Hemicellulose is another polysaccharide that features prominently in plant cell walls alongside cellulose and lignin. Hemicellulase aids in the breaking down and digestion of hemicellulose. Before you run to the store and grab the first bottle of digestive enzymes you see on the shelf, you should know that not all digestive enzymes are vegan.

This is particularly the case for people with digestive issues that reduce or prevent the absorption of nutrients in food, like leaky gut or celiac disease. Limited research has shown that symptoms may improve if you supplement with lipase before a high-fat meal, though more data is needed to create standardized recommendations. Coupled with this nutritional powerhouse, is 2000 IUs per serving of organic vitamin D. This vitamin D is in the form of D2 because it is sourced from the Agaricus mushroom, unlike D3, which comes from sheep wool. Good news for vegans! Edakkanambeth Varayil J, Bauer BA, Hurt RT. Over-the-counter enzyme supplements: what a clinician needs to know. Mayo Clinic Proc;89(9):1307-12. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.05.015.

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Nutrient deficiency: If you take all of your supplements or you eat a varied and well-planned nutritious diet, but your body is still deficient in nutrients then it may not be digesting them properly. Digestive enzymes can help with this.

Although it’s an effective product, it’s nearly double the price of some of the other vegan digestive enzymes I mentioned above. Additionally, it doesn’t include any other added vitamins and minerals. The most common product on the market is the capsule form, but if you don’t like swallowing capsules (some of the capsules from brands that also include other ingredients such as herbs, minerals and pre/probiotics can get rather large) it’s entirely possible to open up the capsule and add or sprinkle it over your food. Micronutrients in pure form, by consistently avoiding unnecessary additives such as colourings, binding and separating agents or synthetic coatings, form the basis for the formulations that the Biogena science team creates. Some medical conditions require treatment beyond over-the-counter products. Additionally, certain digestive enzyme supplements may not be safe for: The human body naturally produces digestive enzymes to break down food molecules into smaller, easily digestible substances. Many people's bodies generate all the enzymes needed for digestion. However, if you have an enzyme deficiency, you may have trouble breaking down certain foods and experience uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. A common example is lactose intolerance, which is when the body doesn’t make enough of the enzyme lactase, needed to digest lactose (milk sugar).Digestive enzymes are considered safe; however, as with any supplement, you should speak with your doctor or physician if you have any health issues or take any prescribed medications, as some ingredient blends may affect the efficacy of anything else you’re taking. Kirkland caplets are a top choice because they do not contain other potential gas-causing ingredients, such as mannitol, which competitor brands often include. Additionally, they are individually wrapped and portable to have on standby for a planned dairy chow-down or surprise lactose-heavy meal. Products with ox and bovine ingredients may present risk of disease transition, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (aka mad cow disease). There are three major types of enzymes, each of which has specific functions: amylases break starches down into sugar molecules, proteases break down proteins into amino acids, and lipases break fats down into their component parts. Levine B, Weisman S. Enzyme replacement as an effective treatment for the common symptoms of complex carbohydrate intolerance. Nutr Clin Care. 7(2):75-81.

Sugar alcohol intolerance: There are currently no digestive enzymes with a proven ability to aid tolerance to sugar alcohols (i.e., ingredients ending in “ol” such as erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol). If you experience digestive upset with these foods, an over-the-counter enzyme is unlikely to provide relief. Minimize cost: Commercially available digestive enzymes can come with a high price tag. Look for products that contain the main enzyme(s) needed to help your digestive issue and avoid paying for too many extra ingredients. Consider reserving enzyme supplements for when dietary avoidance is most impractical for you, which might include social events, dining, or travel. Periodically re-test foods without an enzyme to ensure the product is still offering a benefit for you.

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When it comes to digestive health, probiotics tend to the steal the show with fancy commercials and specially fortified foods. Look for enteric coating: Enzymes are pH-sensitive, meaning their effectiveness will be affected by the acidity of the environment. Enteric coating is an acid-resistant barrier on a pill or capsule that allows the enzyme to remain intact before reaching the small intestine, where it helps with digestion. Enzyme supplements that are enteric-coated are most likely to be effective.