The Best Digestive Enzymes For Maximum Nutrient Absorption – Vogue
2025-04-21T21:29:54Z
Experts weigh in on the best digestive enzymes to help to break down protein, fats, and carbohydrates into simpler compounds that can be absorbed by the body.
They say you are what you eat—but a more accurate measure is you are what nutrients you absorb. When it comes to absorption, digestive enzymes are crucial. “The best digestive enzymes, whether natural or in supplemental form, help ensure your food is properly broken down so your body can absorb the nutrients,” explains nutritionist and founder of Grounded Nourishment Meg Gerber, RD, IFNCP, CGN. Optimal nutrient absorption, in turn, helps power your body with energy to grow and perform vital functions.
Specific enzymes break down specific macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, dairy, and fiber). “We naturally make our own digestive enzymes, mainly in the salivary glands, pancreas, and small intestines,” says Brooklyn-based nutritionist and registered dietician Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN. “But a digestive enzyme supplement is a solution to help support digestion for those with a clear diagnosis of an intolerance or insufficiency that impairs the body’s ability to break down nutrients.”
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to digestive enzymes, especially since they aren’t regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), so we asked nutritionists and dieticians for their ultimate tips to find the best digestive enzymes on the market.
Vogue’s Favorite Digestive Enzymes:
In This Article:
Best Overall Digestive Enzyme: MaryRuth Organics Ultra Digestive Enzyme Capsules
MaryRuth Organics Ultra Digestive Enzyme Capsules $25 AMAZON
Why We Love It: If you want more from your digestive enzymes, MaryRuth Organics delivers. These capsules not only contain a powerful mix of essential enzymes, but also vitamins B1, B6, B12, calcium, magnesium, amla, and more for full-on support. “For most people I recommend a broad-spectrum blend that contains amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, cellulase which will help to digest a meal with a variety of ingredients,” says registered dietician and founder of Real Nutrition Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CND. One capsule a day helps support overall gut health and energy levels for optimal nutrient absorption.
If you want more from your digestive enzymes, MaryRuth Organics delivers. These capsules not only contain a powerful mix of essential enzymes, but also vitamins B1, B6, B12, calcium, magnesium, amla, and more for full-on support. “For most people I recommend a broad-spectrum blend that contains amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, cellulase which will help to digest a meal with a variety of ingredients,” says registered dietician and founder of Real Nutrition Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CND. One capsule a day helps support overall gut health and energy levels for optimal nutrient absorption. Key ingredients: Protease, Amylase, Thiamin, B6, B12, Calcium
Protease, Amylase, Thiamin, B6, B12, Calcium Form: Capsule
Capsule Certifications: Vegan, Non-GMO Project verified, GMP certified, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, Clean Label Project certified, B Corp certified
Vegan, Non-GMO Project verified, GMP certified, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, Clean Label Project certified, B Corp certified Serving Size: 1 capsule
1 capsule Number of Servings: 60
Best Digestive Enzyme for Fats or Protein: Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes
Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes $53 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Thorne sets the gold standard for quality and performance thanks, in part, to their stringent testing and contributions from independent researchers from places like Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health. “I like to look for formulas made with clean ingredients, free from fillers or artificial ingredients, that’s been third-party tested for quality and purity,” says Shapiro. Thorne delivers on all fronts—not only does it include a comprehensive blend of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin, composed of amylase, lipase, and protease, and ox bile to ease digestive discomfort, but the brand also puts the formula through four rounds of testing to make sure it’s top tier in quality and performance. Especially brilliant to soothe bloat after meals heavy in fats or red meat, the brand also recommends it as a tool for those who’ve undergone gallbladder removal. The formula also doesn’t contain lactose, which is often used to dilute pepsin and pancreatin, so it’s an amazing option for those who are lactose intolerant.
Thorne sets the gold standard for quality and performance thanks, in part, to their stringent testing and contributions from independent researchers from places like Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health. “I like to look for formulas made with clean ingredients, free from fillers or artificial ingredients, that’s been third-party tested for quality and purity,” says Shapiro. Thorne delivers on all fronts—not only does it include a comprehensive blend of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin, composed of amylase, lipase, and protease, and ox bile to ease digestive discomfort, but the brand also puts the formula through four rounds of testing to make sure it’s top tier in quality and performance. Especially brilliant to soothe bloat after meals heavy in fats or red meat, the brand also recommends it as a tool for those who’ve undergone gallbladder removal. The formula also doesn’t contain lactose, which is often used to dilute pepsin and pancreatin, so it’s an amazing option for those who are lactose intolerant. Key Ingredients: Hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin, and ox bile
Hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin, and ox bile Form: Capsule
Capsule Certifications: NSF certified, GMP certified, third-party tested
NSF certified, GMP certified, third-party tested Serving Size: 2 capsules
2 capsules Number of Servings: 90
Best Digestive Enzyme for Dairy or Gluten: Hilma Digestive Enzymes
Why We Love It: Some of the most common food sensitivities are lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity. “Digestive enzyme supplements can make it possible for people who are lactose intolerant to tolerate, digest, and absorb nutrients in dairy products,” says Feller. This capsule helps target bloating and digestive discomfort associated with dairy or gluten triggers with a blend of protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, and pepper. “Digestive enzymes are also a great tool for those who are dairy or gluten sensitive and need support when they eat out,” adds Gerber.
Some of the most common food sensitivities are lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity. “Digestive enzyme supplements can make it possible for people who are lactose intolerant to tolerate, digest, and absorb nutrients in dairy products,” says Feller. This capsule helps target bloating and digestive discomfort associated with dairy or gluten triggers with a blend of protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, and pepper. “Digestive enzymes are also a great tool for those who are dairy or gluten sensitive and need support when they eat out,” adds Gerber. Key Ingredients: Protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, and pepper
Protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, and pepper Form: Capsule
Capsule Certifications: Clean Label Project certified, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, third-party tested
Clean Label Project certified, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, third-party tested Serving Size: 1 capsule
1 capsule Number of Servings: 60
Best Digestive Enzymes With Probiotics: Juna Detox Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics
Juna Detox Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics $44 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Because they both affect digestion, some may confuse digestive enzymes with probiotics. “Enzymes are proteins that help break down food, decrease discomfort after meals, and allow for maximum nutrient absorption,” says Shapiro. “Probiotics are live bacteria that support your microbiome, help maintain balance in your gut, crowd out harmful bacteria, and support immunity, mood, and digestion.” Often, the best results come from using both. With 5 probiotics, 13 digestive enzymes, pomegranate, and herbs, this powerful capsule tackles digestion from a 360-degree approach.
Because they both affect digestion, some may confuse digestive enzymes with probiotics. “Enzymes are proteins that help break down food, decrease discomfort after meals, and allow for maximum nutrient absorption,” says Shapiro. “Probiotics are live bacteria that support your microbiome, help maintain balance in your gut, crowd out harmful bacteria, and support immunity, mood, and digestion.” Often, the best results come from using both. With 5 probiotics, 13 digestive enzymes, pomegranate, and herbs, this powerful capsule tackles digestion from a 360-degree approach. Key Ingredients: DigeSEB Plus PB™, lemon balm, bitter melon
DigeSEB Plus PB™, lemon balm, bitter melon Form: Capsule
Capsule Certifications: USDA organic, third-party tested
USDA organic, third-party tested Serving Size: 2 capsules
2 capsules Number of Servings: 30
Best Vegan Digestive Enzyme: The Nue Co Debloat+ Anti-Bloat Supplement with Digestive Enzymes
Why We Love It: If you want to soothe bloat or relieve discomfort after an occasional overindulgence, this capsule works right away to help alleviate symptoms of indigestion. Made with ingredients renowned in Ayurvedic medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues and 17 digestive enzymes, including alpha galactosidase which helps break down carbohydrates found in beans and cruciferous vegetables, a twice daily dose can feel like a reset button for your digestive tract.
If you want to soothe bloat or relieve discomfort after an occasional overindulgence, this capsule works right away to help alleviate symptoms of indigestion. Made with ingredients renowned in Ayurvedic medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues and 17 digestive enzymes, including alpha galactosidase which helps break down carbohydrates found in beans and cruciferous vegetables, a twice daily dose can feel like a reset button for your digestive tract. Key Ingredients: Blend of digestive enzymes, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and licorice root
Blend of digestive enzymes, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and licorice root Form: Capsule
Capsule Certifications: Certified B Corp, non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free
Certified B Corp, non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free Serving Size: 2 capsules
2 capsules Number of Servings: 30
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