Direct answer: Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break food into smaller components. Amylase acts on starch, proteases act on proteins and lipase acts on fats. A supplement label should identify the enzyme, its activity unit, the amount per serving, its source and the directions for use.
Commercial disclosure: We sell a Digestive Enzymes formula. This guide separates general digestive science from the facts and legal limits applying to our product.
Your body already produces digestive enzymes. Saliva begins the digestion of starch, the stomach contributes acid and enzymes, and the pancreas releases enzymes into the small intestine to help digest carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Supplements provide additional enzyme preparations, but they are not the same as prescribed pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.
The three main enzyme families
| Enzyme | What it acts on | Common label units |
|---|---|---|
| Amylase | Starch | DU or SKB, depending on the assay |
| Protease | Protein | HUT for some microbial proteases; other methods are also used |
| Lipase | Fats | FIP, FCC LU or another defined method |
Amylase
Amylase helps hydrolyse starch into smaller carbohydrate units. Human salivary amylase starts this process in the mouth, and pancreatic amylase continues it in the small intestine.
On supplements, do not compare an SKB figure directly with a DU figure unless the manufacturer supplies a valid conversion for those exact materials and methods. Both are activity measures, but they are not simply alternative spellings for the same number.
Protease
Protease is a family name for enzymes that hydrolyse proteins. A formula may contain several protease preparations, but the number of entries alone does not prove that it works across the whole digestive tract. To make a pH-performance comparison, you would need the specifications for each preparation.
Lipase
Lipase helps hydrolyse fats. A label stating only “lipase 10 mg” gives the weight of the preparation, not its measured activity. Look for a clearly named activity unit and serving basis.
What are lactase, cellulase and alpha-galactosidase?
- Lactase acts on lactose, the sugar in milk. It has a specific authorised GB health claim when a food supplement supplies at least 4,500 FCC units and gives the required instructions for people who have difficulty digesting lactose.
- Cellulase acts on cellulose. Humans do not produce their own cellulase, so supplement cellulase is generally produced by microbial fermentation.
- Alpha-galactosidase acts on certain complex carbohydrates, including those found in beans and pulses.
The presence of one of these enzymes is not enough for a benefit claim. The product must meet any claim conditions and use compliant wording.
Where do supplement enzymes come from?
Animal-derived preparations
Pancreatin is obtained from animal pancreas and contains pancreatic enzymes such as lipase, protease and amylase. Some products also contain pepsin or ox bile. These formulas are not suitable for vegans, and individual allergen or religious considerations may apply.
Prescription pancreatin used for pancreatic disease is a medicine with clinical dosing and professional supervision. NICE recommends enteric-coated pancreatin in specified pancreatic conditions. A general food supplement must not present itself as a replacement.
Microbial fermentation
Many supplement amylase, protease and lipase preparations are made using microorganisms during fermentation. Sellers may describe the finished formula as vegetarian or vegan, but “plant-based” does not necessarily mean that every enzyme was extracted from a plant.
Fruit-derived enzymes
Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple, while papain is obtained from papaya. These ingredients have their own activity methods, such as GDU or PU/USP units. The weight alone does not establish activity.
Are microbial enzymes better than animal enzymes?
Not automatically. Source affects vegan suitability, allergens, formulation and the activity methods used, but it is not a universal quality ranking. Statements about acid stability or effective pH range should be supported by the exact raw-material specification rather than assumed from “microbial”, “plant” or “animal”.
What is betaine hydrochloride?
Betaine hydrochloride is not an enzyme. It is a hydrochloride salt that supplies betaine and is included in some multi-ingredient enzyme formulas. Our capsule declares 145 mg betaine hydrochloride, providing 110.58 mg betaine.
That amount does not qualify for the authorised claim that betaine contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism. The claim requires at least 500 mg betaine per quantified portion and information that the beneficial effect is obtained with 1.5 g daily.
Our label says not to take the product if peptic ulcers are present. Follow that warning. If you have reflux, persistent digestive symptoms, a medical condition or take regular medicines, ask a pharmacist, GP or other qualified professional before using a product containing betaine hydrochloride.
When should digestive enzyme supplements be taken?
Follow the specific product label. Timing differs among products: some direct use just before a meal, some with it, and some immediately afterwards. Our directions are one or two capsules with each main meal.
Do not copy another brand’s instructions simply because its ingredient names look similar. Activity, capsule size and formulation can differ.
How long does our bottle last?
The bottle contains 90 capsules. Its duration depends on the number of capsules and main meals:
- 2 capsules a day: 45 days
- 3 capsules a day: 30 days
- 6 capsules a day: 15 days
At £24.99, those examples cost approximately 56p, 83p or £1.67 a day. Use the intake that follows your label and chosen number of main meals; do not increase it simply to reach the shortest supply figure.
What can digestive enzyme supplements legally claim?
There is no blanket authorised GB claim for “digestive enzymes”. Lactase is the important exception: its claim is permitted only with at least 4,500 FCC units and the required target-population instructions.
Our formula does not contain lactase, and its amylase, protease, lipase, bromelain and papain do not carry authorised GB health claims. The accompanying botanicals must also be handled carefully: some botanical claims remain on hold, but the exact plant, plant part, wording and evidence must match the relevant requirements.
A food supplement must not claim to treat acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, indigestion, pancreatic insufficiency or another symptom or medical condition.
When symptoms need medical advice
New, persistent, severe or worsening digestive symptoms should not be self-diagnosed as an “enzyme deficiency”. Seek medical advice for symptoms such as ongoing pain, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, blood in the stool, difficulty swallowing or continuing reflux.
What our formula contains
Per capsule, our formula provides seven declared enzyme preparations: amylase, three protease preparations, lipase, bromelain and papain. It also provides betaine hydrochloride and eight separately declared botanicals. It is vegan and made in the UK.
The formula’s useful label advantage is disclosure: weights and the supplier’s stated activity units are printed. However, not every unit is specified as an FCC or FIP method, so comparisons should be restricted to genuinely like-for-like unit declarations.
Related guides
- Digestive enzyme activity units explained
- UK digestive enzyme supplements compared
- How to read a supplement label line by line
- Which supplement health claims are legal?
How this guide was checked
Product facts were checked against our current label on 2 August 2026. General digestion information was checked against NIDDK. Clinical distinctions were checked against NICE guidance. Health-claim conditions were checked against the current GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register and retained legislation.
Sources
- NIDDK: your digestive system and how it works
- NICE: pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
- Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register
- Retained authorised-claims regulation: lactase and betaine conditions
- UK government food-supplements guidance
- NCCIH: bromelain
Last reviewed: 2 August 2026. Always read the current label. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
0 comments