When it comes to supplementation, most often people talk about proteins, creatine, pre-workouts, and in better cases, vitamins and minerals. But what most people keep forgetting is digestive enzymes. After all, why would a person bother with something like that? It may not seem like it at first glance, but digestive problems plague a large number of people. Stress, poorly processed foods, rushing through meals and an unhealthy lifestyle all contribute to this. Unfortunately, all of this is becoming more and more prevalent today, so it's no wonder that interest in dietary supplements with digestive enzymes is on the rise. To make choosing this supplement easier for you, we have created a ranking of the best digestive enzymes on the market.
The 8 best digestive enzymes based on testing
| Ranking | Image | Product | Main advantages | Price | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
|
Enzy 7! Extrifit | Price , 90 doses per pack, per dose | Best price More information | |
| 2. |
|
DigeZyme Reflex Nutrition | Price , 90 doses per pack, per dose | $9,96 | Best price More information |
| 3. |
|
Digestive Aid Viridian | Price , 30 doses per pack, per dose | Best price More information | |
| 4. |
|
Enzymes Fair Power Survival | Price , 60 doses per pack, per dose | $7,56 | Best price More information |
| 5. |
|
Opti7 Digest GreenFood | Price , 30 doses per pack, per dose | Best price More information | |
| 6. |
|
Enzyme+ Big Zone | Price , 90 doses per pack, per dose | $19,16 | Best price More information |
| 7. |
|
HepaCor Protector Amix | Price , 45 doses per pack, per dose | $17,66 | Best price More information |
Detailed comparison of digestive enzymes
First place in our ranking belongs to Enzy 7! Digestive Enzymes from Extrifit. It contains a wide range of enzymes, targeting mainly the most important and most deficient ones. Of course, the high quality of the composition and above all the noticeable effect when used are the main features.
Benefits:
- Wide spectrum of enzymes
- Use of natural dyes
- Excellent price/quality ratio
- Works reliably
Disadvantages:
- People with poorer digestion may not get the prescribed dose
Who makes it:
Czech brand Extrifit is one of the leading manufacturers of sports supplements in the country. It started its business in 2007 and has since gained many fans. The big advantage is that it manufactures its products tailored to strength athletes and their needs. Since its inception, Extrifit has strived to offer its customers premium products that will help them in their journey towards their dreams.
- 100 mg of active digestive enzyme blend
- 7 digestive enzymes
- Richly represented especially papain and bromelain
In terms of composition, Extrifit has bet on safety. In one capsule, 7 digestive enzymes (alpha amylase, neutral protease, papain, bromelain, cellulase, lactase, lipase) of the highest quality are contained. One could object to the absence of additives that could enhance the effect of the enzymes. However, given the content and quality of the individual enzymes, there is no need to worry about such things. Especially the high content of proteases, which are crucial for strength athletes, deserves praise.
Final assessment:
Enzy 7! Digestive Enzymes offers a combination of quality ingredients, a wide range of enzymes and a very good price. The price/quality ratio is really great and will be a big attraction for many customers. It is true that you can also find products with added ingredients on the market, but in this case there is no need for them. For the average person, one capsule a day is enough and after just a few days they will experience improved digestion. Enzy 7! Digestive Enzymes is therefore the choice for anyone looking for a quality product at a reasonable price that they can rely on.
The number two on our list is DigeZyme from Reflex. We have long been accustomed to premium quality products from this manufacturer and we are not disappointed even today. In the field of digestive enzymes, you will not find a more popular product among customers at the moment and, to be honest, there is little to be surprised about. Only a few small things separate it from the first place.
Advantages:
- First-class quality
- Number one in its price category
- High content of active ingredients
- Huge satisfaction from other customers
Disadvantages:
- Only 5 enzymes
- There are cheaper products
Who makes it:
The strength of Reflex Nutrition is its emphasis on quality. Since 1996, it has built its reputation on the premium ingredients of its products, which it also manufactures itself. All products undergo independent testing to underscore their quality. In addition, it also wants to contribute to a better environment by recycling all the plastic waste it produces.
- 160 mg of DigeZyme®active ingredient.
- 28.8 mg of alpha amylase
- 14.08 mg lactase
- 3 additional digestive enzymes
Although there are only 5 digestive enzymes in the DigeZyme formula, their content is quite high. In addition to alpha amylase and lactase, there is also protease, lipase and cellulase. The higher content of active substances naturally contributes to a better effect, which is, after all, the most important thing. The first-class quality of the raw materials used goes without saying.
Final assessment:
Reflex has once again come up with a product that is hard to find faults with. Compared to the number one in the ranking, DigeZyme will cost you more money, but it will also provide slightly better results. The deciding factor in the end was the amount of enzymes contained. While we got the five key ones, we would definitely have liked a few more. But that's really all we could fault this product for. If you're looking for premium quality at a great price, you don't have to think any further.
The imaginary podium is rounded off by Digestive Aid from Viridian. At first glance, you were probably attracted by its price. Compared to the other products in our ranking, Digestive Aid costs the most. But what also makes it unbeatable is the purity of its ingredients. It contains no artificial substances and is 100% vegan.
Benefits:
- Contains no ingredients of animal origin
- The capsules are of plant origin
- All the ingredients contained are sourced from small farmers
- The purest ingredients on the market
Disadvantages:
- High price
Who makes it:
British company Viridian Nutrition specialises in the production of so-called ethical vitamins. All of the company's products are 100% bioactive and in plant-based capsules and do not contain genetically engineered substances. The company prides itself on the purity of its products, environmental friendliness and helping charity. Therefore, 5% of all their earnings go to charitable causes. They use only recycled packaging and in the UK they even buy back used packaging from customers for a small fee.
- 80 mg of amylase
- 50 mg of lipase
- 15 mg protease
- 100 mg betaine HCl
- 75 mg ginger
- 75 mg peppermint
Viridian does not limit itself to digestive enzymes alone, but also adds other substances that support digestion. For example, betaine HCl helps maintain ideal stomach acid levels. The great advantage is, of course, the purity of all the ingredients and their animal origin, which is especially appreciated by vegans. Unlike most other products, one daily dose of Digestive Aid consists of 3 capsules.
Final assessment:
It is probably clear from the start that Digestive Aid is not a product for everyone. Almost 15 crowns per dose is simply too much and most customers will probably be put off. But apart from that, there really isn't a single thing to criticize about Digestive Aid. In terms of composition, it is the absolute top of the market. If you're looking for a really high quality product that is both environmentally friendly and gives you the bestbest possible effects based on 100% active ingredients, you've just found your favourite. But if you are looking for quality and price is also important to you, you will probably find one of the previous products more interesting.
On the fourth place of our ranking of the best digestive enzymes is Enzymes Fair Power from Survival. In terms of composition, it is very similar to DigeZyme from Reflex, as it contains the same blend of digestive enzymes under the DigeZyme trademark. It is therefore a beautiful example of how the quality of execution is reflected in the final effect.
Benefits:
- Contains the 5 most important enzymes
- Each enzyme supports the digestion of a different food ingredient
- Great price
- Proven formula
Disadvantages:
- Inferior quality compared to Reflex
- Unnecessary filler content
Who makes it:
Survival Nutrition Supplements has been on the market since 2002. Originally, this Czech company focused on supplements exclusively for endurance However, over time it began to focus on strength sports as well.It has now expanded to five European countries and is looking to develop further. It prides itself on openness about information and the quality of its products.
- 100 mg of DigeZyme® active compound
- 18 mg of amylase
- 8.8 mg lactase
- Protease, lipase and cellulase
One of the things that makes Enzymes Fair Power harmful is the high content of fillers and gelatin. In fact, the majority of the capsule is made up of these very substances, which is a rather large blemish on an otherwise pretty solid supplement. There's not much to criticize about the digestive enzymes as such, but their content could be higher. In the end, however, it is still a pretty good quality product, which certainly does not offend with its composition.
Final assessment:
Enzymes Fair Power does not escape comparison with DigeZyme from Reflex. Even though both supplements contain the same blend of enzymes, Reflex clearly wins in a peer-to-peer comparison. This understandably casts Survival in a bit of a bad light, but there's no need to immediately condemn it. The lower price, which may be the deciding factor for many, plays into its hands. If I close my eyes to the high filler content, I can still highly recommend it.
The fifth position was taken by GreenFood's Opti7 Digest enzymes. As the name suggests, Opti7 contains 7 different digestive enzymes, which represents quite a broad spectrum. However, in the fight with competing products, Opti7 has a rather big disadvantage in the form of its high price.
Pros:
- Wide spectrum of enzymes
- Capsule made of natural material
- Hilarious formulation
Disadvantages:
- Relatively high price
- Hardly competes with other products in its price range
Who makes it:
GreenFood, a family-owned Czech company, has been in the sports nutrition market for over 25 years. The company's main priorities are to produce products made from premium ingredients. You won't find preservatives, chemical dyes, stabilizers or added sugar in GreenFood products. All products are also suitable for vegetarians and allergy sufferers.
- 150 mg of OPTI 7 DIGEST
- Lipase, cellulase, papain, alpha-amylase, protease, lactase, bromelain
- Hypromellose plant capsule
In terms of composition, Opti7 Digest does not do badly at all. However, it's a shame that more active ingredients didn't fit into the individual capsules. One daily dose consists of 3 capsules, which together contain fewer active ingredients than other products in one capsule. This, of course, is reflected in the price, which is the biggest weakness of Opti7.
Final assessment:
Opti7 Digest is a product that definitely meets your expectations. However, if we compare it to the other products in our ranking, we find that it mostly does not exceed them. If you want to support a Czech company that prides itself on natural ingredients and respect for nature, you may find GreenFoods products interesting. But if you're looking for digestive enzymes with the best price/performance ratio, you'll probably you're more likely to be interested in one of the products at the top of our list.
The sixth place in our ranking belongs to Enzyme+ from Big Zone. In addition to digestive enzymes, it also contains extracts of ginger or gooseberry. This interesting supplement, like the previous one, is mainly due to its higher price tag. However, its composition definitely offers a lot of interesting substances that will undoubtedly attract a lot of customers.
Advantages:
- 5 most important digestive enzymes
- It also contains ginger extract, fennel powder and more
- High content of active ingredients
- Proven formula in the form of DigeZyme®blend
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
Who makes it:
German sports supplement maker Big Zone is known for regularly inspecting individual batches of its products to ensure the highest possible quality for customers. Its popularity is gradually increasing on the Czech market and, to be honest, it's no wonder. Big Zone products are also known for their exceptional taste, which has found a large number of fans among athletes.
- 150 mg of DigeZyme®blend
- 175 mg of ginger extract
- 125 mg of Indian gooseberry powder
- 100 mg parsley powder
- 100 mg fennel powder
What first caught our eye about the composition of Enzyme+ was the presence of various plant extracts. This is of course a big plus and combined with the blend of five digestive enzymes makes for a very effective supplement. Also worth mentioning is the chromium content, which helps, for example, glucose metabolism.
Final evaluation:
In terms of composition, Enzyme+ will certainly not offend anyone. On the contrary, I would say that it is a very pleasant surprise. Of course, this is also reflected in the price, which puts Enzyme+ in the group of the more expensive enzymes on the market. The question is whether the resulting price/quality ratio can be considered particularly attractive. Enzyme+ will be appreciated by anyone who expects something extra from dietary supplements. Extracts from ginger, gooseberry and other plants certainly help the final effect, but their presence does not completely compensate for the high price of the product.
Our ranking of the best digestive enzymes is rounded off by HepaCor Protector from Amix. This one caught our attention with its rather diverse composition, which brings with it several positive but also negative effects. In terms of price, it is not a miracle, however, due to itsits composition, it is still a relatively adequate price/quality ratio.
Pros:
- Contains lactic acid bacteria
- Contains B vitamins
- Unusual and varied composition
Disadvantages:
- High price
- Allergen content (especially soy)
Who makes it:
The Amix Nutrition brand is the flagship brand of LargeLife Limited, a British company founded in 2003. In the European market, Amix has grown to become one of the largest suppliers of sports nutrition within a few years. The company prides itself on the quality of the raw materials used and the latest processing technologies.
- 400 mg of acetyl L-carnitine
- 400 mg of silymarin extract
- 6.5 mg of vitamin B3
- 3.2 mg of vitamin B6
- lactic acid bacteria
At first glance, the composition of HepaCor Protector is already different from the previous digestive enzymes in our ranking. Originality is never a bad thing, although in this case the composition of HepaCor Protector carries a few negatives with it. The biggest one is, of course, the high allergen content. Soy is present in large quantities and there may be traces of milk, eggs, gluten, shellfish, nuts and peanuts. While this is not an insurmountable obstacle and most people probably won't ultimately care, in a market where mostin a market where manufacturers pride themselves on making their products as body-friendly as possible and suitable for everyone, it is a fairly significant handicap.
Final assessment:
HepaCor Protector has its pros and cons. For a long time we thought about ranking it higher, but in the end we decided not to do so. The combination of the high price and the allergenic formula forms the basis for a quite unfavorable price-quality ratio. However, if you don't suffer from allergies and don't mind paying a little extra for supplements, HepaCor Protector may pleasantly surprise you. Still, for a similar price you can find products that surpass it in their composition.
What are digestive enzymes?
To properly understand how digestive enzymes work and why they are important to the human bodybody, we must first of all explain what these enzymes actually are. Digestive enzymes are, simply put, proteins that, through their catalytic function that allows the digestion, or in other words the breakdown, of complex molecules into simple ones. The most common division is into four basic subgroups:
Proteases
As the name implies, proteases ensure the cleavage of proteins by hydrolyzing the peptide bonds between individual amino acids. This allows the amino acids to be further utilized by the body. The role of proteases is particularly important because in the event thatif the digestion of proteins were not going well, it would be very difficult to take in the so-called "protein". essential amino acids. The best known representatives of proteases include pepsin, bromelain, papain and others.
Amylase
When amylase is spoken of in connection with digestion, it means primarily alpha amylaseamylase, which is the most important of the three forms of this digestive enzyme. It is involved in the digestion of complex carbohydrates into simpler ones. It is further subdivided into sucrase, maltase and lactase, each of whichthese enzymes act on different types of carbohydrates (sucrase breaks down sucrose and so on).
Lipases
Lipase is responsible for breaking down fat molecules into glycerol and fatty acids. For this reason, it is also able to influence the rate of fat burning. It should be noted that it is also assisted in the breakdown of fats by bile, which the gallbladder begins to produce as soon as food enters the small intestine.
Nucleases
Nucleases are enzymes that cleave nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) by breaking down their phosphodiester bonds. This makes them particularly important in DNA repair processes.
How do digestive enzymes work and where are they formed?
Digestive enzymes belong to the group of hydrolytic enzymes, which means that they need water to function properly. In order to break down the individual components of food into their component parts, the body needs to be supplied with sufficient fluids. As food travels through the digestive tract, individual enzymes act on the food one by one, always taking care of the breakdown of its subparts. One of the first enzymes to come into contact with food is ptyalin (alpha amylase), which is responsible for "loading" the structure of the ingredientsof complex carbohydrates so that pancreatic amylase (produced in the pancreas) can break them down later.
Digestive enzymes are also found in large quantities in the stomach. One of these, for example, is pepsin, which can break down a significant portion of the protein component of food. But in the stomach we also find lipase, which is responsible for the partial breakdown of fats. However, the greatest breakdown of nutrients occurs in the intestines. There we find lactase, sucrase and maltase, which take care of breaking down sugars into their individual monosaccharides. Proteins are broken down in the intestines mainly by trypsin, and the breakdown of fats is carried out by pancreatic lipase and other enzymes. Thus, a large number of enzymes are needed for the whole process, which have very important sub-functions.
What affects enzymes?
The amount of enzymes in our body is influenced by a large number of factors. Enzymes are quite sensitive to their environment, so in some cases even a slight change can disrupt their function. Body temperature, among other factors, is key. If it rises or falls due to illness, for example, this will also affect the functioning of digestive enzymes. Of course, diseases of the organs in which the enzymes are produced can also have a major effect on the enzymes. Pancreatitis can have far-reaching effects on digestion. Stomach acidity is another factor that can adversely affect the breakdown of nutrients. If the pH of the stomach changes unexpectedly, it can disrupt the shape of the enzymes, which would also disrupt their function. Last but not least, our diet also affects digestion. Foods rich in digestive enzymes understandably support the functioning of the metabolism by helping to simplify digestion.
How to recognize a lack of digestive enzymes?
It is actually not difficult to recognize a lack of digestive enzymes. It manifests itself with indigestion, hunger, fatigue, muscle crampsmuscle cramps, diarrhea, irritability or colitis, for example. It is not a pleasant condition, but unfortunately many people tend to ignore these symptoms and hope that they will go away on their own. Yeast infections, called candidiasis, are also a common symptom. In addition, many people may experience problems with low levels of gastric hydrochloric acid in the body. This can be caused, for example, by insufficient chewing, eating in a hurry or a poor diet. Fortunately, all of the above-mentioned problems are relatively easy to resolve. Serious problems will only arise if you ignore the symptoms, which will only exacerbate the imbalance of enzymes in your body and set yourself up for further complications.
How to restore digestive enzymes?
Restoring the level of digestive enzymes is usually not difficult. It is enough to eat calmly, chew your food properly, and choose foods high in enzymes and fibre. Betaine HCl is a great help to acidify the stomach in case of low stomach acid pH. Dietary supplements, of course, also have their place in the diet. These are a very quick and effective way to replenish digestive enzymes. The results should come within a few days, which for many people is afor many people, a relief from the constant pain caused by poor digestion. If digestive problems continue to persist, contact your healthcare practitioner.
How are digestive enzymes used?
Dietary supplements containing digestive enzymes usually have a very simple dosage. In most cases, it is sufficient to take one capsule with a meal and drink well. This way, the enzymes will be present in the digestive tract exactly when they are needed. Some products (Digestive Aid, Opti7 Digest, HepaCor Protector) have a daily dose of two or three capsules. In this case, each capsule is taken with a different meal. Be careful not to exceed the recommended daily dosage.
Sources
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