Naturally occurring digestive enzymes break down food and aid digestion.
During digestion the nutrients found in food are broken down to give your body energy, help to perform vital functions.
If you have enzyme insuffiency your body cannot break down food properly, undigested food begins to ferment in the intestines which causes bloating and other abdominal complaints.
Digestion
Digestion begins in the mouth, your saliva starts breaking down food right away into a form that can be absorbed by the body. Your stomach, small intestine and pancreas all make digestive enzymes as well.
The pancreas produces the most important digestive enzymes, which are those that break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
The main digestive enzymes made in the pancreas include:
Amylase (made in the mouth and pancreas; breaks down complex carbohydrates)
Lipase (made in the pancreas; breaks down fats)
Protease (made in the pancreas; breaks down proteins)
Some other common enzymes are made in the small intestine, including: Lactase (breaks down lactose), Sucrase (breaks down sucrose)
Symptoms of Digestive Enzyme Insufficiency
Digestive enzyme insufficiency can lead to malnutrition or gastrointestinal irritation. Common symptoms include:
- Belly pain or cramps
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Oily stools (bowel movements)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constipation
