“Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food macromolecules into smaller building blocks to make them easier for the body to absorb through the intestinal lining,” digestive health expert Vincent Pedre, MD, told mindbodygreen. “The body produces a variety of digestive enzymes, from amylase in saliva to proteases in the stomach to lipase in the small intestine.”

Without sufficient levels of these critical digestive enzymes, it will be harder for your gut to properly absorb the nutrients your body needs. You may also have gastrointestinal health problems, such as indigestion.

According to a 2018 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Journal of medical nutritiondigestive enzyme supplements can help reduce bloating, indigestion and other gastrointestinal problems1.*