How to Take Digestive Enzymes Correctly: Dosage, Timing & When to Expect Benefits

Digestive enzymes play a key role in breaking down the food we eat. These proteins speed up chemical reactions that turn nutrients into forms the digestive tract can absorb. Saliva, as well as the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver, all release digestive enzymes (1).

How Do Digestive Enzymes Work?

When the pancreas doesn’t naturally secrete enough digestive enzymes, it can affect the body’s ability to break down food and absorb nutrients. A lack of digestive enzymes may lead to malnutrition or symptoms such as bloating, cramping, gas, and diarrhoea (2).

Supplemented digestive enzymes act in place of natural enzymes, breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The resulting nutrients are then absorbed into the body through the small intestine and distributed via the bloodstream (2).

Types of Digestive Enzymes

The main types of digestive enzymes are:

• Amylase – Breaks down carbohydrates or starches into sugar molecules. Insufficient amylase may lead to diarrhoea (2).
• Lipase – Breaks down fats in cooperation with bile from the liver. A lack of lipase can cause reduced absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K (2).
• Protease – Breaks down proteins into amino acids. A shortage may lead to allergies or toxicity in the intestines (2).

How to Take Digestive Enzymes Correctly

Timing

There are two main ways to take digestive enzymes: with food or without food.

• With food: Many people take digestive enzymes at mealtimes to help break down food more effectively. It can take up to three months for enzyme supplements to reach their optimal effect (3).
• Without food: Some people take them between meals to help break down other substances, such as inflammatory molecules. Studies suggest digestive enzymes may reduce pain from osteoarthritis (4) and that bromelain-an enzyme from pineapple-may reduce oedema and support healing (5).

Dosage

• The correct dosage varies depending on body weight and eating habits. For adults, a typical serving is 1–3 capsules per meal, but you should always follow the instructions on the product label (2).

If you are sensitive or new to enzyme supplements, start with the lowest dose and adjust as needed-ideally with guidance from a healthcare practitioner.

For large or slow meals, you may wish to take half the dose at the start and the rest halfway through (2).

Useful Tips

1. Take digestive enzymes with a cool drink-hot beverages can reduce their effectiveness.
2. Take them just before or with the first few bites of food.
3. Start with the smallest possible dose and increase gradually if needed.
4. Swallow capsules whole with liquid; do not crush or chew unless directed by your healthcare provider.
5. Avoid mixing capsule contents with dairy products before swallowing, as this may destroy enzyme activity before they reach the stomach (7).

How Long Does It Take for Digestive Enzymes to Work?

The time it takes to notice benefits can vary depending on the timing of intake, the type of enzyme, your digestive health, hydration, and overall lifestyle.

• Short term: Some people notice relief from bloating, gas, or discomfort within hours-or even after the first meal.
• 2–3 days: With consistent use, digestive discomfort often decreases further as your body adjusts.
• 4–8 weeks: For chronic digestive issues, it may take this long to experience significant improvement, as the gut heals and digestion becomes more efficient (8).

Digestive Enzymes vs. Probiotics

While both support gut health, they function differently:

• Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food into absorbable nutrients.
• Probiotics are living microorganisms that live in the gut and provide various health benefits.

Probiotics can indirectly aid digestion by producing certain enzymes. For example, Lactobacillus species can help increase amylase production, while Lactobacillus casei produces lactase (9).

FAQs

References

1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-are-digestive-enzymes
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency/the-role-of-digestive-enzymes-in-gi-disorders#what-they-are
3. https://healthpath.com/supplements/digestive-health-enzymes-food-supplements-guide/#:~:text=the%20Healthpath%20shop.-,When%20to%20take%20digestive%20health%20supplements,things%E2%80%94such%20as%20inflammatory%20molecules
4. Oral enzyme combination versus diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee–a double-blind prospective randomized study – PubMed
5. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update – PubMed
6. https://yourhealth.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/library/chuggs/2204-advice-on-taking-enzyme-replacement-capsules-18/file#:~:text=How%20do%20I%20take%20the,%E2%80%A2
7. https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/living-with-pancreatic-cancer/diet-and-nutrition/pancreatic-enzymes/
8. https://cymbiotika.com/blogs/health-hub/how-long-does-it-take-for-digestive-enzymes-to-work-understanding-digestive-health?srsltid=AfmBOopzopgjvVmMW3xFt69HpW-3z6dpHSUUmEkoQsyMrQzw3_Vd2nJy#section4
9. https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/learning-lab/about/probiotics/probiotics-and-digestive-enzymes
10. https://seed.com/cultured/digestive-enzymes-vs-probiotics-gut-health-guide/?srsltid=AfmBOoqMK4THw46XhryTcIgnx3nqQroM48pfVeqiigQ5CCenIsjTxuSc
11. https://cymbiotika.com/blogs/health-hub/understanding-digestive-enzymes-what-happens-if-you-take-too-many#:~:text=a%20healthcare%20provider.-,Conclusion,journey%20toward%20optimal%20digestive%20health
12. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements