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Digestive enzymes: who should take which kind, and when

Digestive enzymes are supplements that may help if you feel bloated or get indigestion after almost every meal. Take 1–2 capsules per meal, up to 2–3 times a day, with food. If meat is especially hard to digest, choose one with betaine HCl and pepsin; if you get heartburn, choose one without them.

Who it’s for

People who are always bloated or get indigestion easily, people who struggle to digest meat or fatty foods

Daily dose

1–2 capsules per meal, up to 2–3 times a day

When

Whenever feels best, from right before to right after a meal. Don't take on an empty stomach

Best form

A broad-spectrum enzyme blend with carb, protein and fat enzymes, in capsules

What are digestive enzymes?

Enzymes are like "scissors" that cut food into small pieces. There are different scissors for carbs (bread, rice), protein (meat) and fat (oils).

Normally your stomach and pancreas make these scissors. But as you age or your digestive system weakens, they make less. Food then reaches your intestines only partly broken down, which can lead to bloating, gas and diarrhea.

Digestive enzyme supplements add these scissors from the outside. By taking some of the load off your digestive system, they can give it time to rest and recover.

Who needs them

  • □ You feel bloated and get indigestion after almost every meal
  • □ Your doctor says nothing's wrong, but you feel bad again when you stop taking digestive aids
  • □ Meat doesn't digest well, but it's easier with a splash of vinegar (this may be a sign of low stomach acid, called hypochlorhydria)
  • □ Fatty foods leave you feeling rough
  • □ Even meat or instant noodles give you stomach pain or diarrhea
  • □ Omega-3s upset your stomach
  • □ Your digestion has slowed down as you've gotten older

They're also used in these situations:

  • After a night of drinking: Many people say taking them before bed makes their stomach feel lighter the next day.
  • For a few days after starting or changing the dose of a weight-loss shot (GLP-1), when you feel nauseated and bloated
  • Kids who often get indigestion: There are chewable enzymes made for kids.
Among supplements, this is one of the fastest to make a noticeable difference. You can tell the same day whether your stomach feels better.

Who can skip them

  • People taking them to lose weight: "Enzyme diet" products often contain weight-loss ingredients with only a little enzyme. Enzymes don't make you lose weight. In fact, by helping absorption, they could even lead to weight gain.
  • People with a stomach ulcer or severe gastritis or enteritis: Enzymes can irritate damaged lining and cause pain. Get treated first and talk to your doctor.
  • People with severe acid reflux: Avoid products with betaine HCl or pepsin (stomach-acid ingredients).

Types of digestive enzymes: pancreatic enzymes, betaine and pepsin

Digestive enzymes are grouped by where in the body they work. Choose based on where your discomfort comes from.

TypeFeaturesBest for
Pancreatic enzymes (pancreatin)Contains carb, protein and fat enzymes. The most evidence.People with generally weak digestion
Stomach enzymes (betaine HCl, pepsin)Betaine HCl adds stomach acid, and pepsin breaks down meat protein.People with low stomach acid who can't digest meat
Plant- or microbe-based enzyme blendsMixed to work across different acidity (pH) levels from stomach to gut. No animal ingredients.People with heartburn who find stomach-acid ingredients too harsh
Fat-focused (high lipase)Lots of fat-digesting enzyme.People whose stomach gets upset by fatty foods or omega-3s
Fermented grain enzymes (powder)Strong at breaking down carbs, so you feel it quickly. A simple enzyme lineup.Short-term use after overeating
Papain and bromelain (from papaya and pineapple)Mainly break down protein; natural chewable enzymes.People who want natural sources
Kiwi enzyme (actinidin)Breaks down protein and supports bowel movements.People dealing with both digestion and constipation
Bean- and vegetable-focused (alpha-galactosidase)For gas from beans, cabbage and broccoli.People who get gassy from beans and vegetables
If you're new to this, start with a blend of pancreatic enzymes plus pepsin and betaine, or a plant-based blend with balanced carb, protein and fat enzymes. If you have heartburn, the plant-based route is the safer bet.

If omega-3s upset your stomach, you need a product with lipase (a fat-digesting enzyme). Betaine and pepsin alone won't help.

When to take digestive enzymes and daily dose

Bottom line: with meals, 1–2 capsules per meal, up to 2–3 times a day.

  1. Don't take them on an empty stomach. Their job is to break down food, so take them when there's food.
  2. Choose whatever time feels best: before, during or after the meal. There's no single right answer. Try each for a few days to find yours.
  3. If you feel bloated 1–2 hours after a meal, it's fine to take one more.
  4. On days you overeat, you can increase to 2–3 capsules at once.

To really see results, take them consistently for at least 3–6 months. It can take more than a year for your digestive system to slowly recover.

"If I take them long term, won't my body stop making its own enzymes?" Many experts say no. Many people have taken them for years and had no digestion problems after stopping, and you don't build up a tolerance. Don't worry — take them as much as you need.

How to choose digestive enzymes: what to look for on the label

  1. Does it contain carb, protein and fat enzymes? — Look for all three: amylase (carbs), protease (protein) and lipase (fat).
  2. Does it match your stomach? — If meat doesn't digest well, choose one with betaine HCl and pepsin; if you have heartburn, choose one without.
  3. Capsules over tablets — Some experts say the heat and pressure used to press tablets can weaken enzymes.
  4. Also consider whether the company has specialized in enzymes for a long time.
Many brands offer a range from mild (basic) to strong (gold). Start with the mild one. If a single dose is strong enough to break down more than a whole meal, it can actually cause stomach pain.

The "activity" numbers on labels are calculated by converting lab units, so they don't reflect real-world digestion. Use them only for rough comparisons between products. The right product differs from person to person, so switching once or twice is normal.

Digestive enzyme side effects and cautions

They're generally safe. The most common discomforts are heartburn and stomach pain, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or gastritis.

If you feel discomfort, try this:

  1. Take them during the meal
  2. Lower the amount
  3. Switch to a milder product, or one without stomach-acid ingredients (betaine HCl)
  • Allergies: Some products are animal-based (pig pancreas) or made from fermented grains. If you're allergic to those sources, check the ingredients.
  • Kids: If your child gets stomach pain after taking them, stop and check how they're doing.
If you take blood thinners like warfarin, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Some enzymes are absorbed into the body and may raise bleeding risk.

What pairs well with digestive enzymes

  • Probiotics: A basic combo for overall gut health. Many people say their digestion felt better after taking both for 6 months to a year.
  • Licorice (DGL): It helps protect the stomach lining, so it's often suggested for people who get heartburn from enzymes.
  • Omega-3: If omega-3s upset your stomach, take them with a digestive enzyme that contains lipase.

Medications and conditions to watch

  • Caution Anticoagulants and anti-clotting drugs such as warfarin — Some enzymes are absorbed and may raise bleeding risk — talk to your doctor before taking them

Combinations

Works well with: Probiotics, DGL Licorice, Omega-3

How it appears on the label

Match the names on the Supplement Facts panel with the forms of Digestive enzymes explained on this page.

On the labelWhat it isWhat it means
Protease
HUT		ProteaseBreaks down protein from meat and beans. A higher HUT number means stronger
Amylase
DU		AmylaseBreaks down rice, bread and pasta. DU is the strength unit
Lipase
FIP
FCCFIP
LU		LipaseFor fatty foods. FIP and LU are strength units
Lactase
ALU		LactaseFor people whose stomach hurts after drinking milk
Alpha-Galactosidase
GalU		Alpha-galactosidaseFor people who get gas from beans or cabbage (the main ingredient in Beano)
Betaine HClBetaine HClAdds stomach acid. Avoid it if you have heartburn or a stomach ulcer
Ox Bile
Pancreatin		Ox bile / pancreatinAnimal-derived. Check if you're vegetarian
Thera-blendEnzymedica Thera-blendA blend of enzymes made to work across different pH levels

Best Digestive enzymes supplements on Amazon, compared

Bottom line

We checked the labels of 20 popular digestive enzymes products on Amazon: 8 recommended, 8 depend on your needs, 4 not recommended.

  • Best overall — Enzymedica Digest (Digest Complete), Complete Digestive Enzyme Formula: Carb, protein and fat enzymes plus lactose, bean and fiber enzymes, all in activity units (Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 42,000 HUT, carbs 12,000 DU, fat 1,500 FCCFIP, lactose 500 ALU)
  • Best value — NOW Foods Plant Enzymes: Carb, protein and fat enzymes plus lactase, all in activity units (Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 15,000 HUT, carbs 2,500 DU, fat 750 FIP, lactose 200 ALU)
  • Heavy meals, low acid — NOW Foods Super Enzymes (Capsules): Stomach-and-gut combo: pancreatic enzymes plus stomach-acid support (betaine HCl), bile and papain (Per serving: 1 capsule: pancreatin 134 mg (protein 37,000, carbs 37,000, fat 2,960 USP), betaine HCl 200 mg, ox bile 100 mg)
  • Frequent bloating — Enzymedica Digest Gold with ATPro, Maximum Strength: Carb, protein and fat enzymes are all strong (protein 80,000 HUT, fat 4,000 FIP) (Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 80,000 HUT, carbs 23,000 DU, fat 4,000 FIP, lactose 900 ALU)
  • Beans & gas — Beano Beano Digestive Enzyme Tablets: Just one enzyme, for gas from foods like beans, cabbage and broccoli (Per serving: 2 tablets: alpha-galactosidase 600 GalU)

We checked the labels of popular Amazon products and rated them by the criteria above. Cost per day is relative — compared with other products of the same supplement. Check Amazon for the current price.

Best overallDigest (Digest Complete), Complete Digestive Enzyme FormulaEnzymedica Best valuePlant EnzymesNOW Foods Heavy meals, low acidSuper Enzymes (Capsules)NOW Foods Frequent bloatingDigest Gold with ATPro, Maximum StrengthEnzymedica Beans & gasBeano Digestive Enzyme TabletsBeano

Recommended 8

RecommendedEnzymedica

Digest Basic, Essential Digestive Enzyme Formula

Plant- and microbe-derived enzyme blend capsule (Thera-blend), basic · Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 20,000 HUT, fat 450 FCCFIP, lactose 300 ALU + carb enzymes · Cost per day: average

  • Carb, protein and fat enzymes plus lactose and bean enzymes, all in activity units
  • A milder basic strength per capsule, good for starting out or daily maintenance
  • No animal ingredients or betaine HCl, so fine even with heartburn
  • Label says 1 capsule per meal, more if needed

First-timers, people managing mild daily bloating

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RecommendedEnzymedica

Digest (Digest Complete), Complete Digestive Enzyme Formula

Plant- and microbe-derived enzyme blend capsule (Thera-blend), medium · Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 42,000 HUT, carbs 12,000 DU, fat 1,500 FCCFIP, lactose 500 ALU · Cost per day: high

  • Carb, protein and fat enzymes plus lactose, bean and fiber enzymes, all in activity units
  • Medium strength, 2–3x the Basic (fat enzyme 1,500)
  • No animal ingredients or betaine HCl, so fine even with heartburn
  • 1 capsule per meal

People for whom the Basic wasn't enough, bloating after fatty meals

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RecommendedEnzymedica

Digest Gold with ATPro, Maximum Strength

Plant- and microbe-derived enzyme blend capsule (Thera-blend), strong · Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 80,000 HUT, carbs 23,000 DU, fat 4,000 FIP, lactose 900 ALU · Cost per day: high

  • Carb, protein and fat enzymes are all strong (protein 80,000 HUT, fat 4,000 FIP)
  • Plant-based with no animal ingredients or betaine HCl, so a fit for people with heartburn
  • ATPro 25 mg (ATP, CoQ10, etc.) is a small add-in that does little
  • Strong per capsule, so if you're new start with 1 capsule during a meal

Frequent bloating, people who often eat meat or fatty foods (fine even with heartburn)

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RecommendedNOW Foods

Super Enzymes (Capsules)

Pancreatin (pancreatic enzymes) + betaine HCl + ox bile + papain and bromelain capsule · Per serving: 1 capsule: pancreatin 134 mg (protein 37,000, carbs 37,000, fat 2,960 USP), betaine HCl 200 mg, ox bile 100 mg · Cost per day: low

  • Stomach-and-gut combo: pancreatic enzymes plus stomach-acid support (betaine HCl), bile and papain
  • All enzymes listed in activity units, 1 capsule per meal
  • Pancreatic enzymes, ox bile and gelatin capsule — vegetarians should avoid
  • Contains betaine HCl — avoid if you have heartburn, ulcers or acid reflux, or take NSAIDs or steroids

People who find meat especially hard to digest, or whose stomach feels better with vinegar (a sign of low stomach acid)

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RecommendedNOW Foods

Plant Enzymes

Plant- and microbe-derived enzyme blend capsule, basic · Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 15,000 HUT, carbs 2,500 DU, fat 750 FIP, lactose 200 ALU · Cost per day: low

  • Carb, protein and fat enzymes plus lactase, all in activity units
  • Plant-based basic formula with no animal ingredients or betaine HCl
  • Carb enzyme (2,500 DU) is on the weak side
  • 1 capsule per meal; large 240-count bottle, so low cost per day

People who want an affordable plant-based basic enzyme every day

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RecommendedHUM Nutrition

Flatter Me Digestive Enzymes

18 plant-based enzymes capsule (+ small amount of herbs) · Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 57,500 HUT (3 combined), carbs 3,500 DU, fat 350 FIP, lactose 150 ALU, beans 75 GalU · Cost per day: high

  • All 18 enzymes in activity units — strong protein enzymes, plus lactose and bean enzymes
  • Fat enzyme (350 FIP) is on the weak side
  • Ginger, fennel and peppermint 45 mg is a small add-in
  • Label says 1 capsule before two meals a day

Bloating after meat or protein meals, people who want no animal ingredients

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RecommendedPure Encapsulations

Digestive Enzymes Ultra

Plant-based enzyme blend capsule, strong (per 2 capsules) · Per serving: 2 capsules: protein 80,000 HUT, carbs 24,000 DU, fat 3,000 FIP, lactose 1,600 ALU · Cost per day: high

  • Carb, protein and fat enzymes plus lactose and bean enzymes, all in activity units
  • Strong at 2 capsules (similar to 1 capsule of Digest Gold)
  • No animal ingredients or betaine HCl
  • Label says 2 capsules per meal, so 90 capsules last about 2 weeks

Frequent bloating, plus trouble with dairy

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RecommendedGarden of Life

Omega-Zyme Ultra Digestive Enzyme Blend

Plant-based enzyme blend capsule, strong (+ small amounts of herbs and minerals) · Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 82,000 HUT, carbs 25,000 DU, fat 5,000 FIP · Cost per day: high

  • Carb, protein and fat enzymes all strong, in activity units (fat enzyme 5,000 FIP)
  • No animal ingredients or betaine HCl
  • Dairy enzyme 140 mg has no units; ginger, turmeric and minerals are small add-ins
  • 1–3 capsules per meal

People whose stomach is upset after fatty food or omega-3

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Depends on your needs 8

DependsBeano

Beano Digestive Enzyme Tablets

Alpha-galactosidase single-enzyme tablet (for gas from beans and vegetables) · Per serving: 2 tablets: alpha-galactosidase 600 GalU · Cost per day: low

  • Just one enzyme, for gas from foods like beans, cabbage and broccoli
  • 600 GalU in 2 tablets, listed in activity units
  • No carb, protein or fat enzymes, so not for general digestion
  • 2 tablets right before the first bite of the problem food

People who get gas from beans or vegetables like cabbage

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DependsSource Naturals

Daily Essential Enzymes 500 mg

Plant-based enzyme blend capsule (protein-focused) · Per serving: 1 capsule: protein 28,625 HUT, carbs 630 DU, fat 375 FIP, lactose 40 ALU · Cost per day: low

  • All enzymes in activity units, no animal ingredients
  • Plenty of protein enzyme, but very little carb enzyme (630 DU)
  • 500 mg in the title is blend weight, not enzyme strength
  • Label says you can open the capsule and sprinkle it on food

People who mainly struggle to digest protein like meat, people who have trouble swallowing pills

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DependsAmerican Health

Chewable Super Papaya Enzyme Plus

Papain (papaya enzyme)-based chewable tablet · Per serving: 3 tablets: papain 90,000 USP, protein 4,800 USP, carbs 120 DU, fat 12 USP · Cost per day: low

  • Chewable protein-digesting formula based on papain (papaya enzyme)
  • Very little carb (120 DU) and fat (12 USP) enzyme
  • Chewable sweetened with sorbitol and mannitol
  • Chew 3 tablets per meal

People who have trouble swallowing pills, people who want a naturally derived protein enzyme

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DependsOLLY

Beat The Bloat

6 enzymes + dandelion, fennel and ginger extract capsule · Per serving: 1 capsule: carbs 1,500 DU, fat 500 FIP, lactose 750 ALU, beans 600 GalU + herbs 250 mg · Cost per day: average

  • No protein enzyme, so not for digesting meat
  • All enzymes in activity units; generous bean and lactose enzymes
  • Bloating combo with 250 mg dandelion, fennel and ginger extracts
  • 1 capsule as needed, up to 3 a day

People who get occasional gas from beans, vegetables or dairy

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DependsGarden of Life

Dr. Formulated Enzymes Organic Digest+ (Chewable)

Papain-based chewable tablet (with fruit and vegetable powders) · Per serving: 1 tablet: papain 120,000 PU, protein 1,800 HUT, fat 250 FIP (no amylase) · Cost per day: average

  • Papain-based, with no amylase (carb enzyme)
  • All enzymes in activity units
  • Contains fruit and vegetable powders, 1 g sugar per tablet
  • Chew 1 tablet after meals or snacks

People who have trouble swallowing pills, light help after meat meals

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DependsAmazon Basics

Digestive Enzyme Complex

Plant-based enzyme blend capsule · Per serving: 2 capsules (amounts and activity units per enzyme not confirmed) · Cost per day: low

  • Couldn't find this product's label in DSLD
  • The product page lists only the names of 9 enzymes, no activity units
  • Label says 2 capsules per meal, up to 3 times a day

People who want an affordable basic enzyme (after checking activity units on the label)

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DependsLove Wellness

Bye Bye Bloat Digestive Enzymes

Herb (fenugreek, dandelion, fennel, ginger, parsley) + enzyme blend capsule · Per serving: 2 capsules (amounts per herb and enzyme not confirmed) · Cost per day: average

  • Couldn't find this product's label in DSLD
  • The product page lists 5 herbs and enzyme names only, with no activity units per enzyme
  • Contains pepsin — take caution if you have heartburn or acid reflux
  • 1–2 capsules after meals or before bed, up to 4 a day

People who want an herbal combo for bloating (after checking activity units on the label)

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DependsNaturalSlim

Helpzymes Digestive Enzymes

Pancreatin + betaine HCl + ox bile + plant-based enzymes capsule · Per serving: 2 capsules: pancreatin 10X (protein 48,000, carbs 48,000, fat 3,840 USP), betaine HCl, ox bile + plant-based enzymes (per product page) · Cost per day: high

  • Couldn't find this product's label in DSLD
  • Per the product page, pancreatic enzymes, betaine HCl, bile and plant enzymes are all listed with units
  • Animal-derived, so vegetarians should avoid; also avoid if you have heartburn or ulcers, or take NSAIDs or steroids
  • 2 capsules per meal is a lot of pills

People who find meat hard to digest (after checking the label yourself)

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Not recommended 4

Not recommendedPhysician's Choice

Digestive Enzymes, 16 Enzyme Formula with Organic Prebiotics

Enzyme blend + prebiotics and probiotics + herbs capsule · Per serving: 1 capsule: enzyme blend 85 mg (no activity units per enzyme) · Cost per day: average

  • 16 enzymes listed only as an 85 mg blend — no activity units, so real strength is unknown
  • The 159 mg prebiotic and probiotic blend has no CFU count either
  • Combo with 150 mg peppermint and ginger

For enzymes, pick a product that lists activity units (HUT, DU, FIP)

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Not recommendedZenwise

Digestive Enzymes + Probiotics

Enzyme and inulin blend + small amounts of herbs + probiotics capsule · Per serving: 1 capsule: enzyme and inulin blend 400 mg (no activity units per enzyme), probiotics 1 billion · Cost per day: average

  • Only a 400 mg enzyme-plus-inulin blend is listed — no activity units per enzyme
  • Small amounts of herbs like ginger, turmeric and seaweed, 10–30 mg each
  • 1 billion probiotics is low

For enzymes, pick a product that lists activity units (HUT, DU, FIP)

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Not recommendedWholesome Wellness

Digestive Enzymes 1000MG Plus Prebiotics & Probiotics

Enzyme and inulin blend + herbs and seaweed + prebiotics and probiotics capsule · Per serving: 2 capsules: enzyme and inulin blend 1,000 mg (no activity units per enzyme), probiotics 10 billion (at manufacture) · Cost per day: low

  • Only a 1,000 mg enzyme-plus-inulin blend is listed — no activity units per enzyme
  • '1000 mg' is blend weight, not enzyme strength
  • Combo that also mixes in herbs, seaweed, prebiotics and probiotics

For enzymes, pick a product that lists activity units (HUT, DU, FIP)

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Not recommendedZenwise

No Bloat Digestive Enzymes + Probiotics

Enzyme blend + proprietary herb blend + probiotics capsule · Per serving: 2 capsules: enzyme blend 110 mg (no activity units per enzyme), herb blend 500 mg, probiotics 1 billion · Cost per day: average

  • Only a 110 mg enzyme blend is listed — no activity units per enzyme
  • The 500 mg herb blend is also proprietary, with no amounts per ingredient
  • Probiotics: just DE111 at 1 billion

For enzymes, pick a product that lists activity units (HUT, DU, FIP)

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Frequently asked questions

Should I take digestive enzymes before or after meals?

Right before, during or right after the meal — whichever feels best. Just don't take them on an empty stomach. It's also fine to take one if you feel bloated 1–2 hours after a meal.

Can you build a tolerance to digestive enzymes?

Many experts say there's no evidence that you build a tolerance or that your body makes fewer enzymes. Many people have taken them for years and had no problems after stopping.

Can I take digestive enzymes every day?

Yes, you can take them daily, up to 2–3 times a day. To see results, it's best to take them consistently for at least 3–6 months.

What are betaine HCl and pepsin?

Betaine HCl adds stomach acid, and pepsin breaks down protein like meat. They suit people who have a hard time digesting meat; avoid them if you have heartburn or acid reflux.

Digestive enzymes give me heartburn. What should I do?

Try taking them during the meal or lowering the amount. If it still burns, switch to a milder product without betaine HCl. If your gastritis is severe, get treated first.

Do enzymes help you lose weight?

No. Enzymes help with digestion; they don't make you lose weight. In fact, better absorption could even lead to weight gain.

Omega-3s upset my stomach. Will digestive enzymes help?

A product with lipase, a fat-digesting enzyme, may help. Products with only betaine and pepsin won't.

Related concerns

Indigestion & heartburnGut healthHangoverFatigue

Last updated 2026-10-12