What is the function of enzymes?

Food allergy & intolerance
Eléonore de Maurissens
Reading time: 2 minutes
Waarvoor dienen enzymen?

Enzymes are proteins that help accelerate chemical reactions in our body. They are essential for the proper functioning of the body and play a crucial role in various processes, such as digestion. A deficiency in enzymes can actually have consequences as well…1


Enzymes are proteins that help accelerate our metabolism, i.e., the chemical reactions in our body. They produce some substances and break down others. All living organisms contain enzymes.1

 

Digestion: can you have a deficiency of certain enzymes?

A sufficient quantity of enzymes is required for them to perform their specific functions effectively. This is also the case for digestive enzymes, which play a role in breaking down and properly digesting food and in the absorption of nutrients.2

Anyone can, sooner or later, experience an enzyme deficiency. Eating too fast (causing food to be insufficiently chewed), eating heavy meals containing high amounts of fat and animal proteins, drinking alcohol, age… these are all factors that can result in insufficient production of digestive enzymes. The body’s requirements are then not met, which can lead to food not being completely broken down and nutrients being poorly absorbed. A deficiency in digestive enzymes causes discomfort and can be accompanied by bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, etc.1,2

Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of a specific enzyme: lactase2

What are sources of enzymes?

Our body produces enzymes naturally, but we also obtain them from our diet. It is recommended to eat healthily and avoid highly processed foods.2,3 Make sure you also get enough fruit, vegetables, proteins (plant-based proteins, chicken, etc.), and fiber.

Some dietary supplements also contain digestive enzymes:

  • lactases, which break down lactose into monosaccharides (glucose and galactose);
  • lipases, which break down fats into fatty acids;
  • and proteases, which break down proteins into peptides or amino acids2,3

Have you ever taken an enzyme supplement? Do you know any tips for good digestion?
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Scientific references

  1. Enzymes. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21532-enzymes
  2. Denhard M. Digestive Enzymes and Digestive Enzyme Supplements. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements
  3. Brady K. Should You Take Digestive Enzymes? Health, last update: 2023. https://www.health.com/condition/digestive-health/digestive-enzymes

Product mentioned in this article

Digest-OK

Do you sometimes have trouble with your digestion after eating? This complete formula with various digestive enzymes, glutamine, and marshmallow root supports the digestion of lactose and complex carbohydrates, among other things.
View product

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