Digestive Enzymes Plus targets maldigestion, a condition where the body's ability to chemically break down food into absorbable units becomes compromised. When digestive enzyme production is low or activity is impaired, complex food particles remain only partially digested, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms including bloating, gas, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fatty stools, and the presence of undigested food in stools.[1]

The formula's protease enzyme plays a crucial role in breaking down proteins into peptides and amino acids by cleaving peptide bonds, affecting protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and soy products. Protease deficiency manifests as bloating, fatigue, muscle weakness, diarrhea, and sometimes visible protein fragments or undigested meat fibers in the stool, indicating incomplete protein catabolism. Clinical research demonstrates that enzyme supplementation with protease and amylase promotes a more favorable microbial profile in the gut, specifically increasing the Lactobacillus to E. coli ratio, which is a marker of improved gut health.[33]

Amylase enzyme addresses carbohydrate maldigestion by metabolizing complex carbohydrates and starch into maltose, dextrins, and simple sugars. When amylase is deficient, undigested starches pass into the colon where they are fermented by gut bacteria, leading to excessive gas, bloating, watery stools, and the appearance of starchy residues in feces. A clinical trial utilizing a broad-spectrum blend including amylase demonstrated significant enhancement in enzymatic breakdown of complex carbohydrates into absorbable sugars, improving starch absorption and increasing bile salts, suggesting the accelerated digestion may prime the small intestine for fat digestion.[34]

Lipase targets fat digestion by breaking down triglycerides into monoglycerides and free fatty acids. Lipase deficiency causes steatorrhea, characterized by clay-colored, greasy, foul-smelling stools that may float and contain visible oil. In a study of 39 patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome supplemented with amylase, protease, and lipase, participants demonstrated a 35-45% reduction in the severity of cramping, bloating, urgency, and stool frequency compared to placebo. A follow-up study showed a 75% reduction in diarrhea frequency and normalization of stool consistency.[1]

Tilactase (lactase) specifically addresses lactose intolerance by breaking down lactose, a disaccharide sugar composed of glucose and galactose found in all dairy products. Lactase deficiency causes symptoms occurring 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy, including bloating, cramping, excessive gas, and diarrhea, resulting from the fermentation of undigested lactose by colonic bacteria. Cellulase metabolizes cellulose, helping break down structural plant fiber made of β-1,4-linked glucose units found in vegetables, fruits, grains, and fibrous plant skins.

Perilla frutescens extract provides additional digestive support through its traditional use in promoting gastrointestinal comfort and function. This herb has been valued in traditional medicine systems for its ability to support healthy digestion and reduce digestive discomfort.