Plant-Based vs. Animal-Based Digestive Enzymes: Key Differences and Applications

Our bodies have the tendency to naturally break down complex foods into usable nutrients. However, normal digestion can take time. This is where digestive enzymes step in. They play a key role in digestion by accelerating the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, ensuring efficient nutrient absorption.

Digestive enzymes are naturally produced in our bodies. However, individuals with digestive issues often depend on external digestive enzymes for support. This demand has given rise to a thriving digestive enzyme industry.

Digestive enzymes are generally derived from sources like plants, animals, and microbes. Each type has unique characteristics, benefits, and applications. Understanding their differences is essential in choosing the right type for specific dietary needs.

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down complex foods into smaller molecules so that the body can absorb it. Examples include

• Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugar (glucose).
• Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Lactase: Digests lactose.
• Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids.

Animal-Based Digestive Enzymes

Animal-based enzymes are usually extracted from the pancreas and stomach lining of animals like cows and pigs. For a very long time, animal-based enzymes have been the go-to option for digestive support.

Animal-based enzymes are only functional at higher pH levels. This makes them less efficient in the stomach’s acidic environment compared to plant-based ones. Specific animal-based enzymes like pancreatin, however, may be useful for aiding conditions such as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Examples include

• Pancreatin
• Trypsin and Chymotrypsin
• Pepsin

Animal-based enzymes are similar to human digestive enzymes and can therefore help people with enzyme deficiencies. They are effective for breaking down a wide variety of foods. Similarly, these enzymes are ideal for individuals with pancreatic insufficiency.

Vegans and vegetarians refrain from using these enzymes as they are derived from animal sources. They usually opt for plant-based or microbial ones.

Applications of Animal-based Enzymes

• Animal-based enzymes are widely used in medical treatments for different conditions. These include chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic insufficiency.
• They are beneficial for people with severe digestive disorders requiring external enzyme support.

Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes

Plant-based enzymes are derived from plant sources such as papaya and pineapple. They are active across a wide pH range. This makes them useful for aiding digestion in the low PH of the stomach as well as the moderately high pH environment of the intestine.

Vegetarian digestive enzymes have the tendency to help relieve stress on the small intestine. They do this by improving digestion in the stomach. Best plant-based digestive enzymes include

• Bromelain
• Papain
• Lipase
• Cellulose
• Lactase

Plant-based enzymes are perfect for vegans and vegetarians. They can be derived from various sources, thereby making them very diverse. These enzymes are often gentler on the digestive system.

Companies are constantly focusing on developing new plant-based enzyme blends to meet growing demand from vegans. For instance, in 2023, Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics introduced Pepzyme Pro for vegans and vegetarians.

Applications of Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes

• Plant-based enzymes support digestion of plant-based foods.
• They have the tendency to effectively reduce gas and bloating.
• Vegan enzymes can be used in enzyme therapy for immune support and inflammation.
• These vegan digestive enzyme supplements can help address specific food intolerance like lactose intolerance.
• They are also beneficial for people with mild digestive discomfort.

Animal-based vs. Plant-based Digestive Enzymes

Both animal-based and plant-based digestive enzymes offer valuable support for digestive health. Animal-based enzymes can be suitable for general digestive support and broad-spectrum activity. They are more effective for individuals with serious pancreatic disorders.

On the other hand, vegan-based enzymes can be perfect for vegans or individuals with food intolerances. They are more adaptable and work in a wider pH range. Choosing the best digestive enzyme supplement  depends on digestive health, dietary preferences, and specific medical needs.