201cDigestive enzymes work to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to make them digestible and absorbable whereas probiotics don\u2019t break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates,\u201d says Feller. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7284493\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Probiotics<\/a> help to maintain beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can support the gut microbiome.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Meg Gerber, RD, LDN, IFNCP, CGN, is a registered dietician, nutritionist, co-founder of digestive bitters brand <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/livewithjuj.com\/collections\/digestive-bitters\" class=\"external-link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/livewithjuj.com\/collections\/digestive-bitters&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/livewithjuj.com\/collections\/digestive-bitters\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">J\u00dcJ<\/a>, and founder of <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/groundednourish.com\/\" class=\"external-link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/groundednourish.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/groundednourish.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Grounded Nourishment<\/a>, a private functional nutrition practice in Austin, Texas.<\/li>\n<li>Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Brooklyn-based <a data-offer-url=\"http:\/\/mayafellernutrition.com\/\" class=\"external-link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;http:\/\/mayafellernutrition.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"http:\/\/mayafellernutrition.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Maya Feller Nutrition<\/a>, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, author of <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Eating-Our-Roots-Home-Cooked-Favorites-ebook\/dp\/B09YQZNVVY\" class=\"external-link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cna.st\/affiliate-link\/3kFAWYpoG8awFdXg3DRy9i3F8X71emH9MqCzNSYw8DvmFPiNEQAw6pFGqWnUMaMW4BCivWaVjo7TPPAqHAsFbmnhV4V7PWuEygdLhceGgxFrt1f4fjpSDA861zJ7gBPqC5UhNS2rgSujJYjiq84MdmH4U3o9HvRPJSRqs6q5JdXitG8wHsJy3VAChS8WUYRQitbhd&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/cna.st\/affiliate-link\/3kFAWYpoG8awFdXg3DRy9i3F8X71emH9MqCzNSYw8DvmFPiNEQAw6pFGqWnUMaMW4BCivWaVjo7TPPAqHAsFbmnhV4V7PWuEygdLhceGgxFrt1f4fjpSDA861zJ7gBPqC5UhNS2rgSujJYjiq84MdmH4U3o9HvRPJSRqs6q5JdXitG8wHsJy3VAChS8WUYRQitbhd\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Eating from Our Roots: 80+ Healthy Home-Cooked Favorites from Cultures Around the World<\/a> and host of YouTube \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCy_DdOEnyk_qWEv6zOsVtTA?ybp=-gENeW91dHViZWJ1dHRvbg%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Where Wellbeing Meets Flavor<\/a>.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CND is a registered dietician, nutritionist and founder of <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/realnutritionnyc.com\/about\/\" class=\"external-link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/realnutritionnyc.com\/about\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/realnutritionnyc.com\/about\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Real Nutrition<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"They say you are what you eat\u2014but a more accurate measure is you are what nutrients you absorb.&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":39428,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4318],"tags":[22388,22391,22389,22390,952,105,4434,246,22393,22392,16,15,4715],"class_list":{"0":"post-39427","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-_commerce","9":"tag-_sensitivecontent","10":"tag-_seo","11":"tag-_syndication_noshow","12":"tag-beauty","13":"tag-health","14":"tag-nutrition","15":"tag-shopping","16":"tag-storytypecategory-guide-comparison","17":"tag-textaboveleftsmall","18":"tag-uk","19":"tag-united-kingdom","20":"tag-web"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114378269251059981","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39427","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39427"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39427\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39428"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}