The timing question has a clear answer, and getting it wrong is the most common reason people find enzyme supplements unpleasant.
Take them with food
Enzymes work on what you eat. Taken well before or after a meal, there is nothing for them to act on — and on a genuinely empty stomach, active enzymes have only your stomach lining to work against, which is why some people report a queasy feeling.
The practical rule: take them immediately before, or during, the first few bites of your meal. If you take one serving a day, take it with your largest or richest meal.
Enzymes and probiotics are not the same thing
They get shelved together and confused constantly.
- Enzymes are proteins that break food down into smaller components — protease for protein, amylase for starch, lipase for fat, lactase for lactose.
- Probiotics are live organisms that contribute to the balance of bacteria in the gut.
They do different jobs and can be taken together. Some formulas, including ours, contain both.
Why the number of enzymes matters
Each enzyme acts on a specific component of food. A product with three enzymes covers three categories. A broader blend covers protein, starch, fat, fibre and lactose across a range of pH conditions in the gut.
What matters more than the count is whether the label tells you what is in the blend and how much. An impressive-sounding enzyme count inside a proprietary blend tells you nothing.
What to expect early on
Some people notice mild digestive changes in the first few days as they adjust. Taking the supplement with food rather than without usually resolves it. If you experience significant abdominal pain, or any signs of an allergic reaction such as itching or a rash, stop and speak to a healthcare professional.
Who should check first
Speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting an enzyme supplement if you take blood thinners or diabetes medication, if you have stomach ulcers or gallbladder disease, or if you have persistent digestive symptoms that have not been investigated. Ongoing symptoms deserve a proper look rather than a supplement.
Our approach
Our Digestive Enzyme Complex combines 16 plant and fungal enzymes with prebiotics, three Bacillus strains and organic peppermint and ginger root. Every component is listed with its quantity — no proprietary blend.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.