Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome Types and Functions of Digestive Enzymes By Barbara Bolen, PhD twitter Barbara Bolen, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and health coach. She has written multiple books focused on living with irritable bowel syndrome. Learn about our editorial process Barbara Bolen, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH on September 08, 2020 linkedin Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. He is the vice chair for ambulatory services for the department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Learn about our Medical Review Board Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH on September 08, 2020 Print Digestive enzymes are substances secreted by the salivary glands and cells lining the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine to aid in the digestion of food. They do this by splitting the large, complex molecules that make up proteins, carbohydrates, and fats (macronutrients) into smaller ones, allowing the nutrients from these foods to be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and carried throughout the body. Rost-9D/Getty Images Digestive enzymes are released both in anticipation of eating, when we first smell and taste food, as well as throughout the digestive process. Some foods have naturally occurring digestive enzymes that contribute to the breakdown of certain specific nutrients. Deficiencies in digestive enzymes are associated with a variety of health conditions, especially those that affect the pancreas as it secretes several key enzymes. Often these deficiencies can be addressed with dietary changes, such as restricting certain foods or adding those with naturally occurring digestive enzymes, or by taking prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) enzyme supplements. The Health Benefits of Digestive Enzymes Types Each of the many different digestive enzymes targets a specific nutrient, splitting it up into a form that can eventually be absorbed. The most significant digestive enzymes are: Amylase Amylase is essential for the digestion of carbohydrates. It breaks down starches into sugars. Amylase is secreted by both the salivary glands and the pancreas. The measurement of amylase levels in the blood is sometimes used as an aid in diagnosing various pancreas or other digestive tract diseases. High levels of amylase in the blood may indicate a blocked or injured duct of the pancreas, pancreatic cancer, or acute pancreatitis, a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Low levels may indicate chronic pancreatitis (ongoing inflammation of the pancreas) or liver disease. Maltase Maltase is secreted by the small intestine and is responsible for breaking down maltose (malt sugar) into glucose (simple sugar) that the body uses for energy. During digestion, starch is partially transformed into maltose by amylases. The maltase then converts maltose into glucose that is either used immediately by the body or stored in the liver as glycogen for future use. Lactase Lactase (also called lactase-phlorizin hydrolase) is a type of enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, into the simple sugars glucose and galactose. Lactase is produced by cells known as enterocytes that line the intestinal tract. Lactose that is not absorbed undergoes fermentation by bacteria and can result in gas and intestinal upset. Lipase Lipase is responsible for the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol (simple sugar alcohol). It's produced in small amounts by your mouth and stomach, and in larger amounts by your pancreas. Proteases Also called peptidases, proteolytic enzymes, or proteinases, these digestive enzymes break down proteins into amino acids. In addition, they play a role in numerous body processes, including cell division, blood clotting, and immune function. Proteases are produced in the stomach and pancreas. The main ones are: Pepsin: Pepsin is secreted by the stomach to break down proteins into peptides, or smaller groupings of amino acids, that are either absorbed or broken down further in the small intestineTrypsin: Trypsin forms when an enzyme secreted by the pancreas is activated by an enzyme in the small intestine. Trypsin then activates additional pancreatic enzymes, such as carboxypeptidase and chymotrypsin, to assist in breaking down peptides.Chymotrypsin: This enzyme breaks down peptides into free amino acids that can be absorbed by the intestinal wall.Carboxypeptidase A: Secreted by the pancreas, it splits peptides into individual amino acids.Carboxypeptidase B: Secreted by the pancreas, it breaks down basic amino acids. The Health Benefits of Proteolytic Enzymes Sucrase Sucrase is secreted by the small intestine where it breaks down sucrose into fructose and glucose, simpler sugars that the body can absorb. Sucrase is found along the intestinal villi, tiny hair-like projections that line the intestine and shuttle nutrients into the bloodstream. Deficiencies There are a variety of health conditions that can interfere with the secretion of sufficient amounts of digestive enzymes for the full digestion of foods. Some are inherited genetic conditions while others develop over time. Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose due to insufficient production of lactase by the small intestine. It is characterized by symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas that result from consuming milk and other dairy products. There are several forms of lactose intolerance. Congenital Lactase Deficiency Congenital lactase deficiency (also called congenital alactasia) is a rare inherited form of lactose intolerance in which infants are unable to break down lactose in breast milk or formula and have severe diarrhea if they aren't given a lactose-free alternative. Congenital lactase deficiency is caused by mutations in the LCT gene that provides instructions for making the lactase enzyme. Lactase Non-persistence Lactase non-persistence is a common type of adult-onset lactose intolerance affecting around 65% of adults. It is caused by decreased expression (activity) of the LCT gene. Symptoms typically begin 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting dairy. Most people with lactase non-persistence retain some lactase activity and can continue to include some lactose in their diets, such as in the form of cheese or yogurt that tend to be tolerated better than fresh milk. Secondary Lactose Intolerance Secondary lactose intolerance develops when lactase production is reduced because of diseases that can cause damage to the small intestine, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, or from other illnesses or injuries that impact the intestinal wall. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas produces the key digestive enzymes of amylase, protease, and lipase. People with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) have a deficiency of these enzymes and so are unable to digest food properly, especially fats. The health conditions that affect the pancreas and are associated with EPI are: Chronic pancreatitis: An inflammation of the pancreas that can permanently damage the organ over timeCystic fibrosis: An inherited genetic condition that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system, including the pancreasPancreatic cancer Supplementation People with health conditions that interfere with the secretion of sufficient amounts of digestive enzymes and those looking to support healthy digestion, might benefit from supplementing their diets with naturally occurring enzymes in whole foods or nutritional supplements under the guidance of a doctor. Digestive juices require hydration so make sure that you drink water throughout the day. Foods A variety of foods, especially tropical fruits and fermented vegetables, are naturally high in digestive enzymes that might speed up the digestion of certain nutrients. It's best to consume them raw since heat can lessen or destroy these plant enzymes. Foods with Digestive Enzymes Food Enzymes Benefit Pineapple Proteases (bromelain) Helps digest proteins and has additional anti-inflammatory effects Papaya Proteases (papain) Helps digest proteins and is a popular meat tenderizer Kiwi Proteases (actinidain) In addition to its digestive enzymes, the fruit is high in fiber to support digestive processes and motility Mango Amylases Helps break down carbohydrates from starches into simple sugars and increases as the fruit ripens Banana Amylases, glucosidases Like amylases, glucosidases also break down complex carbohydrates Raw honey Amylases, Diastases, invertases, proteases The amylases and diastases help to break down starches, invertases break down sugars, and proteases break down protein Avocado Lipases Helps digest and metabolize fat Kefir Lipases, lactase, proteases The lactase in kefir helps to digest the fermented milk and may be tolerated by some people with lactose intolerance Saurkraut, kimchi Lipases, proteases Fermented foods develop enzymes during the fermentation process as well as probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, to further support digestive health Miso Lactases, lipases, proteases, amylases This fermented soy paste contains a potent combination of enzymes that help break down lactose in dairy, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates Ginger Protease (zingibain) In addition to its enzymes that can help break down proteins, ginger may also help ease nausea Nutritional Supplements Digestive enzyme supplements can come in pills, powders, or liquids sourced from animals, plants, or microbes. There are prescription supplements regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as OTC supplements. Prescription enzyme supplements are indicated for conditions that affect the functioning of the pancreas, such as chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Brands of prescription pancreatic enzyme supplements (pancrelipase) include Creon, Pancreaze, Zenpep, Ultresa, Viokace, and Pertzye. Over-the-counter enzyme supplements are not regulated by the FDA. High-quality studies are lacking, so it is hard to know how effective they are. Among supplemental enzymes that don't require a prescription are: Lactase supplements may help people who are lactose intolerant to digest dairy products. They're available as tablets or drops.Bromelain, a powerful protease from the fruit or stem of pineapples, comes in capsule, tablet, or powder form and may aid with digestion of protein.Papain from papaya may help with digesting proteins and the powder form can be used as a meat tenderizer. As with any supplement, check with your doctor before taking an OTC digestive enzyme to make sure it's safe for you. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! One of the most challenging aspects of having IBS is trying to figure out what's safe to eat. Our recipe guide makes it easier. Sign up and get yours now! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Peyrot des Gachons C, Breslin PA. Salivary amylase: digestion and metabolic syndrome. Curr Diab Rep. 2016;16(10):102. doi:10.1007/s11892-016-0794-7 Rompianesi G, Hann A, Komolafe O, Pereira SP, Davidson BR, Gurusamy KS. Serum amylase and lipase and urinary trypsinogen and amylase for diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;4:CD012010. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012010.pub2 Genetics Home Reference. Lactose intolerance. Updated June 9, 2020. Mótyán JA, Tóth F, Tőzsér J. Research applications of proteolytic enzymes in molecular biology. Biomolecules. 2013;3(4):923-42. doi:10.3390/biom3040923 Genetics Home Reference. LCT gene. The National Pancreas Foundation. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Updated questions and answers for healthcare professionals and the public: Use an approved pancreatic enzyme product (PEP). Updated May 17, 2012. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for lactose intolerance. Updated February 2018. Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A. Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnol Res Int. 2012;2012:976203. doi:10.1155/2012/976203 Additional Reading Minocha A, Adamec C. (2011) The Encyclopedia of the Digestive System and Digestive Disorders (2nd Ed.) New York: Facts on File.