✿Lesher Wellness

What variations of digestive enzymes exist?

Proteins that help break down the protein, carbohydrates, and fats in your meals. They may ease bloating and heaviness after eating. It comes in 4 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.

For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult 

Our top pick

The all-rounder

Broad-spectrum blend (protease, amylase, lipase)

Helps break down protein, starch, and fat. Taken at the start of a meal.

Good for: Gas & bloating

Every form, in plain words

Also good

The all-rounder

Broad-spectrum blend (protease, amylase, lipase)

Helps break down protein, starch, and fat. Taken at the start of a meal.

Good for: Gas & bloating

Also good

The dairy helper

Lactase

Helps only with lactose, the sugar in dairy.

Good for: Gas & bloating

Also good

The bean helper

Alpha-galactosidase

Helps break down the carbs in beans and some vegetables that cause gas.

Good for: Gas & bloating

Spotting a good one on the shelf

Look for

  • Look for 'Broad-spectrum blend' on the label (the all-rounder)

Watch out for

  • 'Gluten-digesting' enzymes sold for celiac disease. They don't make gluten safe.
  • Betaine HCl or ox bile added without saying so on the front label
  • No activity amount listed for each enzyme

Check with your provider first if…

  • You have ulcers, gastritis (an irritated stomach lining), or heartburn, especially with blends that contain betaine HCl
  • You have pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or a pancreas that makes too few enzymes. You may need prescription enzymes.
  • You take blood thinners, since bromelain and papain may raise bleeding risk
  • You're allergic to pork (pancreatin is made from pork), pineapple, or papaya
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding

More about digestive enzymes

Full digestive enzymes guide

Related conditions

Celiac disease

In Dr. Lesher's store

10 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have digestive enzymes. Here's which form, where the label says.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Digest Gold™
Enzymedica

Digest Gold™

Has broad-spectrum blend (the all-rounder), good for gas & bloating

Has alpha-galactosidase (the bean helper), good for gas & bloating

Buy on Fullscript
Similase
Integrative Therapeutics

Similase

Has broad-spectrum blend (the all-rounder), good for gas & bloating

Has lactase (the dairy helper), good for gas & bloating

281.5 mg per serving

Buy on Fullscript
Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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