The saying goes, “You are what you eat,” but it’s more precise to say you are what nutrients you absorb. Digestive enzymes play a key role in this process. “Whether from natural sources or supplements, the best digestive enzymes help break down food properly so your body can absorb nutrients effectively,” explains Meg Gerber, RD, IFNCP, CGN, nutritionist and founder of Grounded Nourishment. Better nutrient absorption fuels your body with energy for growth and essential functions.

Different enzymes target specific macronutrients—proteins, fats, carbohydrates, dairy, and fiber. “Our bodies naturally produce digestive enzymes, primarily in the salivary glands, pancreas, and small intestines,” says Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, a Brooklyn-based nutritionist. “But for those with diagnosed intolerances or enzyme deficiencies, supplements can help support digestion.”

Since digestive enzymes aren’t regulated by the FDA, choosing the right one requires careful consideration. We consulted nutrition experts for their top recommendations.

### Vogue’s Top Digestive Enzyme Picks:
– Best Overall: MaryRuth Organics Ultra Digestive Enzyme Capsules ($25)
– Best for Fats or Protein: Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes ($53)
– Best for Dairy or Gluten: Hilma Digestive Enzymes ($18)
– Best with Probiotics: Juna Detox Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics ($44)
– Best Vegan Option: The Nue Co Debloat+ Anti-Bloat Supplement with Digestive Enzymes ($42)

### In This Article:
– What are digestive enzymes?
– Do digestive enzyme supplements work?
– What to look for in a digestive enzyme supplement
– Who should take digestive enzymes?
– Digestive enzymes vs. probiotics: Which is better?
– Meet the experts

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### Best Overall Digestive Enzyme: MaryRuth Organics Ultra Digestive Enzyme Capsules
Price: $25 (Amazon)

Why We Love It: MaryRuth Organics offers more than just enzymes—these capsules include vitamins B1, B6, B12, calcium, magnesium, and amla for comprehensive support. “I typically recommend a broad-spectrum blend with amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, and cellulase to handle diverse meals,” says Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CND, founder of Real Nutrition. Just one capsule daily supports gut health and energy levels for optimal nutrient absorption.

Key Ingredients: Protease, amylase, thiamin, B6, B12, calcium
Form: Capsule
Certifications: Vegan, Non-GMO, GMP certified, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, Clean Label Project certified, B Corp certified
Serving Size: 1 capsule
Servings per Container: 60

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### Best for Fats or Protein: Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes
Price: $53 (Amazon)

Why We Love It: Thorne is known for its rigorous testing and collaboration with institutions like the Mayo Clinic and NIH. “I prefer clean formulas without fillers or artificial ingredients, backed by third-party testing,” says Shapiro. Thorne’s blend includes hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin (amylase, lipase, protease), and ox bile to ease digestion—especially helpful after fatty meals or red meat. It’s also a great option for those who’ve had gallbladder surgery. Unlike many brands, Thorne avoids lactose (often used to dilute pepsin and pancreatin), making it ideal for lactose-sensitive individuals.

Key Ingredients: Hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin, ox bile
Form: Capsule
Certifications: Free from artificial additives, third-party tested
Serving Size: 1 capsule
Servings per Container: 90Best Digestive Enzyme for Dairy or Gluten: Hilma Digestive Enzymes
Price: $26 ($17 on Amazon)

Why We Love It:
Many people struggle with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. “Digestive enzyme supplements can help those with lactose intolerance digest and absorb nutrients from dairy,” says Feller. This capsule reduces bloating and discomfort caused by dairy or gluten with a blend of protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, and pepper. Gerber adds, “These enzymes are great for those with sensitivities who need extra support when dining out.”

Key Ingredients: Protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, pepper
Form: Capsule
Certifications: Clean Label Project certified, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, third-party tested
Serving Size: 1 capsule
Servings per Container: 60

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Best Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics: Juna Detox Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics
Price: $44 (Amazon)

Why We Love It:
Digestive enzymes and probiotics serve different but complementary roles. “Enzymes break down food, ease discomfort, and improve nutrient absorption,” explains Shapiro. “Probiotics support gut health, immunity, and digestion.” Combining both can be highly effective. This capsule includes 5 probiotics, 13 digestive enzymes, pomegranate, and herbs for comprehensive digestive support.

Key Ingredients: DigeSEB Plus PB™, lemon balm, bitter melon
Form: Capsule
Certifications: USDA organic, third-party tested
Serving Size: 2 capsules
Servings per Container: 30

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Best Vegan Digestive Enzyme: The Nue Co Debloat+ Anti-Bloat Supplement
Price: $42 (Sephora, Amazon)

Why We Love It:
This supplement quickly relieves bloating and discomfort, especially after overeating. It contains Ayurvedic ingredients and 17 digestive enzymes, including alpha galactosidase, which helps break down carbs in beans and cruciferous veggies. Taking it twice daily can reset your digestion.

Key Ingredients: Digestive enzyme blend, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, licorice root
Form: Capsule
Certifications: Certified B Corp, non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free
Serving Size: 2 capsules
Servings per Container: 30

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### Everything You Need to Know

What are digestive enzymes?
Our bodies naturally produce digestive enzymes, primarily from the pancreas. “The pancreas releases enzymes into the small intestine to break down proteins, fats, and carbs for absorption,” says Feller.

Do digestive enzyme pills work?
Yes, for many people. “Results vary by individual and condition,” notes Shapiro. “But they can ease bloating and indigestion, especially when taken as directed.” She also recommends them for travelers adjusting to unfamiliar foods.

What to Look for in a Digestive Enzyme Supplement
(Content continues…)For supplements, it’s best to choose a broad-spectrum product that contains enzymes to break down all types of nutrients, explains Gerber. “For instance, amylase, lactase, sucrase, and maltase help break down carbohydrates, while proteases like pepsin and chymotrypsin aid in protein digestion, and lipase assists with fat breakdown,” she says. “Some products include extra lactase for those sensitive to dairy or a protease called DPP-IV for gluten sensitivity.”

Who should take digestive enzymes?
Generally, people who experience digestive issues—such as IBS, bloating, fullness after meals, acid reflux, or stomach pain with certain foods—are good candidates for digestive enzymes. “Aging, stress, and conditions like autoimmune diseases can also reduce the body’s natural enzyme production,” says Gerber. “Taking enzymes with meals can help.” It’s also helpful to get a professional diagnosis if you suspect an intolerance or deficiency that affects nutrient breakdown. “For example, dairy digest supplements and lactase enzymes aren’t always the same,” says Feller. “Some formulas contain different amounts of lactase, so their effectiveness depends on the individual and how much dairy they consume.”

Which is better: digestive enzymes or probiotics?
Both digestive enzymes and probiotics support gut health, but they work differently. If you need digestive enzymes, probiotics aren’t a substitute because they don’t perform the same function. “Digestive enzymes break down proteins, fats, and carbs for digestion and absorption, while probiotics don’t,” says Feller. “Probiotics help maintain beneficial gut bacteria, supporting the microbiome.”

Meet the Experts
– Meg Gerber, RD, LDN, IFNCP, CGN, is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, co-founder of digestive bitters brand JÜJ, and founder of Grounded Nourishment, a private functional nutrition practice in Austin, Texas.
– Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of Eating from Our Roots: 80+ Healthy Home-Cooked Favorites from Cultures Around the World. She also hosts the YouTube series “Where Wellbeing Meets Flavor.”
– Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CND, is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and founder of Real Nutrition.