Find the digestive enzyme that matches your food.
Start with what you want help digesting. We show which enzyme matches it, how strong the evidence is, and what to look for on the label.
What are you trying to digest?
Dairy and lactose
Documented useEnzyme: Lactase
NIDDK describes lactase products as an option for lactose-related symptoms; responses vary.
Read the lactase guide →Beans, lentils and certain vegetables
Mixed evidenceEnzyme: Alpha-galactosidase
May reduce gas from specific fermentable carbohydrates, but results vary.
Read the guide →Mixed meals and enzyme blends
Depends on the formulaEnzyme: Multi-enzyme products
Learn how to compare enzyme types, activity units and label quality.
Learn how to compare blends →Protein-heavy meals
Limited evidenceEnzyme: Protease
Commonly marketed for protein digestion, with limited evidence for routine supplementation.
Read about protease →Before you buy
For a label comparison, identify the enzyme, assay method and serving basis. Milligrams and ingredient counts alone do not establish activity or clinical benefit.
How to choose a digestive enzyme supplement
A framework for evaluating any product yourself — enzyme-to-substrate match, activity per dose, source, allergens, and when to see a doctor instead.
Read the guide →Enzyme activity units, explained
What FCC units, ALU, and GalU actually measure, and why two labels with the same milligram count can have very different real activity.
Read the guide →Symptoms and medical conditions
If digestive symptoms are persistent, severe, or come with unexplained weight loss, that's a question for a clinician — not just a supplement choice.
Digestive enzymes for IBS and bloating
A summary of the specific enzyme studies cited, their selected populations and their limitations.
Read the guide →Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
Why this is a medical diagnosis and prescription-treatment territory, not an over-the-counter supplement question — explained plainly.
Read the guide →