What kind of enzymes do i need

The one scenario where your body would become reliant on an enzyme supplement is if a legit deficiency is present, making the supplement necessary for proper digestive function. Reading the label is everything, says Dr. Anytime you're shopping for a supplement , it's a good idea to shop at big-chain retailers, which are more likely to take recalled supplements off shelves.

There can be. Allergic reactions can also be an issue for some people, such as itching, rash, stomach pain, and difficulty swallowing. If this happens, stop taking the digestive enzyme supplements, stat, and seek medical attention, says Dr.

Related Articles. Your Practical Guide to Lactose Intolerance. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 7 Trigger-busters. Get Nauseous After Taking Vitamins? Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below.

Send me expert insights each week in Health Essentials News. Your body makes enzymes in the digestive system, including the mouth, stomach, and small intestine. The largest share is the work of the pancreas. Digestive enzymes help your body break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food. This is necessary to allow for the absorption of nutrients and to maintain optimal health.

Without these enzymes, the nutrients in your food go to waste. When that happens, you can add digestive enzyme replacement before meals to help your body process foods effectively. This can lead to malnutrition as well symptoms such as bloating, cramping, gassiness, and diarrhea. Replacement digestive enzymes take the place of natural enzymes, helping to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from the foods you eat. Then the nutrients are absorbed into your body through the wall of the small intestine and distributed through the bloodstream.

As a result, replacement digestive enzymes can help prevent malabsorption and related digestive discomforts. That way, they can do their work as food hits your stomach and small intestine. In some cases, you may break up the dose. Replacement enzyme medications and supplements come in many forms with varied ingredients and dosages.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy PERT is available only by prescription. These medications are usually made from pig pancreases. Some prescription enzymes contain pancrelipase, which is made up of amylase, lipase, and protease. These medications are usually coated to prevent stomach acids from digesting the medication before it reaches the intestines.

But a digestive enzyme needs a substrate in order to catalyze a reaction — in other words, food. That means, in most cases, you should take digestive enzyme supplements along with food. In many instances, they should be taken in combination with specific foods in order to properly perform their intended function. Lactase supplements, for example, include the enzymes that digest milk sugars, so they should be taken along with dairy products. Likewise, amylase supplements help the body digest the complex sugars found in legumes and vegetables to reduce bloating and gas, so they should be taken just before eating these foods.

To determine when to take a digestive enzyme, or any supplement, refer to the instruction label of the product. Some digestive supplements are intended to be taken with a meal, while others should be taken shortly before eating.