The Link Between Digestive Enzyme Deficiency and Poor Health
Digestion is the chemical breakdown of large food molecules into smaller molecules that can be used by our body’s cells. As food travels through the digestive system, our bodies release enzymes that facilitate the chemical reactions responsible for breaking down foods. Enzymes are essential to sustaining life and play a major role in how we age and how we feel.
Dr. Max Wolf, a medical doctor at Columbia University who researched enzymes and hormones from the 1930s through the 1960s, determined that enzyme production in humans diminishes rapidly after age 27. Wolf stated: “The vital force provided by an abundance of enzymes in a young person enables them to recover quickly from illness and injuries and gives them the flexibility, agility and energy to accomplish great feats. It appears that as we age, depending on our lifestyle, diet and inherent enzyme potential, digestive difficulties may develop, the immune system must work harder, degenerative diseases may appear, and strength, flexibility, endurance and mental acuity decrease.”
There are three types of enzymes:
- Food enzymes
- Digestive enzymes
- Metabolic enzymes
Food enzymes are naturally present in raw foods and help break down nutrients during digestion.
Digestive enzymes (protease, amylase, lipase, and others) are secreted along the digestive tract to break down foods into nutrients and waste. When sufficient enzymes are available, nutrients are absorbed properly and waste is eliminated efficiently.
Metabolic enzymes facilitate chemical reactions within cells, tissues, and organs. They support energy production, nutrient utilization, detoxification, and the synthesis of essential biomolecules.
When food is poorly digested due to enzyme deficiency, vital nutrients are not well utilized and overall health can suffer.
Unless you consume all meals in their raw, natural state, supplemental digestive enzymes may be needed. Enzymes are destroyed by heat—typically deactivated at wet‑heat temperatures above 118°F and dry‑heat temperatures above 150°F. Since most foods are cooked or processed, the body must produce the majority of enzymes required. Stress, caffeine, alcohol, and aging all reduce enzyme production. Supplementation can help support digestion and overall wellness.*
The Five Main Classes of Enzymes
Digestive enzymes help break down carbohydrates, fats, fiber, proteins, and sugars. The main classes include:
- Amylase — carbohydrates
- Lipase — fats
- Cellulase — fiber
- Proteolytic enzymes — proteins
- Lactase — sugar
Carbohydrates: Amylase
Amylase is the primary enzyme responsible for carbohydrate digestion. It breaks down starch into sugar and is produced by the salivary glands, intestines, and pancreas. Excess carbohydrate intake can lead to fat storage. Amylase supplementation may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of amylase deficiency:
Abscesses — Amylase digests dead white blood cells; deficiency may lead to abscess formation.
Inflammation — Deficiency may trigger asthma, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and allergic reactions.
Phosphorus deficiency — Excess carbohydrate intake increases phosphorus demand, leading to GI inflammation, stiff joints, and thick blood.
Pancreatic issues — Severe deficiency may contribute to hepatitis or chronic pancreatitis.
Fats: Lipase
Lipase, produced in the pancreas, breaks down dietary fats (triglycerides). Triglycerides are converted into glycerol and fatty acids, which fuel ATP production—the body’s primary energy source.
Symptoms of lipase deficiency:
High cholesterol — Lipase helps remove fats from the blood; deficiency may raise cholesterol and triglycerides.
Hypochlorhydria — Lipase requires chloride; deficiency may lead to low stomach acid and nutrient malabsorption.
Poor cell nutrition — Reduced cell permeability limits nutrient absorption and waste removal.
High triglycerides — Excess calories lead to elevated triglycerides when lipase is insufficient.
Fiber: Cellulase
Cellulase breaks down dietary fiber. The body does not produce cellulase, so supplementation is essential.
- Water‑soluble fiber — forms a gel that regulates digestion and promotes fullness.
- Water‑insoluble fiber — binds water, softens stool, and cleans the intestinal walls.
Symptoms of cellulase deficiency:
Malabsorption — Poor nutrient absorption, gas, bloating, and pancreatic issues.
Constipation — Improperly digested fiber leads to hard stools.
Type 2 diabetes risk — Proper fiber digestion helps regulate blood sugar.
High cholesterol — Fiber helps absorb dietary fats and cholesterol.
Increased disease risk — Proper fiber digestion reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and certain cancers.
Proteins: Proteolytic Enzymes
Proteolytic enzymes (proteases) break down proteins into amino acids. They include pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, serrapeptase, nattokinase, papain, and bromelain.
Symptoms of proteolytic deficiency:
Calcium‑deficient diseases — Poor protein digestion affects calcium transport, contributing to arthritis, osteoporosis, and disc degeneration.
Hypoglycemia — Inadequate protein digestion may cause blood sugar instability.
Edema — Low blood protein allows fluid to leak into tissues.
Other symptoms — Slow wound healing, weakness, fainting, brittle hair, and nail ridges.
Sugar: Lactase
Lactase breaks down lactose in milk and dairy products. Deficiency leads to lactose intolerance.
Symptoms of lactase deficiency: diarrhea, bloating, and gas.
Under ideal conditions, the body produces enzymes naturally. However, poor diet, excess fats and sugars, alcohol, smoking, age, stress, illness, and pollution can all reduce enzyme production. Cooked, microwaved, and processed foods destroy essential enzymes.
Without adequate enzymes, the body cannot extract the nutrients it needs to function properly.
*If you are pregnant, lactating, or taking prescription medications (including anticoagulants), consult your healthcare provider before adding enzyme supplements. Do not give enzyme supplements to children without pediatric approval. Avoid enzyme supplementation two weeks prior to surgery.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Yours in health,
Dr. Gregg Gittins
