Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, lactase and cellulase are proteins that help break down food components. They are sometimes added to supplements.
Quick answer
Digestive enzymes are proteins used to break larger food components into smaller pieces. Amylase acts on carbohydrates, lipase acts on fats, and proteases act on proteins.
What to know
Supplement formulas sometimes combine several enzymes. Labels differ in how they state amounts or activity units. The enzyme name alone does not tell you the strength of a finished formula. Review enzyme names, activity units where listed, serving size, and the rest of the product. Do not treat an enzyme blend as a replacement for medical evaluation of persistent digestive symptoms.
Source / Origin
Produced by the body; supplement versions are often produced by fermentation.
Mentioned in these product guides
- Pro-Active Greens when digestive enzymes appear on the current formula