{"id":242359,"date":"2026-01-13T14:14:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T14:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/242359\/"},"modified":"2026-01-13T14:14:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T14:14:25","slug":"the-best-digestive-enzymes-for-maximum-nutrient-absorption","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/242359\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Digestive Enzymes For Maximum Nutrient Absorption"},"content":{"rendered":"

They say you are what you eat\u2014but a more accurate measure is you are what nutrients 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 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

Vogue\u2019s Favorite Digestive Enzymes:\"Image<\/a>Best Overall<\/p>\n

MaryRuth Organics Ultra Digestive Enzyme Capsules<\/p>\n

Jump to review<\/a>\"\"<\/a>Best for Fats or Protein<\/p>\n

Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes<\/p>\n

Jump to review<\/a><\/p>\n

There are many types of digestive enzymes and specific enzymes break down specific macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, dairy, and fiber). \u201cWe naturally make our own digestive enzymes, mainly in the salivary glands, pancreas, and small intestines,\u201d says Brooklyn-based nutritionist and registered dietician 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 Some of these issues could inhibit your body\u2019s ability to produce enough digestive enzymes to digest food smoothly, and left unchecked, could lead to uncomfortable side effects around meal time like cramping, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, and more.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot to consider when it comes to digestive enzymes, especially since they aren\u2019t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so we asked nutritionists and dietitians for their ultimate tips to find the best digestive enzymes on the market to support digestive health.<\/p>\n

In This Story:Best Overall Digestive Enzyme: MaryRuth Organics Ultra Digestive Enzyme Capsules<\/p>\n

MaryRuth Organics<\/p>\n

Ultra Digestive Enzyme Capsules<\/p>\n

Why We Love It: If you want more from your digestive enzymes, MaryRuth Organics delivers. These capsules not only contain a powerful essential enzyme blend, 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 Real Nutrition<\/a> Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CND. One capsule a day delivers digestive support for optimal nutrient absorption, increased energy levels, and overall better gut health.Key ingredients: Protease, Amylase, Thiamin, B6, B12, CalciumDigestive Enzymes: Protease, amylase, glucoamylase, diastase, invertase, pectinase, cellulase, hemicellulase, xylanase, lipase, lactase, alpha-galactosidase, and beta-glucanaseForm: CapsuleCertifications: Vegan, Non-GMO Project verified, GMP certified, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, Clean Label Project certified,\u00a0 B Corp certifiedServing Size: 1 capsuleNumber of Servings: 60Best Digestive Enzyme for Fats or Protein: Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes<\/p>\n

Thorne<\/p>\n

Advanced Digestive Enzymes<\/p>\n

Why We Love It: 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.Key Ingredients: Hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin, and ox bileDigestive Enzymes: Amylase, lipase, and proteaseForm: CapsuleCertifications: NSF certified, GMP certified, third-party testedServing Size: 2 capsulesNumber of Servings: 90Best Digestive Enzyme for Dairy or Gluten: Hilma Digestive EnzymesWhy We Love It: 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\u2014so don\u2019t feel too guilty if you indulge in carbs from the bread basket. \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.Key Ingredients: Protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, and pepperDigestive Enzymes: Protease, peptidase, lactase, lipaseForm: CapsuleCertifications: Clean Label Project certified, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, third-party testedServing Size: 1 capsuleNumber of Servings: 60Best Digestive Enzymes With Probiotics: Juna Detox Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics<\/p>\n

Juna<\/p>\n

Detox Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics<\/p>\n

Why We Love It: 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.Key Ingredients: DigeSEB Plus PB\u2122, lemon balm, bitter melonDigestive Enzymes: Papain, bromelain, amylase, protease I, protease II, lipase, cellulase, phytase, bromelain, diastase, lactase, beta-glucanase, xylanase, pectinase, phytase alpha-galactosidaseForm: CapsuleCertifications: USDA organic, third-party testedServing Size: 2 capsulesNumber of Servings: 30Best Vegan Digestive Enzyme: The Nue Co Debloat+ Anti-Bloat Supplement with Digestive Enzymes<\/p>\n

Debloat+ Anti-Bloat Supplement with Digestive Enzymes<\/p>\n

Why We Love It: 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.Key Ingredients: Blend of digestive enzymes, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and licorice rootDigestive Enzymes: Alpha amylase, protease (acid), maltase, alpha galactosidase, lipase, cellulase, phytase, bromelain, invertase, hemicellulase, glucoamylaseForm: CapsuleCertifications: Certified B Corp, non-GMO, vegan, sugar-freeServing Size: 2 capsulesNumber of Servings: 30Best Digestive Enzyme With Bromelain: Arrae BloatWhy We Love It: A favorite of board-certified integrative medicine physician and women\u2019s health medical director at Function Health<\/a> Tiffany Lester, MD, this capsule\u2019s star ingredient is bromelain, a powerful protein-digesting enzyme extracted from pineapple. \u201cPineapple and papaya are two amazing natural sources of digestive enzymes,\u201d says Dr. Lester. \u201cBromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya) are what we call proteolytic enzymes which help break down proteins.\u201d Beyond bromelain, it\u2019s also made with powerful, digestion-loving herbs like ginger extract, peppermint leaf, lemon balm, and dandelion root extract, to alleviate bloat. It also delivers results in record time\u2014according to the brand\u2019s independent clinical study, you can feel immediate relief in one hour and it\u2019s clinically proven to reduce bloating by 86% in one month after daily use. For more information, read our review here<\/a>.Editor\u2019s Experience: \u201cFor me, I found it significantly improved my bloating symptoms after overindulging. Following too much pasta or one too many sweet treats, my stomach gets quite sensitive\u2014resulting in a feeling of tightness and a distended, rumbling tummy. Nearing the hour mark after taking it, my symptoms subside almost completely and my body feels calmer\u2014an impressive result, considering that without Bloat I\u2019d feel discomfort through the next morning.\u201d \u2014Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shoppingKey Ingredients: Ginger root, bromelain, lemon balm, dandelion root, peppermint, slippery elmDigestive Enzymes: BromelainForm: CapsuleCertifications: Non-GMO, vegan, nut-free, cruelty-freeServing Size: 2 capsulesNumber of Servings: 60Best Digestive Bitters: Flora Swedish BittersWhy We Love It: For those looking for a more natural option for digestion support, Dr. Lester recommends trying digestive bitters. \u201cI always have digestive bitters in my bag,\u201d she says. \u201cI put a dropper-ful in a glass of room temperature about 15-20 minutes before my food even arrives to help aid with digestion.\u201d The idea is that bitterness in food plays a crucial part of digestion\u2014it can stimulate bile production which can aid in digestive support. \u201cWe typically don\u2019t consume enough bitter foods in our daily diets,\u201d says Dr. Lester. \u201cIt can be an acquired taste but I love it as a non-capsule option.\u201d Using the original herbal bitters formula originally developed by Austrian herbalist Maria Treben, it\u2019s alcohol-free (many recipes contain trace amounts) and can help keep digestion moving.Key Ingredients: Zedoary root, cape aloe leaf, manna sap, rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) root, senna leaf, myrrh resin, carline thistle root, camphor wood, valerian root, cinnamon barkDigestive Enzymes: N\/AForm: LiquidCertifications: USDA organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, QAI certifiedServing Size: 1 teaspoonNumber of Servings: 20Everything You Need to Know<\/p>\n

What are digestive enzymes?<\/p>\n

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Many people don\u2019t know that we naturally make our own digestive enzymes, with the pancreas producing the most important enzymes (often referred to as pancreatic enzymes). \u201cOne of the main functions of the 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

Do digestive enzyme pills actually work?<\/p>\n

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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

What to Look for in a Digestive Enzyme Supplements<\/p>\n

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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

Who should take digestive enzymes?<\/p>\n

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Generally people who struggle with any sort of digestion issue\u2014IBS, bloating, fullness after meals, acid reflux, or stomach pain with certain foods\u2014are ideal candidates 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<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also worth noting that having a clear diagnosis of a health condition (think: 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 the digestive enzyme may or may not work as intended depending on the individual and how much dairy is consumed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Lester favors a proactive approach\u2014clinical guidance and testing to check levels to assess any imbalances. \u201cIn medical school we\u2019re typically taught to check these enzymes when something is wrong like bloating, nausea, vomiting, or a sign of a condition like irritable bowel syndrome,\u201d says Dr. Lester. \u201cBut everyone should know their baseline as a first step\u2014that way you know when your body is telling you that something is off\u2014even if it\u2019s just a whisper.\u201d Function Health<\/a>, where Dr. Lester is the women\u2019s health medical director, offers testing for amylase and lipase\u2014two prominent pancreatic enzymes\u2014which you may not typically test for in a regular routine physical. \u201cIt helps assess pancreatic function,\u201d says Dr. Lester. \u201cIt can help detect if you have elevated or low levels which can pancreas is inflamed, impaired, or, while rare, indicate elevated levels signs of something more serious like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Which is better: digestive enzymes or probiotics?<\/p>\n

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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. \u201cProbiotics<\/a> help to maintain beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can support the gut microbiome.\u201d<\/p>\n

Are digestive enzymes okay to take everyday?<\/p>\n

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Dr. Lester says that digestive enzymes are generally deemed safe and do not cause side effects. They\u2019re effective and safe to take regularly, before or after meals (about three times a day). If you don\u2019t know if it\u2019s working, it could be worth doing a trial and test period to see how your body adjusts. \u201cMost people feel the difference pretty quickly when taking the right digestive enzymes,\u201d she says. \u201cBut it may take a bit of time for your digestive system to heal so you generally want to use them for about two weeks before really assessing.\u201d Just be sure to check-in with your healthcare professional to assess effectivness.<\/p>\n

The Types of Digestive Enzymes<\/p>\n

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The body naturally produces several types of digestive enzymes, each with a specific role in breaking down food so nutrients can be absorbed and used effectively. Shapiro breaks them down, below:<\/p>\n

Amylase: This digestive enzyme is produced in the saliva and pancreas. It breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars helping to initiate digestion as soon as you start chewing and supports steady energy by aiding carbohydrate metabolism.<\/p>\n

Protease: Released primarily in the stomach and pancreas and are responsible for breaking down proteins into amino acids. Amino acids are essential for muscle repair, hormone production, immune function, and enzyme synthesis throughout the body.<\/p>\n

Lipase: Made in the pancreas, lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Proper fat digestion is crucial for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and supporting hormone production and brain health.<\/p>\n

Lactase: Produced in the small intestine, lactase helps digest lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy. People with low lactase production may experience bloating, gas, or discomfort after consuming dairy-based products.<\/p>\n

Sucrase and Maltase: These enzymes, produced in the small intestine, break down specific sugars (sucrose and maltose) into absorbable glucose and fructose, supporting efficient carbohydrate digestion.<\/p>\n

Peptidases: Found in the small intestine, peptidases further break down protein into individual amino acids so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.<\/p>\n

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When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on\u00a0Vogue\u2019s vast network of experts\u2014from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians\u2014to gain professional acumen on the industry\u2019s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.<\/p>\n

As it relates to digestive enzyme supplements, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, form, serving size, certification, dietary notes, and the wellness concerns they address. To do this, we paired expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.<\/p>\n

AccordionItemContainerButtonMeg Gerber, RD, LDN, IFNCP, CGN, is a registered dietician, nutritionist, co-founder of digestive bitters brand J\u00dcJ<\/a>, and founder of Grounded Nourishment<\/a>, a private functional nutrition practice in Austin, Texas.Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition<\/a>, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, author of Eating from Our Roots: 80+ Healthy Home-Cooked Favorites from Cultures Around the World<\/a> and host of YouTube \u201cWhere Wellbeing Meets Flavor<\/a>.\u201dTiffany Lester, MD is a board-certified integrative medicine physician, founder of The Minimalist MD<\/a>, and women\u2019s health medical director at Function Health<\/a>.Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CND is a registered dietician, nutritionist and founder of Real Nutrition<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"They say you are what you eat\u2014but a more accurate measure is you are what nutrients you absorb.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":242360,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[512,12273,12274,1903,1902,103,61,60,446,507,12275,1905,514],"class_list":{"0":"post-242359","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-ie","15":"tag-ireland","16":"tag-nutrition","17":"tag-shopping","18":"tag-storytypecategory-guide-comparison","19":"tag-textaboveleftsmall","20":"tag-web"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=242359"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242359\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/242360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=242359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=242359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=242359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}