Digestive Enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, Protease)
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Digestive Enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, Protease) (Pancreatic enzyme complex / multi-enzyme blend) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 347 participants, researched for Pancreatic Insufficiency, Functional Dyspepsia & Bloating, Nutrient Absorption.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Pancreatic Insufficiency
StrongFunctional Dyspepsia & Bloating
StrongNutrient Absorption
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Pancreatic Insufficiency
To evaluate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in chronic pancreatitis.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in chronic pancreatitis.
Dose
40,000-80,000 lipase units/meal
Participants
54 patients with chronic pancreatitis and exocrine insufficiency
Duration
12 weeks
Results
PERT significantly improved CFA (83.7% vs 63.1% placebo), reduced stool fat, and improved abdominal symptoms and quality of life.
How They Measured It
Coefficient of fat absorption (CFA), stool fat, symptom scores
To evaluate high-dose pancreatic enzyme supplementation for fat malabsorption in cystic fibrosis.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover
Purpose
To evaluate high-dose pancreatic enzyme supplementation for fat malabsorption in cystic fibrosis.
Dose
Adjusted lipase (500-2500 units/kg/meal)
Participants
29 cystic fibrosis patients
Duration
2 × 2 weeks crossover
Results
High-dose PERT significantly improved fat absorption and reduced steatorrhea. Mean CFA improved from 48% to 85%.
How They Measured It
CFA, stool weight, abdominal symptoms
Functional Dyspepsia & Bloating
To evaluate multi-enzyme supplementation for functional dyspepsia symptoms.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate multi-enzyme supplementation for functional dyspepsia symptoms.
Dose
Amylase 12,000 + Lipase 1,500 + Protease 12,000 units per meal
Participants
87 patients with functional dyspepsia
Duration
60 days
Results
Multi-enzyme supplementation significantly reduced bloating, postprandial fullness, and overall dyspepsia scores compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
Dyspepsia symptom score (bloating, fullness, nausea, pain), quality of life
To assess digestive enzyme supplementation on postprandial GI symptoms in healthy adults consuming high-fat meal.
Study Type
Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover
Purpose
To assess digestive enzyme supplementation on postprandial GI symptoms in healthy adults consuming high-fat meal.
Dose
Lipase 15,000 + amylase 10,000 + protease 10,000 units
Participants
40 healthy adults
Duration
Single dose crossover (2 visits)
Results
Digestive enzymes significantly reduced postprandial bloating, flatulence, and fullness after high-fat meal consumption.
How They Measured It
Visual analog scale for GI symptoms, breath hydrogen
To evaluate pancreatic enzymes for postprandial bloating in IBS patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate pancreatic enzymes for postprandial bloating in IBS patients.
Dose
Pancrelipase 10,000 units lipase per meal
Participants
69 IBS patients reporting frequent bloating
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Enzyme supplementation significantly reduced post-meal bloating and flatulence. Abdominal pain showed modest non-significant improvement.
How They Measured It
Visual analog scale for bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain
Nutrient Absorption
To evaluate enzyme supplementation effects on protein absorption from plant-based meals.
Study Type
Crossover study
Purpose
To evaluate enzyme supplementation effects on protein absorption from plant-based meals.
Dose
Multi-enzyme blend (protease dominant)
Participants
20 healthy adults
Duration
2 × 1 week crossover
Results
Enzyme supplementation significantly increased plasma amino acid levels after plant-protein meals, suggesting improved protein digestibility.
How They Measured It
Plasma amino acid levels, nitrogen balance
To evaluate effects of enzyme supplementation on nutrient absorption in elderly with poor digestive function.
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate effects of enzyme supplementation on nutrient absorption in elderly with poor digestive function.
Dose
Multi-enzyme blend with meals
Participants
48 elderly patients with malabsorption symptoms
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Enzyme supplementation improved absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and reduced fecal fat excretion. BMI and albumin levels improved modestly.
How They Measured It
Serum vitamin and mineral levels, fecal fat, nutritional status markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Digestive Enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, Protease) research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Digestive Enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, Protease) (Pancreatic enzyme complex / multi-enzyme blend), involving 347 total participants. Research covers Digestive support, Pancreatic insufficiency, Bloating & dyspepsia and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Digestive Enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, Protease) has been researched for: Digestive support, Pancreatic insufficiency, Bloating & dyspepsia, Nutrient absorption. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 7 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
