Have you noticed that your digestion isn’t what it used to be? One of the reasons is that the body's production of enzymes slows with age. These protein molecules work throughout the digestive tract to give us energy.
The good news is that supplemental enzymes, taken when you eat a meal, can aid digestion. They are especially useful for people who have lactose intolerance or trouble digesting fats. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common enzymes and their uses.
| Enzyme | What It Digests | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Bromelain | Proteins |
|
| Cellulase | Fiber |
|
| Invertase | Carbs |
|
| Lactase | Lactose (milk sugar) |
|
| Lipase | Fats |
|
| Pancreatin | Proteins, fats, carbs |
|
| Papain | Proteins, fats, carbs |
|