Doctor’s Best Digestive Enzymes is one of the best digestive enzyme supplements that I’ve reviewed. Though each individual has unique needs, this supplement seems to work well for most people with mild digestive issues. This review reveals a good quality product with numerous benefits. This supplement is impressive.
Doctor’s Best Digestive Enzymes features
Doctor’s Best Enzymes has some unique features. One positive thing is that it contains HSO organisms, namely Bacillus subtilis, a capable and potent probiotic bacterium.
Main features:
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Tested and manufactured in the US
- Enzymes are completely plant-based, not synthetic
- Enzymes work well for both cooked and raw food
- Breaks down vegetables, beans, grains, sugars, fiber
- Full-spectrum enzyme blend to digest fats, proteins, and carbs
- Contains Bacillus subtilis (1 billion CFU), a soil microorganism with outstanding abilities
- Doctor’s Best contains enzymes rarely seen in supplements, like dipeptidyl-peptidase IV, a powerful suppressor of inflammation[1]DPP-IV (enzymedica.com)
How does it work?
For most people, the body’s production of digestive enzymes declines with age. In addition, stress, a poor diet, alcohol, and other factors can decrease the body’s enzyme production. This tend to cause bloating, a slow digestion, acid reflux, bad mood, and other symptoms.
Adding extra enzymes is a simple way to alleviate mild digestive problems. Doctor’s Best Digestive Enzymes is one of the most advanced and complete digestive supplements I’ve seen. This formula should fit the needs of most people. When taken with a meal, the effect is felt right after the meal—less gas, no bloating, constipation, pain, or heartburn.
Doctor’s Best homepage offers plenty of information about manufacturing principles, enzyme composition, and other recommendations. They also support their claims with solid scientific studies, reviews, a handy fact sheet.[2]Digestive_Enzyme Fact Sheet
Bacillus subtilis
This bacterium is a powerful complement to digestive enzymes. Bacillus subtilis is a resistant human soil organism (HSO) found in soil, water, and air. B. subtilis can suppress harmful microorganisms, lessen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and promote the growth of good gut bacteria. I have found this to work extremely well.[3]Improved growth and viability of lactobacilli in the presence of Bacillus subtilis – PubMed (nih.gov)[4]Evaluation of Bacillus subtilis strains – PubMed (nih.gov)[5]Bacillus subtilis and colon mucosal inflammation in IBD – PubMed (nih.gov)[6]Soil Organisms: Bacillus Subtilis (organicfitness.com)
Verdict
Doctor’s Best Digestive Enzymes is a great digestive enzyme supplement. There’s no doubt about the quality of this product that should cover the needs of most people with mild digestive problems. The cost for 90 capsules is only around $15-20 which makes it a very appealing option.
How to take
For many it might be enough to take one capsule with the main meals. Others might need two capsules for a heavy meal. Some people report that adding betaine HCL or a probiotic supplement might have added benefits, especially for those with acid reflux. It might also be best not to take enzymes too late at night as they can disturb sleep.
Ingredients
This list reveals a well-composed and effective supplement. I think Doctor’s Best Digestive Enzymes is probably the best digestive supplement, closely followed by Dr. Mercola.
| ENZYME | FUNCTION | ALSO USED FOR |
|---|---|---|
| Dipeptidyl-Pepdidase IV (DPP4) | Chops up protein chains. | Suppressing tumors. |
| Alpha-galactosidase | Breaks down carbohydrates such as raffinose and stachyose. | Digesting raw vegetables, grains, beans; indigestion. |
| Amylase (2 strains) | Break down carbohydrates such as starch and glycogen. | Swelling, rejuvenation. |
| Protease SP (4 strains) | Break down proteins. | Inflammation, herpes. |
| Beta-glucanase | Digestion of whole grains such as barley, oats and wheat. | Candida, digestive issues. |
| Cellulase | Free nutrients in fruits and vegetables by breaking down plant fiber. | Digestive system. |
| Glucoamylase | Breaking down polysaccharides from plants. | IBS, gas, nausea, heartburn. |
| Hemicellulase | Breakdown of carbohydrates; promotes polysaccharide digestion. | Candida, digestion, more energy. |
| Invertase | Breakdown of carbohydrates; effective to digest common table sugar. | Immune booster, respiratory problems. |
| Lactase | Digestion of lactose, sugar found in milk and other dairy products. | IBS, digestive tract irritation, heartburn. |
| Phytase | Breaks down plant carbohydrates, phytic acid in leafy vegetables. | Gut detox, mineral deficiency. |
| Glucomylase | Breaks down polysaccharids from plants. | IBS, bloating, flatulence, gas, heartburn. |
| Xylanase | Breaks down soluble fiber; protein digestion. | Better digestion. |
| Bromelain | Digestion of proteins. | Inflammation, pain, urinary infections. |
| Papain | Digestion of proteins, nutrient absorption. | Pain, swelling, inflammation. |
| Protease | Digestion of proteins, breaking them into absorbable building blocks for the body; supports fat digestion. | IBD, ulcers, sports related injuries. |
| Lipase | Main enzyme to break down and assimilate fats. | Celiac, cystic fibrosis, heartburn, Crohn’s. |
| Bacillus subtilis (1 billion CFU) | Human soil organism (HSO); suppresses growth of harmful microorganisms, strengthens the mucosal biofilm. | IBS, inflammation. |