Digestive Enzymes: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More
Nutrition & FitnessDiet & Nutrition

Digestive Enzymes: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More

Digestive Enzymes: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More
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Updated on March 20, 2026
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Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness. Talk to a healthcare professional about whether a supplement is the right fit for your individual health, and about any potential drug interactions or safety concerns.

Digestive enzymes are substances in the body that break down the food you eat. This allows the body to absorb nutrients — including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals — into the bloodstream. The body secretes these enzymes throughout the digestive process, starting from the salivary glands in the mouth, and then in stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.

Digestive enzyme supplements are available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. When you take digestive enzymes with the foods they’re meant to break down, the results can be really effective for people with certain intolerances, says Kelly Taliaferro, RD, a Dallas-based dietitian who focuses on gut health and IBS at her private practice, Hues Nutrition. The key, she says, is to pair the right enzyme with your specific need rather than thinking of these as a general fix for health concerns.

If you have a medical condition, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, your doctor can prescribe medication that replaces the enzymes you’re missing.

Here’s what you need to know about prescription and OTC digestive enzymes, including their potential health benefits and risks.

Potential Health Benefits of Digestive Enzymes

Doctors may prescribe digestive enzymes for those with pancreatic conditions. Over-the-counter digestive enzymes can help some people digest dairy and other foods. Some products claim to offer other health benefits, such as symptom relief for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the supporting research is limited. Here is what the research says about the possible benefits of digestive enzymes.

May Help You Digest Dairy

If you’re lactose intolerant, your body may not make enough of the enzyme lactase, which you need to break down the lactose in milk products, says Kim Kulp, RD, the owner of Gut Health Connection, a private nutrition and lifestyle coaching practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.

For clients who are lactose-intolerant, Kulp and the American Gastroenterological Association both recommend taking a lactase enzyme supplement (one common brand is Lactaid) just before consuming dairy-containing foods.

May Help Improve Some IBS Symptoms

If you have IBS, there may be value in using digestive enzyme supplements to reduce symptoms, says Taliaferro. These are available OTC and by prescription. “The best thing people can do is stick to enzymes that target their particular carbohydrate intolerances,” she says.

For example, if you get gassy and bloated after eating beans, dietary supplements such as Beano, available OTC, help supply your body with the enzyme alpha-galactosidase to break down a type of non-absorbable fiber in these foods, she says.

The enzyme supplement Fructaid helps the body digest fructose, whereas enzyme blends like Fodzyme or Fodmate are OTC supplements that target multiple carbohydrate intolerances (called FODMAPs) that affect people with IBS. “These are the ones that will be typically most effective for IBS, as they have the most data behind them and are most likely to help with symptoms,” she says.

May Reduce Inflammation Related to UC

One purported benefit of the OTC digestive enzyme bromelain is reducing intestinal inflammation associated with digestive diseases like ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Research suggests that supplementing with bromelain may benefit people who have IBD by promoting digestive function and reducing inflammation.

 But a huge limitation to this body of research is that there is a lack of human testing, and research involving humans is small.

“Some studies look promising, but there is still a lot of opportunity to understand how they work and their risks,” says Taliaferro.

May Help Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain

Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins. OTC supplements often include a combination of pancreatin, papain, bromelain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Although most benefits are unsubstantiated, there is some evidence that these may help reduce inflammation to help reduce pain in moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis.

Other preliminary research suggests there may be a benefit for the OTC enzyme serrapeptase for reducing inflammation and swelling in minor injuries like ankle sprains.

“Although the evidence is promising, existing studies have been small and short-term, so more studies are needed,” says Taliaferro.

Can Replace Missing Enzymes

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes to break down foods and absorb nutrients. Causes include chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and after surgery on the digestive tract.

 Currently, the only FDA-regulated treatment is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), a prescription medication that includes the enzymes lipase, protease, and amylase.

Weight Loss Effect of Digestive Enzymes

There is no credible evidence that digestive enzymes will lead to weight loss, says Taliaferro.

She explains that digestive enzymes help your body break down food so you can better absorb nutrients and energy (calories), so it doesn’t make sense that improving digestion and being able to absorb more calories from the food you eat would lead to weight loss. And digestive enzymes do not improve metabolism, either, Taliaferro adds.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Digestive Enzymes

More than five million people in the United States take OTC digestive enzymes, often without the recommendation of a medical professional.

 Although digestive enzyme products are plentiful on the market, they do come with potential risks and side effects — and it’s worthwhile to talk to a clinician before you start one. Here are some of the risks and side effects to know about.

Risks

Digestive enzymes are made from substances like fungi and microbes, says Kulp. They may also contain papain (from papaya) or bromelain (from pineapple). “It’s possible to be allergic to the sources used to make them,” she says. If you have an allergy to yeast, mold, or an ingredient (such as pineapple) in the supplement, it’s best to avoid it.

If you have alpha-gal syndrome or mold allergies, Beano may cause an allergic reaction.

Vegans and vegetarians should be aware that some supplements use animal-derived digestive enzymes or ingredients, such as pepsin or pancreatin from pigs or ox bile from cows.

 The best products list the ingredients’ origin on the label and have a certification from a third-party testing company confirming their quality.
Some products also come with warnings regarding potential medication interactions, such as H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or blood thinners.

To cut through all the confusion, it’s best to speak to your clinician or pharmacist about potential risks and medication interactions before you start digestive enzymes. In addition, consult a physician before taking one if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

The good news is that digestive enzymes are typically well-tolerated, says Kulp. Occasionally, some people may experience the following side effects, she says:

  • Bloating or gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea
  • Constipation

Forms of Digestive Enzymes

As an OTC supplement, digestive enzymes are available in the following forms.

  • Capsules
  • Chewables
  • Powder to sprinkle on or mix into food

These are available as an individual supplement containing one digestive enzyme — such as lactase for lactose intolerance — a mixture of enzymes, or as part of a blend with other herbs or probiotics that are intended to also support digestion.

“Different forms are not more effective than another, but it’s more important to follow the instructions on the label,” says Taliaferro.

Prescription digestive enzymes are the main treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and include brand names such as:

  • Creon
  • Zenpep
  • Pancreaze
  • Viokace
  • Pertzye

“I typically recommend choosing products that most effectively meet your specific needs,” says Taliaferro. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, try a digestive enzyme with only lactase — you don’t need a blend or broad-spectrum digestive enzyme. On the other hand, if you have multiple intolerances, she says, you may benefit from a product that has a blend of enzymes. Consult your healthcare provider about which type they recommend for your individual health needs.

Food Sources of Digestive Enzymes

Some of the foods you eat naturally contain digestive enzymes. Examples include:

That said, these foods haven’t been shown to aid in digestion because of their enzymes.

 For healthy individuals, most of the digestive enzymes that break down our food are produced by the body.

For all-around digestive health, follow a balanced diet rich in plant fruits and vegetables.

How to Select and Store Digestive Enzymes

When it comes to supplements, including digestive enzymes, you have a lot of choices online and on store shelves. Here’s what to look for when shopping — and how to store them properly when you take them home.

Selection

The FDA does not approve supplements, which is why it’s important to find one with a third-party certification. To choose a quality supplement, check the label for approval by USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com. This means the product has undergone third-party testing for quality and purity.

When choosing a digestive enzyme supplement, pick one that lines up with the specific digestive help you need. For example, if you have lactose intolerance, Kulp recommends a lactase enzyme supplement that contains at least 3,000 acid lactase units (ALU). For beans, she recommends an alpha galactosidase enzyme (bean enzyme) with at least 300 units (GalU).

Storage

Consult the back of the product label for specific instructions regarding the storage of your digestive enzymes. The typical guidance is to store bottles in a cool, dry place.

Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on how to store prescription medications.

Dosage of Digestive Enzymes

Products may differ in their dosage recommendations, so follow the label recommendation on yours.

There are various ways you can take an OTC supplement, says Kulp. For instance, you might take one capsule before or with each meal, take one capsule before the heaviest meals, or (in the case of a powder) stir the enzyme directly into your food. “The enzymes need to be in the small intestine when the food arrives, which can happen quickly,” says Kulp. Read the instructions on the supplement label for best results.

Your clinician or registered dietitian can recommend the best dose and timing for taking your digestive enzymes.

The Takeaway

  • OTC digestive enzyme supplements can help some people digest foods like dairy, beans, fruit sugars, and some types of carbohydrates (FODMAPs), particularly for people who have IBS.
  • For people with certain conditions, such as pancreatitis, prescription digestive enzymes can replace missing enzymes and help the body better break down food into nutrients.
  • Limited evidence suggests that digestive enzymes may help reduce inflammation, aiding swelling and pain from sprains and knee osteoarthritis, or provide additional support for those with an inflammatory bowel disease, but more research and human trials are needed.
  • Digestive enzymes are typically well-tolerated, but some experience side effects such as nausea and bloating, and there is a risk of medication interactions, which is why it’s important to speak with your healthcare team before starting a supplement.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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  5. Restivo J. Digestive Enzymes: How Supplements Like Lactaid and Beano Can Help With Digestion. Harvard Health Publishing. November 13, 2024.
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  7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) ~ Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies. Kaiser Permanente. November 2025.
  8. Kansakar U et al. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bromelain: Applications, Benefits, and Mechanisms. Nutrients. June 27, 2024.
  9. Delgarm P et al. Effects of bromelain supplementation on disease activity and quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study. Scientific Reports. November 28, 2025.
  10. Proteolytic enzymes. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. February 2, 2022.
  11. Bolten WW et al. The Safety and Efficacy of an Enzyme Combination in Managing Knee Osteoarthritis Pain in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Arthritis. Januray 31, 2015.
  12. Stamati A et al. Efficacy and Safety of Serrapeptase on Ankle Sprain Cases: A Single Center Prospective Comparative Study. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma. September 1, 2024.
  13. Newman KL et al. Trends in Prescription and Non-Prescription Digestive Enzyme Use in the United States From 2009 to 2020. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. October 2022.
  14. Godman H. Digestive Enzyme Supplements for Heartburn? Harvard Health Publishing. September 12, 2023.
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Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.

In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.

Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.

She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.

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