Digestive enzyme supplements explained: what they do, how they work and whether they help you lose weight
- Digestive enzyme supplements can help the body break down compounds in food and relieve cramping, gas and diarrhoea
- Newer supplements that combine different enzymes, and are sold over the counter, haven’t been scientifically evaluated and could have side effects
Does your digestion leave something to be desired?
If you often experience discomfort after eating, you’re not alone. According to the US National Institutes of Health, 60 to 70 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases.
Many are trying a fairly new – but growing – category of supplements called digestive enzymes, which may help the body break down compounds in food. These supplements typically contain a variety of digestive enzymes such as amylases, lipases and proteases.
A report by Transparency Market Research estimates that the global market for digestive enzyme supplements, worth US$358 million in 2016, is expected to grow to more than US$1 billion by 2025.
Promotions for some of these supplements do more than promise they will cure digestive ailments. They also claim the supplements will help people lose weight, think more clearly and even give them the ability to eat foods they’re allergic to.
