7 Benefits Of Digestive Enzymes: Support Your Gut, Heart & More*

Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in our overall digestive health, primarily by aiding in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the foods we consume. While our bodies naturally produce these enzymes, a number of factors (like age and certain digestive conditions) can impact how many the gut has to work with. This is where digestive enzyme supplements come into play. 

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of digestive enzymes, from supporting optimal digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health to modulating healthy inflammatory and immune responses.*

Whether you're experiencing digestive issues, have specific dietary restrictions, or want to optimize your digestive (and whole-body!) health, understanding the potential advantages of digestive enzymes can help you make informed decisions about incorporating them into your routine.*

Digestive enzymes are compounds produced by the body that help break down food into smaller, more easily absorbable molecules. Each type of enzyme targets a specific type of nutrient, facilitating its digestion and absorption.

These enzymes are primarily produced endogenously throughout the digestive system (i.e., in the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine), but can also be taken as a supplement for further digestive support. They help the body effectively utilize nutrients for energy, growth, and overall functioning.*

RELATED READ: What Exactly Are Digestive Enzymes—And Do You Need Them?

There are several types of digestive enzymes, each responsible for breaking down different components of food:*

It’s worth noting that while this list covers many of the main digestive enzymes, it’s far from complete. You’ll find there are many, many different types of enzymes that impact digestion.

Arguably their most important role, digestive enzymes initiate chemical reactions that help break down the food you eat and turn nutrients into easily absorbable substances.* 

As the name suggests, digestive enzymes can help with a number of digestive functions. In a 2013 randomized controlled trial (RCT) from Neuroendocrinology Letters, papain (papaya) supplements were found to help maintain healthy digestive tract physiology2, significantly reduce bloat, and even promote healthy elimination. 

Another study in healthy subjects published in Gut & Liver found that lipase supplementation before a high-fat meal helped significantly decrease stomach fullness3, promote GI comfort, and support overall digestion.* 

Intestinal barrier integrity and healthy gut microbiota are critical components of digestion, as they majorly impact the absorption of key nutrients in the gut. 

According to a 2022 animal study published by Metabolites, bromelain can help increase the thickness of the ileal mucosa4 (the mucosa lining your gut wall that secretes digestive enzymes and aids nutrient absorption). Fruit proteases (i.e., bromelain and papain) were also found to enhance the amount of pancreatic trypsin (another type of protease) and modulate gut microbiota in the study.

One of the more surprising benefits of digestive enzymes is their potential role in regulating healthy inflammatory actions.* 

According to a 2016 Biomedical Reports review, bromelain has been found to activate inflammatory mediators5 (including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in both animal and human studies and help modulate a healthy inflammatory response.

In a 2021 animal study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, papain was also found to regulate healthy levels of adipogenic factors6 involved in the inflammatory response.

Given the gut’s impact on immune function, it’s less surprising that digestive enzymes also play a role in maintaining a healthy immune system.*

In addition to its role in activating inflammatory mediators, bromelain has also been found to modulate surface adhesion molecules on T cells and macrophages, as well as play a role in regulating overall immune function5, per a 2016 Biomedical Reports review.

Preclinical studies present promising actions in digestive enzymes' ability to promote healthy cardiometabolic function.* In a 2021 study published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, papain was found to markedly reduce serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels6 in mice.

Additionally, a 2016 study in mice found that a combination of several digestive enzymes (i.e., amylase, glucoamylase, lipase, bromelain, maltase, lactase, hemicellulase, xylanase, papain, and invertase) and probiotic strains resulting in a 78% decrease in serum LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and a 52% increase in serum HDL (“good”) cholesterol.* Researchers hypothesize these impressive changes in cholesterol levels were due to an increase in short-chain fatty acids, which are known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. 

In older studies, digestive enzymes have also been shown to help promote healthy muscle recovery following strenuous exercise.* 

In a 2009 RCT published by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, protease supplementation was found to help promote muscle strength and function7 after eccentric exercise, thanks to its role in modulating healthy inflammatory activity.*

In a 2004 clinical trial published by the Journal of Sports Sciences, runners that took a digestive enzyme supplement (a blend of proteases, amylase, lipase, and other digestive enzymes) saw superior recovery of contractile function8 and diminished effects of delayed-onset muscle soreness following intense downhill running compared to the control group.*

There are three primary ways to obtain digestive enzymes: the body's natural production, food, and supplementation. 

The body produces its own digestive enzymes, which are secreted by various organs in the digestive system. For example, salivary glands release amylase to initiate carbohydrate digestion, while the pancreas produces enzymes like amylase, lipase, and protease to further break down food in the small intestine. The small intestine also produces enzymes like lactase to digest lactose.

These endogenous enzymes are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

In addition to the body's natural enzymes, certain foods can provide external sources of digestive enzymes:

For further digestive support, some individuals may opt for digestive enzyme supplements, which are available in various forms and formulations and often contain a combination of enzymes to support the breakdown of macronutrients.*

mindbodygreen’s very own organic veggies+ powder delivers a blend of digestive enzymes (protease, amylase, glucoamylase, invertase, diastase, and lipase), as well as sea vegetables, leafy greens, berries, herbs, and pre- and probiotics to aid digestion and nutrient absorption and promote a healthy gut microbiome.*

RELATED READ: 12 Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements For Breaking Down Food & Supporting Gut Health*

Digestive enzymes are a vital component of optimal gut health and function. While the body makes the digestive enzymes it needs endogenously, some people need a little extra help via food and/or a high-quality supplement (like mindbodygreen’s organic veggies+) to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and digestive well-being.* 

But remember, digestive enzymes are not a substitute for addressing the root cause of digestive issues. Rather, they’re meant to complement a balanced diet, proper hydration, regular physical activity, and other measures for optimal digestion. 

If you’re concerned about your own digestion, work with your health care provider to ensure you’re optimizing your gut health holistically and comprehensively.