Digestive enzymes
Amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, bromelain: what enzymes in supplements are, how to read activity units on the label and how to choose.
This substance has no health claim authorised in the European Union. So we describe what it is and how it is taken, but do not say what it does in the body.
What they are
Enzymes are proteins that break large food molecules into smaller ones. Amylase works on starch, protease on proteins, lipase on fats, lactase on milk sugar, cellulase on fibre. Bromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya) are plant proteases.
Supplement enzymes come from fungi, plants or animal material. Digestive enzyme complexes have no authorised claims in the EU, so we describe what is in them, not what they do.
How to read the label
Enzymes are stated not only in milligrams but in activity units: FCC, DU, HUT, ALU and others. Activity units, not weight, are what let you compare products: 100 mg of one enzyme can be several times as active as 100 mg of another.
"Full-spectrum" complexes hold several enzymes at once; single products hold, for example, only lactase.
How they are taken
Enzymes are usually taken at the start of a meal, one capsule or as the pack directs. People with stomach or pancreatic conditions, a pineapple or papaya allergy, or who take blood thinners should ask a doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
When should enzymes be taken?
Usually at the start of a meal. The exact direction is on the product's pack.
Why FCC or DU instead of milligrams?
They are enzyme activity units. They show how much work the enzyme can do and are more reliable than weight for comparing products.
Are enzymes vegan?
Fungal and plant enzymes are; enzymes from animal material (such as pancreatin) are not. Check the labelling.
Digestion & probiotics in the shop
