Digestive enzymes enable the absorption of nutrients by breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and fats into smaller units that can be absorbed by the body. This is achieved by a series of enzymes in the secretions of the salivary glands, the liver and, above all, the pancreas. The most important digestive enzymes are amylase (starch degradation), protease (protein degradation) and lipase (fat degradation). There are also other enzymes such as lactase (breaks down lactose, a milk sugar that is indigestible for many people). The digestion of lactose in particular is problematic for many people, although there are differences in tolerance to lactose and the symptoms can manifest themselves strongly. Taking a sufficient amount of lactase with every meal containing lactose (e.g., 3 x 150mg DigeZyme EC® daily) can lead to an improvement in digestive problems.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Lactase improves lactose digestion in people who have problems digesting lactose.
