Digestive Enzymes
Enzyme products supporting food digestion and nutrient absorption. Beneficial when enzyme production is reduced (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, aging, certain GI conditions). Benefits for healthy individuals are more limited.
An ingredient with growing research
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Effects reported in research
Improves digestion in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or age-related enzyme decline
Lactase supplementation improves dairy digestion in lactose intolerance
May reduce bloating and indigestion with high-protein or large meals
Dosage & timing
- Take immediately before or with meals.
- Follow product-recommended dosage.
Cautions
- •Use under medical supervision for serious pancreatic conditions.
- •Check for animal-derived ingredient allergies (porcine or bovine sources).
Supporting research
Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota, IBS symptoms, and immune function: a meta-analysis
American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2014
A meta-analysis of 43 RCTs. Probiotics significantly improved global IBS symptom scores and abdominal pain compared to placebo (risk ratio 0.79). However, effects varied considerably by strain, with more consistent improvements seen in multi-strain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium products. Multiple studies also reported improvements in immune markers, including secretory IgA and inflammatory cytokines.
Protein supplementation augments resistance-training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength (meta-analysis)
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2018
A synthesis of 49 RCTs (1,863 participants). Protein supplementation significantly increased gains in lean mass and 1RM from resistance training; benefits plateaued beyond about 1.6 g/kg/day of total protein.
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