Digestive Enzymes: What They Are & How to Choose One

Digestive enzymes are substances our bodies naturally produce to help break down the food we eat into smaller components that can be absorbed.

You'll also find digestive enzymes in certain foods and in supplements, where they may be provided individually or as a blend of several different enzymes.

If you've been looking at digestive enzyme supplements, the different names, blends and strengths can make choosing one confusing. Here's a straightforward guide to what digestive enzymes do and what to look for when comparing supplements.

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes help break down different parts of our food during digestion. Our bodies naturally produce a number of digestive enzymes, particularly in the mouth, stomach, pancreas and small intestine.

Different enzymes have different jobs. Some help break down carbohydrates, while others act on proteins or fats.

What Do Different Digestive Enzymes Do?

When comparing digestive enzyme supplements, you'll often see several different enzyme names on the label.

Amylase

Amylase helps break down starches and carbohydrates into smaller sugars. Our bodies naturally produce amylase, including in saliva and the pancreas.

Protease

Proteases help break proteins down into smaller components called peptides and amino acids. You may also see terms such as peptidase on digestive enzyme supplements. These are enzymes involved in breaking down proteins and peptides.

Lipase

Lipase is involved in the digestion of fats, breaking them down into smaller components that the body can absorb.

Lactase

Lactase helps break down lactose, the naturally occurring sugar found in milk and dairy products.

Unlike general digestive enzyme claims, lactase has a specific recognised role: lactase enzyme can improve lactose digestion in people who have difficulty digesting lactose when the relevant conditions of use are met.

Other Enzymes

Depending on the supplement, you may come across other enzymes including cellulase and alpha-galactosidase.

These are included in some broader digestive enzyme blends to act on particular components of plant foods and carbohydrates.

You don't necessarily need a supplement containing every enzyme available. The most appropriate option depends on what you're looking for and the ingredients in the individual product.

What Is a Digestive Enzyme Blend?

Many digestive enzyme supplements combine several enzymes rather than providing just one. For example, a broad enzyme formula might contain amylase, protease and lipase alongside additional enzymes.

These products are sometimes described as multi-enzyme or digestive enzyme complex supplements.

Rather than assuming that the product with the longest ingredient list is automatically best, look at which enzymes are included and how the manufacturer recommends using the product.

How Are Digestive Enzymes Measured?

Digestive enzyme labels can look a little different from those of standard vitamin and mineral supplements.

You may see enzyme activity expressed using units such as HUT, FIP, DU or ALU, rather than simply milligrams. These units describe the activity of particular enzymes under defined conditions. You don't need to memorise what every abbreviation means, but it's useful to know why digestive enzyme labels may not rely on milligrams alone.

When comparing products, look at the enzyme blend, activity information and recommended serving rather than judging a supplement simply by the total weight of its ingredients.

Plant-Based vs Other Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes used in supplements can come from different sources, including plants, microorganisms and animal sources.

Some supplements are suitable for vegetarians or vegans, while others aren't, so check the product information if this is important to you.

There's no need to assume that a plant-based enzyme is automatically stronger or better. The individual enzymes, their activity and the overall formulation are more useful things to consider.

How Do You Choose a Digestive Enzyme Supplement?

When comparing digestive enzyme supplements, consider:

• Which enzymes are included – does the product contain one particular enzyme or a broader blend?

• Enzyme activity – check the activity information provided on the label.

• Serving instructions – digestive enzyme products can have different directions for when and how they should be taken.

• Additional ingredients – some formulas combine digestive enzymes with other ingredients.

• Dietary preferences – check whether the supplement is suitable for vegetarians or vegans if required.

Most importantly, choose a product for a clear reason rather than assuming that more enzymes or a higher-strength formula must be better.

When Do You Take Digestive Enzymes?

Because digestive enzymes are intended to act on components of food, many digestive enzyme supplements are designed to be taken with or around meals.

However, products vary, so always follow the directions provided with the individual supplement rather than applying the same timing to every digestive enzyme.

Do You Need Digestive Enzyme Supplements?

Not everyone needs a digestive enzyme supplement. Your body naturally produces digestive enzymes and, for most people, digestion doesn't require additional enzyme supplementation.

If you are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms such as ongoing bloating, pain, diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits, it's important not to simply assume that you need digestive enzymes. Digestive symptoms can have many different causes and should be discussed with a GP, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional where appropriate.

Choosing Digestive Enzymes at Evergreen

At Evergreen, you'll find digestive enzyme supplements ranging from individual enzymes to broader multi-enzyme formulas.

Understanding what the different enzymes do can make comparing products much easier. Check the individual formula, enzyme activity and serving instructions to find an option that suits your preferences.

Explore our full digestive enzyme range online, with nationwide delivery across Ireland.

The Bottom Line

Digestive enzymes are naturally produced by the body and help break down different components of the food we eat. Amylase acts on carbohydrates, proteases on proteins and lipase on fats, while enzymes such as lactase have more specific roles.

If you're considering a digestive enzyme supplement, look beyond the number of ingredients on the label. Consider which enzymes it contains, their activity, how the product is intended to be taken and whether the formula actually suits what you're looking for.

Evergreen – Good Health, Naturally.

Please note, this blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice.

It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements, treatments or remedies if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.

Checked and updated: 2nd September 2026