Your Digestive Enzymes Guide: Straight From a Dietitian

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Food fuels our bodies with essential nutrients, but digestion is not as simple as “Eat, rinse, and repeat” (or something like that). It’s a complex system that relies on digestive enzymes to break down food for effective nutrient absorption, allowing us to survive and thrive.

While your body makes digestive enzymes naturally, certain health conditions can negatively impact production, which is where supplements may come in. But adding these enzymes isn’t as straightforward as tossing back in a protein supplement to hit your daily targets—though some of the best protein powders sneak them in.

If you want to ensure you get the most out of your digestive system and leave no nutrients on the table, join me, a registered dietitian (RD), in this digestive enzymes guide. I’ll walk you through what digestive enzymes are, the most common types, who might need them most, their potential risks and benefits, and more.