Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Explore our range of digestive enzyme supplements, including single enzymes and multi-enzyme formulas from trusted health and nutrition brands.

Digestive enzymes are naturally produced by the body and help break down different components of the food we eat. Digestive enzyme supplements contain specific enzymes or combinations of enzymes and are available in a range of formulas and formats.

Choosing a Digestive Enzyme Supplement

Different digestive enzymes act on different components of food, so it's useful to understand what's included when comparing supplements.

Amylase helps break down starches and carbohydrates, while protease acts on proteins and lipase is involved in the digestion of fats.

Lactase has a more specific role, helping to break down lactose, the naturally occurring sugar found in milk and dairy products. Lactase enzyme can improve lactose digestion in people who have difficulty digesting lactose when the relevant conditions of use are met.

Some supplements contain one particular enzyme, while others combine several enzymes in a multi-enzyme or digestive enzyme complex.

When choosing between products, consider which enzymes are included, the enzyme activity provided, the recommended serving instructions and whether the formula contains any additional ingredients.

Understanding Digestive Enzyme Strength

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

Rather than being compared by milligrams alone, enzyme labels may use activity units such as HUT, FIP, DU or ALU. These indicate the activity of particular enzymes under defined conditions.

You don't need to understand every abbreviation to choose a supplement. Looking at the enzymes included, their activity and the manufacturer's recommended serving can provide a more useful comparison than simply choosing the product with the largest number on the label.

When Are Digestive Enzymes Taken?

Many digestive enzyme supplements are designed to be taken with or around meals because the enzymes are intended to act on components of food.

Directions vary between products, however, so always follow the serving instructions provided with the individual supplement.

Your body naturally produces digestive enzymes, and not everyone needs an additional supplement. If you're experiencing persistent or unexplained digestive symptoms, speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional rather than assuming that a digestive enzyme supplement is the answer.

Want to understand the different types in more detail? Read our guide to Digestive Enzymes: What They Are & How to Choose One for a straightforward explanation of the different enzymes you'll find in supplements.

Shop digestive enzyme supplements online at Evergreen, with convenient nationwide delivery across Ireland.

Evergreen – Good Health, Naturally.