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Digestive Enzyme Side Effects

Digestive enzymes are proteins that aid digestion. There are three classes of digestive enzymes. Proteolytic enzymes help digest protein. Lipases help digest fat. Amylases help digest carbohydrates. Doctors will sometimes prescribe these enzymes to patients who are having trouble absorbing food because of conditions like pancreatic insufficiency and cystic fibrosis.

  1. General Problems

    • Some general side effects from taking digestive enzymes include diarrhea, constipation, stomach ache, nausea, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue or dizziness. These side effects generally occur for few days after you begin to take the enzymes as your body adjusts to them.

    Proteolytic Enzymes

    • Proteolytic enzymes can destroy natural lipases in the body. So while the proteolytic enzymes are helping digest protein, they are harming fat digestion. Since many enzyme products contain multiple types of enzymes, the product might actually be negating itself. A doctor can help you find a product that contains the most lipase and the least proteolytic enzymes.

    Cystic Fibrosis

    • Children with cystic fibrosis may be in danger of fibrosing colonopathy. This is a condition where pancreatic enzymes damage the large intestines. It has been linked to the use of high doses of digestive enzymes, according to the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterolgy Nutrition. It has even been found to cause the problem in lower doses if the enzymes are enteric-coated.

    Interactions

    • According to eVitamins.com, digestive enzymes can interact negatively with Wayfarin, an anticoagulant. It is used to treat people with venous thrombosis and atrial fibrillation. Consult with your doctor before taking digestive enzymes while you are taking Wayfarin.

    Consult Your Doctor

    • When considering beginning to take an herb or supplement while on medication, it is always best to consult your doctor. He can determine whether there will be a potential drug interaction. Also, if problems do develop, the doctor will know your medications and supplements to determine if a they are the cause of the problem.

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