Digestive enzyme supplements are designed to be taken with each meal to complement the body’s own enzyme production to help break down food. Systemic enzymes are designed to be taken on an empty stomach so they can bypass gastric acid digestion and enter the intestinal tract. Here, systemic enzymes can be absorbed intact into the bloodstream.
Plant-based and Microbial Enzymes vs. Animal-based Enzymes
Digestive enzymes can be extracted from plant, microbial, and animal sources. Plant-based enzymes are active in a broad range of pH, which means they remain stable throughout the intestinal tract. Most enzyme supplements are extracted from natural fermentation of microbes such as bacteria, which have a narrower optimal pH range that is maintained by enteric coating. Microbial enzymes are more practical to produce and the enzyme content is easier to control. These enzymes are suited for vegetarians and do not interfere with the natural functioning of the body and therefore have no side effects. In contrast, animal-based enzymes work only in a narrow range of pH and can easily be destroyed by stomach acid.