What are digestive enzymes and why do they matter?

Eating well is important, but good digestion is what helps your body make the most of your food. That’s where digestive enzymes come in. These little proteins work behind the scenes to break food down into nutrients your body can easily absorb and use, helping you feel nourished, energised and supported from the inside out.¹

Digestive enzymes are special proteins your body produces and releases into your digestive system, mainly by the pancreas and small intestine. Their job is simple but essential: to break down the food you eat into nutrients your body can absorb and use for energy, repair and overall wellbeing.² They occur naturally in the body and can also be found in food and supplements. Some, like bromelain from pineapples or papain from papayas, come from fruit.³ Others are extracted from plants such as fungi and yeast, while some are pancreatic enzymes from animal sources.⁴ There are many enzymes involved in digestion, but three do most of the heavy lifting:

For those with digestive niggles, research suggests digestive enzymes may help support digestion, including in people with lactose intolerance.⁴ They may also ease digestive discomfort linked to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).⁴ Stress can play a role too – when we’re under pressure and stuck in ‘fight-or-flight’ mode, our bodies tend to slow down enzyme production, putting digestion on the back burner.⁸ Supporting digestion, especially during stressful times, can make a real difference in how we feel day to day.

When we digest our food properly, our bodies can absorb the nutrients we need to feel healthy and well. But when digestion isn’t working as it should, those nutrients can slip through unused. Common signs of poor digestion include heartburn, indigestion, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.⁹ You might even notice pieces of undigested food in your stools, which isn't always a cause for concern, but could be a gentle sign from your body that it may need a little extra support.¹⁰ So, if you’re concerned about these symptoms, it's best to speak to your doctor first to rule anything out.

Studies have suggested that if you’re lactose intolerant, an enzyme containing lactase may be especially helpful.^11,12,13 But checking the label is always important. Look at which enzymes are included, where they come from – especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan – and what types of food they help break down.

Digestive enzyme deficiency happens when the pancreas or small intestine don’t produce enough enzymes to properly digest food. However, digestive enzyme deficiencies aren’t common – most people produce enough on their own and don’t need digestive enzyme supplements. Understanding the possible causes is the first step toward supporting your digestion and feeling better in your body, like:

Good digestion is the foundation for feeling your best and digestive enzymes play an important role in helping your body get the most out of the foods you eat. While supplements aren’t necessary for everyone, they can provide helpful support for those experiencing digestive discomfort or low enzyme production. Listening to your body, choosing the right foods and supporting your gut can make a real difference in how you feel every day. For more about ways you can support your body and gut, find out all you need to know about gut health and inflammation.

Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.