Best Digestive Enzymes for Seniors
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As we age, our bodies naturally produce fewer digestive enzymes, which can lead to digestive discomforts like bloating, constipation, and indigestion. Fortunately, there are many digestive enzyme supplements on the market that can help seniors alleviate these symptoms and improve their overall digestive health.
Let’s take a closer look at the best digestive enzymes for seniors and explore their benefits and potential drawbacks. Whether you’re looking to support your gut health or simply improve your digestive comfort, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Here are the best digestive enzymes for seniors
1. Naturelo Digestive Enzymes, 90 Vegan Capsules
Naturelo Digestive Enzymes is a product designed to provide digestive support for seniors. Unlike other products that contain only one or two enzymes, Naturelo Digestive Enzymes has a proprietary blend of 15 digestive enzymes and natural ginger root to support optimal digestion for a wide range of food groups.
This full-spectrum digestive support includes proteins, carbs, fats, sugars, dairy, raw vegetables, beans, grains, alcohol, and more.
Digestive enzymes can help ease digestive discomfort, which can be triggered by hard-to-digest foods. Naturelo Digestive Enzymes can help break down these foods, helping to reduce post-meal bloating, gas, and discomfort. Taking just one capsule before each meal can help support healthy digestion.
Proper digestion is important for nutrient absorption. When foods aren’t properly digested, the body can have trouble extracting their nutrients. Digestive enzymes help break down foods, unlocking their nutritional benefits. Naturelo Digestive Enzymes can help support nutrient absorption and promote overall health.
As we age, our body’s natural digestive enzymes decrease, making digestion and nutrient absorption more challenging. Naturelo Digestive Enzymes can help support normal digestion as we age, making it a great choice for seniors who may be experiencing digestive issues.
Naturelo Digestive Enzymes is a vegan-friendly product, which is a great alternative for those who prefer to avoid animal-derived products. It is also non-GMO and free of common allergens like gluten, dairy, and soy.
Pros:
- Full-spectrum digestive support for a wide range of food groups
- Helps ease digestive discomfort
- Supports nutrient absorption
- Vegan-friendly
Cons:
- Some users may find the capsules difficult to swallow
- May require consistent use for the best results
2. Zenwise Probiotic Digestive Multi Enzymes
Zenwise Probiotic Digestive Multi Enzymes is a pre-meal supplement that offers relief from occasional bloating, gas, and discomfort. It is a plant-powered pill that is formulated to replenish digestive enzymes that may decline with age.
This advanced formula is designed to tackle hard-to-digest foods, improve regularity, and enhance digestive and immune health. It is particularly helpful for individuals with sensitive stomachs.
One of the standout features of Zenwise Probiotic Digestive Multi Enzymes is the clinically proven De111 probiotic. This probiotic is guaranteed to arrive alive and work within hours in the small intestine, where 90% of nutrient absorption occurs and 70% of the immune system resides. This ensures that the probiotic is effective in enhancing digestive and immune health.
The supplement also includes a range of botanicals, including turmeric, ginger, green papaya, inulin, apple pectin, bladderwrack, fennel, and wakame. These ingredients have been carefully chosen for their ability to aid gut health and stomach comfort.
Zenwise Probiotic Digestive Multi Enzymes is an AVA-Certified Vegetarian, making it suitable for vegetarians. It also comes in a 180-serving supply, with one capsule recommended before each meal to experience a digestive delight. No refrigeration is needed, making it easy to take on the go.
Pros:
- Clinically proven De111 probiotic for enhanced immune health
- Botanical ingredients aid gut health and stomach comfort
- AVA-Certified Vegetarian, suitable for vegetarians
- 180-serving supply for long-term use
Cons:
- Requires consistent use for best results
3. Enzymedica Digest Basic, 80 Capsules
Enzymedica Digest Basic, 80 Capsules, is a digestive enzyme supplement designed to support seniors in relieving occasional bloating, gas, and irregularity. Its fast-acting natural formula is gentle yet effective, making it an ideal option for those with sensitive digestive systems.
This product works by speeding up the digestion process, allowing for a smoother experience without any uncomfortable bloating or heaviness. The enzymes provided in each capsule help to break down proteins, carbohydrates, dairy, fats, and fibers, making it suitable for even larger meals.
One of the standout features of Enzymedica Digest Basic is its use of Thera-blend enzymes. This unique formula is designed to stay active in both acidic and neutral environments in the digestive system, providing faster relief and better digestion.
For those with dietary restrictions, this product is an excellent choice, as it contains no gluten, milk, casein, soy, egg, artificial colors, flavors, or GMOs. It is also vegan, Kosher, and Clean Label Project certified, ensuring purity and quality.
Pros:
- Fast-acting and effective
- Small capsule, big support
- Thera-blend enzymes for better digestion
- Vegan, Kosher, and Clean Label Project certified
Cons:
- Need to remember to take with every meal
- Not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle
4. GNC Natural Brand Super Digestive Enzymes, 240 Capsules
GNC Natural Brand Super Digestive Enzymes is a highly effective digestive aid designed to support seniors in maintaining healthy digestion. The nzimes proprietary enzyme blend in this supplement promotes protein, carbohydrate, and fat digestion, making it a comprehensive solution for digestive support.
The supplement specifically promotes protein digestion, which is essential for supporting muscle health. It also promotes carbohydrate and fat digestion, which aids in overall nutrient absorption. The absence of sugar and sodium makes it an excellent choice for individuals on a low-sugar or low-sodium diet.
The natural ingredients in GNC Natural Brand Super Digestive Enzymes make it a safe and gentle option for seniors. The supplement is free from yeast and does not contain any artificial additives, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitivities to such ingredients. The enzyme blend in this supplement is also inspired by nature, providing a natural solution to digestive issues.
Overall, GNC Natural Brand Super Digestive Enzymes is a highly recommended product for seniors looking for comprehensive digestive support. Its proprietary enzyme blend promotes protein, carbohydrate, and fat digestion, and it is free from harmful additives.
The supplement’s natural ingredients make it a safe and effective choice for seniors who want to maintain healthy digestion.
Pros:
- Free from harmful additives
- Safe and gentle on the digestive system
- Suitable for low-sugar and low-sodium diets
- Nature-inspired enzyme blend
Cons:
- May not be suitable for vegans/vegetarians
- May cause mild digestive discomfort for some users
5. Wholesome Wellness Digestive Enzymes, 180 Capsules
Wholesome Wellness Digestive Enzymes is an excellent supplement designed to promote healthy digestion in seniors. It features a powerful combination of clinical-grade digestive enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics to ensure optimal digestive health.
With an ultra-strength dose of 1000 MG, it provides fast relief for common digestive issues like bloating, flatulence, and constipation.
One of the standout features of this supplement is its Advanced Multi Enzyme System. This system includes a variety of plant-based enzymes that help to break down hard-to-digest foods like fried, spicy, and processed foods, as well as dairy, protein, and acidic fruits and vegetables. This makes it an ideal supplement for seniors who may have difficulty digesting these types of foods.
In addition to its digestive enzymes, Wholesome Wellness Digestive Enzymes also contains a potent probiotic blend. This blend includes 10 different probiotic strains that have been clinically shown to enhance immune system function and prevent illness. With a dose of 10 billion CFUs, it provides powerful support for the gut, biofilm, and gallbladder.
This supplement is also designed to relieve a variety of digestive discomforts, including gas, bloating, constipation, indigestion, and reflux. Its prebiotic fiber, probiotic encapsulation, and enzyme support work together to aid gut health and promote optimal nutrient absorption.
Additionally, it contains ingredients like turmeric, ginger, papaya, pectin, and bladderwrack that support pancreatic and bowel cleansing.
Pros:
- Provides fast relief for digestive discomforts
- Features a potent probiotic blend to enhance immune system function
- Includes organic, systemic, Dr. formulated, & plant-based ingredients
- Helps to support gut health and nutrient absorption
Cons:
- Requires consistent use for best results
Buyer’s Guide
How to choose the right digestive enzymes for seniors?
As we age, our bodies may not produce enough digestive enzymes to properly break down the food we consume. This can lead to a variety of digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and constipation. Fortunately, there are many digestive enzyme supplements available that can help seniors maintain healthy digestion.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right digestive enzymes for seniors:
Consult with your family doctor
Before starting any new supplement, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications. They can help you determine whether a digestive enzyme supplement is right for you and recommend the best product for your specific needs.
Look for a comprehensive formula
A good digestive enzyme supplement for seniors should contain a comprehensive blend of enzymes, including protease, amylase, and lipase, which help break down protein, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively. Additionally, it may be beneficial to look for a supplement that also includes enzymes like lactase, which can help seniors who have difficulty digesting lactose.
Consider the source
Digestive enzyme supplements can be derived from a variety of sources, including animals, plants, and fungi. For seniors who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, plant-based enzymes may be a better option. It’s also important to look for supplements that are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Check the dosage and potency
The dosage and potency of digestive enzyme supplements can vary widely. It’s important to choose a supplement with a dosage that is appropriate for your individual needs. Additionally, look for a supplement with high potency, as this can help ensure that you are getting enough of the active enzymes to support healthy digestion.
Digestive enzymes dosage for seniors
| Enzyme Type | Recommended Dosage for Seniors |
| Protease | 20,000-50,000 HUT per meal |
| Amylase | 10,000-30,000 DU per meal |
| Lipase | 3,000-10,000 FIP per meal |
| Cellulase | 500-2,000 CU per meal |
| Lactase | 1,000-2,500 ALU per meal |
| Bromelain | 200-800 GDU per meal |
| Papain | 200-1,000 TU per meal |
HUT: Hemoglobin Units on a Tyrosine Basis
DU: Dextrinizing Units
FIP: Federation Internationale Pharmaceutique
CU: Cellulase Units
ALU: Acid Lactase Units
GDU: Gelatin Digesting Units
TU: Tyrosine Units
Can seniors with sensitive stomachs take digestive enzymes?
For seniors with sensitive stomachs, taking digestive enzyme supplements can be a bit of a tricky endeavor. On the one hand, these supplements can help support healthy digestion and alleviate a variety of digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
On the other hand, some seniors with sensitive stomachs may experience discomfort or side effects when taking certain types of digestive enzymes.
That being said, there are a few things seniors with sensitive stomachs can do to help ensure that they can safely take digestive enzyme supplements.
First and foremost, it’s important to choose a high-quality supplement that is formulated specifically for seniors. Look for a comprehensive blend of enzymes that includes protease, amylase, and lipase, as well as other enzymes that may be beneficial, such as lactase or cellulase.
Additionally, look for a supplement that is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
It’s also important to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over time, to allow your body to adjust to the supplement. Seniors with sensitive stomachs may also want to take their digestive enzyme supplements with meals, rather than on an empty stomach, to help minimize the risk of side effects.
Finally, be sure to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.
Is it safe to take digestive enzyme supplements long-term?
Digestive enzyme supplements have gained popularity in recent years as a natural way to support healthy digestion and alleviate digestive issues. While these supplements are generally considered safe and effective when taken as directed, there are some concerns about the safety of taking them long-term.
Most digestive enzyme supplements are made from natural sources, such as plant or animal enzymes, and are generally safe for long-term use. However, some experts caution that taking these supplements long-term may lead to a reduction in the body’s natural ability to produce enzymes, as the body may become dependent on the supplement.
Additionally, some digestive enzyme supplements may interact with certain medications or medical conditions, making them unsuitable for long-term use in some individuals. For example, people with bleeding disorders should avoid taking supplements that contain bromelain or papain, as these enzymes can increase the risk of bleeding.
Can digestive enzymes help with acid reflux in seniors?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive issue that can be particularly problematic for seniors. Fortunately, digestive enzyme supplements may be able to help alleviate some of the symptoms of acid reflux in seniors.
One of the primary causes of acid reflux is a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. When this muscle doesn’t function properly, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, causing a range of unpleasant symptoms, such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
Digestive enzyme supplements can help with acid reflux by promoting healthy digestion and reducing the amount of time that food spends in the stomach. By breaking down food more efficiently, these supplements can help reduce the amount of stomach acid produced, which can in turn reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Additionally, some digestive enzyme supplements contain enzymes that specifically target proteins, which can help reduce the risk of heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms.
While digestive enzyme supplements can be helpful for seniors with acid reflux, it’s important to choose a high-quality supplement that is specifically formulated to address this issue.
What are some potential side effects of digestive enzyme supplements for seniors?
Digestive enzyme supplements are a popular and effective way for seniors to support healthy digestion and alleviate digestive issues. While these supplements are generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that seniors should be aware of.
One potential side effect of digestive enzyme supplements is gastrointestinal upset, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is particularly common when first starting to take digestive enzyme supplements or when taking a higher dosage than recommended. However, these side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days of starting the supplement or reducing the dosage.
Another potential side effect of digestive enzyme supplements is an allergic reaction, particularly in seniors who are allergic to the source of the enzymes, such as papaya or pineapple. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing, and require immediate medical attention.
It’s also important to note that some digestive enzyme supplements may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or antibiotics, making them less effective or potentially causing adverse reactions. Seniors who are taking medications should consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Final verdict
Of the products discussed, Naturelo Digestive Enzymes stands out for its full-spectrum digestive support, including 15 digestive enzymes and natural ginger root. It can help reduce post-meal bloating, gas, and discomfort and support nutrient absorption. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and free of common allergens.
Have you tried Naturelo Digestive Enzymes? Share your experience in the comments below.
