Digestive enzymes (pancreatin / proteases / lipase)
Gut · Exogenous digestive enzymes
Tier B+
What this is
Overused by healthy biohackers for mild post-meal bloating where evidence is minimal. Genuine pancreatic insufficiency (fecal elastase <200) absolutely needs proper Rx-grade enzyme replacement. Look for enteric-coated products to survive stomach acid.
Mechanism
Supplemental amylase, lipase, protease, sometimes lactase, cellulase; mimics endogenous pancreatic output; pancreatin (pancrelipase) is Rx-strength porcine extract
Dose & route
Pancrelipase 25,000-75,000 lipase units per meal (clinical); supplement doses vary widely
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29032614/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25500710/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7408684/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.