As relative newcomers to the dietary supplements market, digestive enzymes are still finding their footing. Formulated to mimic the enzymes naturally produced by the pancreas to absorb nutrients, the theoretical health benefits of digestive enzymes cover an extensive range of digestion-related symptoms and disorders. The wellness and self-care movements, as well as an aging population with increased prevalence of digestive disorders, have resulted in above-market growth in demand for enzyme supplements¹. As a consequence of this increased interest, major media platforms published pieces questioning the benefits of wide-scale enzyme supplementation, particularly for generally healthy individuals. In response, enzyme manufacturers are diversifying their formulations and investing more into clinical research. The result will be a more fragmented market, with various condition-specific enzymes designed to meet the needs of specific consumers segments.

In this paper, we discuss some of the latest research conducted on enzyme supplementation and the commercial implications for different health indications. Although consumers understand much more about the causes of their digestive problems than ever before, the success of enzyme supplements will still depend on how well the industry players can communicate the results of this research to consumers.

Boosting absorption of vital nutrients from foods

Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are crucial at every stage of life but their importance becomes particularly critical in older ages to avoid falls or fractures and sarcopenia. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential for healthy aging and yet a 2021 research indicated that up to 46% of the 71+ year old population in the USA are not meeting the recommended protein intake levels.² Moreover, macronutrient deficiency is a shared global concern, with less economically developed countries exhibiting deficiencies across all age groups due to socio-economic factors. So, if increasing protein consumption is a challenge, could enzyme supplements provide a solution by enhancing the absorption of vital nutrients from foods without increasing quantity of intake?

Plant-based proteins have a sub-optimal digestion when compared to animal proteins. In a randomised, double-blind, cross-over study published in September 2023 (1) supplementation with a 3-protease enzyme blend in healthy adults resulted in earlier release of amino acids into blood circulation. Outcomes show that co-ingestion of a microbial protease blend with a single 25g pea protein allowed for an elevated exposure to postprandial plasma total of amino acids over the 5-hour period after pea protein consumption. The plasma amino acid concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry over the 5-hour period with P-3 enzyme blend versus placebo.

This trial suggests that taking enzyme supplements may be effective in increasing the amount of amino acids absorbed from a meal, essentially providing a greater health benefit without increasing the amount of food consumed (note that subjects only consumed a single dose of pea protein, making the effectiveness of the P-3 enzyme blend unclear for different dosages).

Alleviating indigestion & abdominal pain