Frequently Asked Questions About Digestive Enzymes

Q: How does a digestive enzyme formula work?

The correct formula holds the key to success. The formula should not just be filled with ingredients that only look good on the label, but rather with ingredients that have been clinically proven effective and are backed by scientific research for optimum results. The formula should boost the whole digestive process while allowing for the more efficient absorption of nutrients. 

Taking digestive enzyme supplements can help maintain balanced digestion across a wide pH range. Some supplements also use additional compounds to address commonly occurring gastric issues such as low stomach acidity, gas, and bloating. In addition, they will sometimes contain ingredients that are meant to aid in breaking down and absorbing nutrients more efficiently. In order to get the full benefits of taking a digestive enzyme supplement, you need to choose the correct one. Different ingredients in supplements can provide different benefits.

The formula should contain multiple blends of digestive enzymes. These blends should consist of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, and lactose digesting enzymes. Each blend should also include multiple enzymes that are able to achieve slightly different results, such as the ability to break down bean proteins and phytic acid. Enzymes such as protease, amylase, and lipase should be included in these mixes.

It should also contain a stomach acidity reinforcement agent such as Betaine HCL, which gives the stomach acid levels a boost and assists in effectively breaking down foods and absorbing nutrients. By restoring stomach acidity levels, boosters like Betaine HCL can assist in the digestion of stomach proteins and help destroy any harmful bacteria in the stomach before they enter the digestive tract. They can also make the digestive enzymes more effective, because when the stomach contents reach the small intestines the proper pH is necessary to help stimulate the release of more endogenous digestive enzymes.

Q: Do all digestive enzyme formulas work?

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are many shady companies that just go along with the latest health supplement trends formulating supplements that contain incorrect ingredients and wrong potency or amounts. Often, they even add unnecessary inactive ingredients or cheap fillers, binders, hormones, artificial colorings, and preservatives that can hinder the effects of the active ingredients.

Q: What are important points to look out for?

• It should contain a minimum of 15-20 enzymes for overall digestive health benefits.
• It should contain plant-based enzymes for optimal long-term intestinal health.
• It should contain multiple types of protein, carb, fiber, fat, and lactose absorbing enzymes.
• It should contain the key enzymes amylase, protease, and lipase.
• It should contain stomach acidifiers like Betaine HCL which breaks down nutrients and help balance the stomach pH levels.
• It should contain boosters such as BioPerine® which increases the bioavailability of the main ingredients, thereby bolstering their beneficial capabilities.

Q: Are there any known side effects to look out for?

Of course each product is different, so it is always wise to read the label thoroughly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Our research analyzed many natural ingredients and products that generally do not present any side effects if used correctly. However, as with any supplement, we recommend consulting with a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an existing medical condition or are taking regular medication.

Q: What are the dosage instructions for digestive enzyme supplements?

Again, this differs between products. Always read the label thoroughly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, if you exceed the suggested dosage it may pose health risks. Generally, we found that most products suggest taking 1-3 capsules per day. Some people like to take the complete daily serving together at once, but we recommend spacing it out to achieve optimal benefits from the ingredients contained within the formula.

Q: How long before I start to see results?

Some consumers experience positive effects straight away, while for others it can take longer. Results will vary depending on other factors such as the type of diet you consume, lifestyle choices, and genetic disposition. There were many manufacturers that offered refunds should you not get the results that you are looking for. Such a guarantee shows the manufacturer’s confidence in their products and the results they predict you will achieve.

Q: What should I expect to pay for a good digestive enzyme supplement?

The cost of products varies between manufacturers. Unfortunately, many are cheap, useless supplements that have been formulated without any science-based evidence behind them. Some of these companies are selling their products for over $100 per bottle, which is much too expensive. On average, the best supplements we found are selling between the $50-$60 price range. Often, when products appear cheaper, this is indicative of low quality or a low recommended daily serving, which will not bring the results you are looking for. Be aware. Read the labels.

Q: Which digestive enzyme supplement is the best one to buy?

As each person’s experience of a product is different, it is difficult to say specifically which one is the best. That said, based on several factors, we did like Approved Science Digestive Enzymes. We found that from the 50+ products that we analyzed, Approved Science Digestive Enzymes had the best quality of ingredients, potency and strength, consumer feedback, and the manufacturer’s customer service.

Of course, it is ultimately your choice. We hope that our research has gone some way in helping you make your choice. If you are looking for a well researched product that brings effective results, we think that you can’t go wrong with Approved Science Digestive Enzymes. It is an excellent quality product, with a great price and impressive reviews.