Digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes are often used to support healthy digestion and increase nutrient absorption. Naturally occurring digestive enzymes are proteins that human body makes to break down food and aid digestion. Digestion is the process of using the nutrients found in food to give body energy, help it grow and perform vital functions.

Digestive enzymes are secreted (released) by the salivary glands and cells lining the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. Their primary role is to help break down the large, complex molecules that make up proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, so that they are small enough for the body to extract and absorb the necessary nutrients.

When the body doesn't make enough enzymes, it can't easily break down foods and absorb nutrients. This is called malabsorption. If human body doesn’t make enough lipase, fat can’t be broken down. Then the body can’t absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Likewise, if frequent diarrhea happened because of improper digestion, the patient likely lose electrolytes and water-soluble vitamins.

There are many digestive enzymes. The most important digestive enzymes made in the pancreas include:
*Amylase
*Lipase
*Protease

Some other common enzymes are made in the small intestine, including:
*Lactase
*Sucrase

Fruits, vegetables, and other foods have natural digestive enzymes. Eating them can improve digestion process.
Digestive enzymes