Digestive Enzymes: Function and Benefits

Digestive enzymes help the body absorb nutrients from food. Food and supplements contain these enzymes, which the body produces naturally. This page discusses digestive enzymes, their benefits, and how to use them.

Digestive Enzymes?

Proteins called digestive enzymes break down food into smaller molecules the body can absorb. Pancreas, stomach, and small intestine create them. Digestive enzymes break down carbs, proteins, and lipids into simpler substances the body can use.

Digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes serve different purposes. Common types are:

Amylase

Amylase converts starch and glycogen into glucose.

Protease

Protease breaks proteins into peptides and amino acids.

Lipase

Lipase splits lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.

Cellulase

Cellulase degrades plant fibre cellulose.

Lactase

Lactase breaks down dairy sugar lactose.

Maltase

Maltase breaks down grain and malted food sugar maltose.

Enzyme Function

Digestive enzymes break down food into its simplest parts. Each section works like this:

Salivary glands release amylase to digest carbohydrates in the mouth.

Protease and lipase from the stomach lining break down proteins and fats.

Small intestine

Pancreatic enzymes digest carbs, proteins, and fats in the small intestine.