Should I be taking digestive enzymes for my digestive symptoms?
There has not been a lot of research done on the use of digestive enzymes for improving the digestive symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders outside of the usual clinical applications. Of the research I could find, it appears that supplemental digestive enzymes may be beneficial for dyspepsia symptoms and IBS-D. Dyspepsia refers to central abdominal pain, burping, gas, bloating, and feelings of fullness after eating.IBS-D refers to IBS with diarrhea as the predominant symptom. In either case, taking digestive enzymes before eating a meal, especially if it contains known or suspected trigger foods, could improve or prevent digestive symptoms.
Because there isn’t a lot of research on this subject, I don’t normally recommend digestive enzymes to clients. Of the studies I have read, there was very little concerning side effects, there are some medications that they can interfere with, and I’m unsure of the long-term effect they may have on an individual’s health. Another concern I have is if taking digestive enzymes for the long-term may interfere with how our bodies produce their own enzymes.
Something else to consider is which kind of digestive enzymes to take for which symptoms and how much. Not all digestive enzyme supplements contain the same enzymes and it's important to choose the right ezymes for your specific symptoms. To determine the right supplement and the right dose it's important to look at the research, but because there is so little research, there will likely be some trial and error involved. It's also good to note that many of these supplements are not vegan as traditionally the enzymes are sources from animals. Thankfully, there is a lot of research being done with digestive enzymes being sourced from microbes.
In conclusion, could taking digestive enzymes help your digestive symptoms? Maybe. Unfortunately I can’t give a more confident answer than that. I don’t consider supplements a first line treatment for many conditions but when dietary triggers are complicated or non dietary triggers are not easily managed supplements are useful treatment options.
Just like with any other supplement, it's a good idea to speak with your physician, pharmacist, or nurse practitioner before taking anything.
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