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If you struggle with common digestive complaints such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, you may have heard that digestive enzymes could improve your symptoms.
Digestive enzymes don't work for everyone, and it's always worth checking with a gastroenterologist or your primary care physician to see if they're right for you. But absent any underlying digestive condition or prohibition from your doctor, digestive enzymes may help you digest your food more easily and without unpleasant side effects like gas and bloating.
Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements - Our Top Picks
- Best Chewable Digestive Enzyme: KOS Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
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Best Plant-Based Digestive Enzyme: Future Kind Complete Multivitamin
- Best Budget Digestive Enzyme: BUBS Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
- Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements for Bloating: Unbloat Daily Capsules
- Best Digestive Enzyme for Lactose Intolerance: Kaged Re-Kaged®
- Best Natural Digestive Enzyme Supplement: Future Kind Complete Multivitamin
- Best Digestive Enzyme Supplement with Probiotics: Unbloat Capsules
- Best Digestive Enzyme for Gas: Nested Naturals Super Greens
Whether you're a runner looking for less digestive upset on race days or just searching for the next health phenomenon, here are the best digestive enzymes of 2023.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dietitians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Best Chewable Digestive Enzyme Supplement - KOS Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Apple cider vinegar powder, orange beet root extract, organic pomegranate extract, vitamin B9, vitamin B12
- Dosage: 1 gummy per day
- Type: Gummies
If you struggle with swallowing pills, we have the digestive enzyme recommendation for you! KOS Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies—aka The Apple of My Gut—are easily chewable and come in a red delicious apple flavor. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help aid in digestion by breaking down enzymes and acting as an antimicrobial.(1) This means that the apple cider vinegar component of this gummy can help stop the spread of harmful bacteria, while the prebiotic ingredients can help nourish your gut's healthy bacteria. You're also getting a dose of nutrient-absorbing betaine from the included beetroot extract.
The serving size is just one gummy per day and comes in individual packets, which is easy and convenient if you take your supplements while commuting or elsewhere. Also, with KOS supplements, you can make a one-time purchase or opt for subscribe-and-save and have a monthly supply shipped straight to your home.
What We Like
- Easy-to-take apple cider vinegar for gut health
- Convenient individual packaging
- 1 gummy serving size
- Subscribe-and-save option
- Erythritol-free
What We Don't Like
- Reviewers are divided on the flavor
- Some users have reported experiencing nausea
BUY: KOS Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
Best Plant-Based Digestive Enzyme - Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Enzyme complex, multivitamin formula, fruit and vegetable blend
- Dosage: 3 tablets
- Type: Tablets
If you're looking for a plant-based, easily-absorbed digestive enzyme supplement, we heartily recommend Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin for your gut—and general—health needs. "Complete" is not hyperbole with this product. This multivitamin is a combination of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and enzymes that help move along the digestive process and enhance your body's nutrient absorption, as well as a 42 non-GMO fruit and vegetable blend with standouts like beetroot, goji berry, and spirulina. Not only can it help improve your digestion, but these ingredients can also help benefit your immune system and overall energy levels.
Future Kind's 75-milligram enzyme complex, derived directly from plants, contains bromelain, amylase, and lipase, all digestive enzymes that help the body break down fats, starches, and protein for better absorption. Additionally, Future Kind offers a subscription plan with a 20% discount to keep you fully stocked each month.
What We Like
- Contains vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and enzymes
- 42 fruit and vegetable blend
- Vegan and non-GMO ingredients
- Eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipments
- Subscribe-and-save program
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- 3 tablet dosage may be a lot for some
BUY: Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin
Best Budget Digestive Enzyme - BUBS Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Apple cider vinegar powder, pomegranate juice powder, beet juice powder
- Dosage: 2 gummies
- Type: Gummies
Digestive enzyme supplements can get expensive, and since there's always a chance that a blend won't suit your individual needs, it may be a good idea to start with a more affordable option to test the waters. We believe BUBS Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies are the best digestive enzyme for the budget-minded because you get both probiotics and digestive enzymes in each chewable gummy.
In addition to the gut health benefits, apple cider vinegar has shown positive results in lowering blood sugar levels, boosting energy, and improving skin health. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive for the taste and ease of use compared to drinking apple cider vinegar straight. Lastly, BUBS Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies are non-GMO and free of gluten, soy, nuts, and corn. They also have an excellent subscribe-and-save program for an extra 15% off.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly with subscribe-and-save option
- Easy to take daily
- Users love the taste
- Non-GMO and free of many allergens
What We Don't Like
- Not as comprehensive as other digestive enzymes
- Has added sugar
BUY: BUBS Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements for Bloating - Unbloat Daily Capsules
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Probiotics, enzymes, prebiotic fiber, bloat-fighting herbal formula
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Type: Capsules
Feeling bloated is uncomfortable at best and downright painful at its worst. We've chosen Unbloat Daily Capsules for this category because not only does it have 40 milligrams of digestive enzymes, 276 milligrams of prebiotic fiber, and 37 milligrams of probiotics per two-capsule serving, but it also has a 70 milligram "bloat fighting" herbal formula to boot. This doctor-formulated blend consists of fennel seed extract, ginger root extract, turmeric root extract, milk thistle extract, spirulina algae concentrate, and peppermint leaf extract. These ingredients boast anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce unwanted bloating.
Aside from Unbloat's subscription or one-time purchase options, this product has a 30-day risk-free guarantee. It's also vegetarian-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
What We Like
- Contains several bloat-busting ingredients
- Vegetarian-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Doctor-formulated
- Subscribe-and-save discount options
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Uses many proprietary blends
Best Digestive Enzyme for Lactose Intolerance - Kaged Re-Kaged®
SPECS
- Active ingredients: ProHydrolase® enzyme blend, creatine HCl, fermented L-glutamine, betaine anhydrous, whey protein isolate
- Dosage: 1 scoop (41.7g)
- Type: Powder
At first glance, this product may seem like an odd fit for this category, but Kaged Re-Kaged® for post-workout recovery is more than just a protein shake. This dynamic powder contains a protease enzyme blend called ProHydrolase® which is used to help break down the nutrients for better digestion. It also contains whey protein isolate, an ultra-filtered protein powder to reduce the amount of carbohydrates, fats, and—most importantly—lactose, making it easier for those with mild-to-moderate lactose intolerance to digest and absorb. That said, it's not completely lactose-free, so those with severe lactose intolerance may want to opt out of this one.
In addition to its high digestibility, this recovery supplement comes in three delicious flavors—Iced Lemon Cake, Orange Kream, and Strawberry Lemonade—with only 1 gram of sugar and zero added sugars, and 28 grams of protein per serving.
What We Like
- Includes a patented enzyme blend
- Uses whey protein isolate for reduced lactose content
- Comes in 3 tasty flavors
- Third-party tested and banned-substance free
What We Don't Like
- Not for those with severe lactose allergies
- Somewhat expensive
Best Natural Digestive Enzyme Supplement - Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Enzyme complex, multivitamin formula, fruit and vegetable blend
- Dosage: 3 tablets
- Type: Tablets
It should come as no surprise that our pick for "best plant-based" is also our pick for the best natural enzyme supplement due to its premium antioxidant-boosting fruit and vegetable blend. Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin is a combination of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and enzymes that help move along the digestive process and enhance your body's nutrient absorption, as well as a 42 non-GMO fruit and vegetable blend that can help aid in digestion, immune system health, and overall energy levels.
Future Kind's 75-milligram enzyme complex, derived directly from plants, contains bromelain, amylase, and lipase, all digestive enzymes that help the body better absorb fats, starches, and proteins. Additionally, Future Kind offers a subscription plan with a 20% discount to keep you fully stocked each month.
What We Like
- 42 fruit and vegetable blend
- Vegan and non-GMO ingredients
- Contains vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and enzymes
- Eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipments
- Subscribe-and-save program
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- 3 tablet dosage may be a lot for some
BUY: Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin
Best Digestive Enzyme Supplement with Probiotics - Unbloat Daily Capsules
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Probiotics, enzymes, prebiotic fiber, bloat-fighting herbal formula
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Type: Capsules
In addition to being a potent anti-bloat supplement, the Unbloat Daily Capsules formula contains 37 milligrams worth of 7 gut health probiotic strains; L.casei, B.lactis, L.plantarum, L.acidophilus, L.rhamnosus, B.longum, and B.bifidum. As for digestive enzymes, there is double that amount of ingredients in the 40-milligram "break down" blend. And, if you're also dealing with the dreaded bloat, Unbloat also has a 70 milligram "bloat fighting" herbal formula featuring fennel seed extract, ginger root extract, turmeric root extract, milk thistle extract, spirulina algae concentrate, and peppermint leaf extract. The one-time purchase option is pretty pricey, but there is a subscribe-and-save program available and Unbloat has a 30-day risk-free guarantee. It's also vegetarian-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
What We Like
- Blend of 7 probiotic strains
- Doctor-formulated
- Vegetarian-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Subscribe-and-save discount options
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Uses many proprietary blends
Best Digestive Enzyme for Gas - Nested Naturals Super Greens
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Alkalizing blend, fiber blend, antioxidant blend, probiotic blend, enzyme blend
- Dosage: 1 scoop (8g)
- Type: Powder
Gas is no laughing matter, especially when causing you GI distress. In some cases, gas and bloating after eating may be the result of a lack of digestive enzymes that help our bodies break down certain types of food. Taking a superfood-loaded digestive enzyme supplement like Nested Naturals Super Greens can possibly help with these gastrointestinal issues. This powder supplement is 100% organic, vegan, low-calorie, and contains zero added sugars. It's sweetened with naturally-sourced monk fruit extract. It is also third-party tested, meaning you can trust the purity and quality of the ingredients in every scoop.
Super Greens features several proprietary blends, including enzymes, fiber, antioxidants, and probiotics. It works by maximizing your body's ability to digest potentially gas-causing foods, helping ease stomach pain, gas, and bloating. That said, this may work for some, but not all, digestive systems due to the level of greens content.
What We Like
- Antioxidant, enzyme, probiotic, and fiber blends
- 2 serving sizes to choose from
- USDA-organic, non-GMO, vegan, and third-party tested
- Reviewer enjoy the "fresh, green" taste
- Also available in chocolate flavor
What We Don't Like
- Proprietary blends don't list actual amounts of each ingredient
- Some reviewers report inconsistency with the mixture and taste
BUY: Nested Naturals Super Greens
What to Look For in a Digestive Enzyme Supplement
Active Ingredients
There is a huge variety of digestive enzyme supplements on the market, and they all contain different formulations of active ingredients. In enzyme supplements, the active ingredients are the actual enzymes that will help you digest your food. If you know you lack a specific enzyme (for example, the enzyme lactase, which helps your body digest lactose, the protein in milk) then look for an enzyme supplement that contains that enzyme.
Dosage
Look into the recommended dosage for your chosen digestive enzyme supplement. Many enzyme supplements recommend you take one supplement prior to eating each time you have a meal. Depending on the symptoms you hope to alleviate, you may want to go with something lower cost, like a once-per-day supplement.
Type
Enzymes come in chewable tablets, powders, and capsules you swallow. Depending on your preference, you may want to go with one type over the other. You should also take a look at which enzymes are included in your supplement and make sure you're satisfied with the ingredients and the specific digestive processes it targets.
When to Take Digestive Enzymes
Most manufacturers recommend taking digestive enzymes approximately half an hour before eating a snack or meal. This gives your body time to begin to digest the supplement and primes your digestive system for eating.
As always, check with your doctor and with the manufacturer of your enzyme supplement for specific instructions about when to take your digestive enzymes. We aren't medical doctors, and none of our recommendations should be taken as medical advice.
FAQs About Digestive Enzyme Supplements
What is the most effective digestive enzyme?
There is no single digestive enzyme that is more effective than all others; rather, it's simply a matter of finding the enzyme supplement that contains the enzymes that your body needs the most. What you need will vary based on your diet and your body. Common digestive enzymes include lactase, lipase, and protease.
How do I know if I need digestive enzymes?
You may benefit from digestive enzymes if you don't have a diagnosed digestive condition but still suffer from gas, bloating, constipation, and other mild gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after eating. Some people lack certain enzymes that help our bodies digest certain types of food; others simply don't make enough to match the amount of a certain type of food they consume in their diet. Digestive enzymes help by supplementing your system with digestive enzymes that help your body break down food.
Do digestive enzymes heal the gut?
Digestive enzymes themselves do not heal the gut. However, if you are dealing with long-term motility issues and other uncomfortable digestive symptoms not caused by underlying diseases, improving your symptoms (with enzymes) may help your gut heal over time. The enzymes themselves aren't doing the healing, but they may give your body some space to recover and re-balance the microbiome.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Ahmadniaye Motlagh, H., Javadmanesh, A., & Safari, O. (2020). Improvement of non-specific immunity, growth, and activity of digestive enzymes in Carassius auratus as a result of apple cider vinegar administration to diet. Fish physiology and biochemistry, 46(4), 1387–1395. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-020-00797-6