Digestive Enzymes lists multi-enzyme tablets taken with meals: NOW Foods Super Enzymes, a broad blend with bromelain, papain and ox bile, and OstroVit Digezyme, based on the DigeZyme multi-enzyme complex. Boiron Nux Vomica 30C, a homeopathic remedy, is also listed here.
Your body makes its own enzymes to break food down: proteases for protein, lipases for fat and amylases for starch. Enzyme supplements supply measured amounts of similar enzymes from plant, microbial or animal sources. They have no authorised health claim, so compare them by the enzymes and activity levels listed on the label.
Enzymes work on the food they meet, so take them with the first bites of a meal, not hours later. Some people keep them for larger or richer meals; others take them with their main meal every day. Stay within the label serving, and ask a pharmacist first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or take prescription medicine. Indigestion, pain or bloating that keeps coming back should be checked by a GP.
Boiron Nux Vomica 30C is a homeopathic remedy sold as three tubes of 80 pellets, not an enzyme, so use it only as its label directs. Find more in Homeopathy, and antacids in Digestive Relief. For live cultures, see Probiotics, or browse all Probiotics & Gut Support.
At the start of a meal, with your first few mouthfuls. Enzymes act on food as it is digested, so taking them long after eating makes little sense.
Not always. NOW Super Enzymes contains ox bile, an animal ingredient, so check the label of each product if you avoid animal-derived ingredients.
Super Enzymes is a broad blend that includes plant enzymes and ox bile, while Digezyme is based on a single branded multi-enzyme complex and costs less. Compare the enzyme list on each label.
No. Persistent indigestion, pain, bloating or changes in bowel habit should be checked by a GP, as enzyme supplements are not a treatment for any condition.
No, it is a homeopathic remedy sold as pellets. Use it only as directed on its label, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure whether it suits you.
