19 Digestive Enzymes Commonly Found In Enzyme Supplements

I’ve mentioned before that there are over 5000 known enzymes that our bodies produce and utilize every day, however when it comes to digestive enzyme therapy there are only a few enzymes that you will commonly find in most supplement products (this is not necessarily a bad thing as these common enzymes should cover you in most situations where you may need digestive enzyme therapy).  Here is a list of these common enzymes, in 99% of cases your digestive enzyme supplement of choice will contain one or a combination of these enzymes.

Breaking Down Proteins (Proteases)

1. Bromelain - Helps break down proteins and also has some anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Catalase - Also assists in breaking down proteins (obviously), it is a potent antioxidant and can help break down hydrogen peroxide (into oxygen and water).

3. Nattokinase - It is often used to treat cardiovascular problems as well as high blood pressure. It can also assist with tissue repair. This enzyme helps to break down fibrin a type of protein that can form in the blood after injury or due to toxins in the blood.

4. Mucolase - As the name might suggest, it can help break down mucus and is therefore beneficial in treating sinus infections and nasal congestion.

5. Papain - Found naturally in papaya fruit :), it breaks down protein and can also act as an anti-inflammatory.

6. Protease - Same name as the enzyme category, it breaks down common proteins and can also support immune system function. As well as that it can act as an anti-inflammatory and can help with circulation issues. It is often a blend for increased potency.

Breaking Down Carbohydrates (Amylases)

7. Amylase - Named the same as the enzyme category to which it belongs. It can help break down starch and glycogen. This enzyme can help reduce food cravings by helping you utilize the nutrients from your food better. As well can help increase blood sugar levels. This one can come as a blend for increased potency.

8. Lactase - As you may have guessed, this one helps break down lactose, this can obviously be very beneficial for people with lactose intolerance.

9. Invertase - Breaks down sugars such as sucrose and maltose, it is especially helpful for people who have trouble digesting sugars.

10. Hemicellulase - This enzyme can help break down polysaccharides that are found in many plants, very useful for those people who find it difficult to digest vegetable matter.

11. Glucoamylase - Another enzyme that can help break down polysaccharides.

12. Beta-glucanase - Is particularly effective in breaking down glucan, a type of carbohydrate that is found in wheat and barley which is very beneficial for people who are unable to digest grains.

13. Cellulase - Breaks down cellulose (fiber), as well it can help fight candida as it can break down chitin which is a fiber found in the cell wall of candida. This enzyme can come as a blend for increased potency.

14. Alpha-galactosidase - Can help break down carbohydrates such as stachyose and raffinose. Can be extremely helpful for digesting beans and raw vegetables.

15. Maltase - This enzyme can help break down sugars, more specifically malt and grain sugars as well as various other complex and simple sugars.

16. Phytase - This amylase can help break down phytic acid which is found in the leaves of most plants.

17. Pectinase - As the name implies, it breaks down pectin which is commonly found in fruit and vegetables.

18. Xylanase - It is a type of cellulase, it assists in breaking down soluble fiber (as opposed to insoluble fiber).

Breaking Down Fats (Lipases)

19. Lipase - Only the one here, same name as the enzyme category it falls under. It helps break down and improves the utilization of fats. It can help reduce cholesterol, promote weight loss and support hormone production. It also improves the function of the gall bladder. Lipases are available from various sources, so this one is frequently a blend (to improve the potency of the enzyme).

That’s the list, hope you found it informative. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to sign up for our Rss Feed and stay healthy.