Bloating. Gas. Diarrhea. Constipation.

Gastrointestinal diseases cost the United States billions in annual health care expenditures, with antacids, laxatives, and antidiarrheals among the most commonly used over-the-counter remedies.¹

These agents help manage symptoms, but many are used chronically without ever addressing the underlying disorder.

Prolonged use of acid-suppressing therapy in particular is associated with significant alterations in the gut microbiome.^2,3

An underappreciated cause of digestive dysfunction is the deficiency of digestive enzymes.^4,5

Digestive enzymes break down food so that nutrients become bioaccessible and available for absorption.^6,7

Combining an oral digestive enzyme blend with a probiotic may support digestive function and may help reduce symptoms such as gas, bloating, and indigestion.^8,9

Understanding Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes help break down food in the gastrointestinal tract, which promotes nutrient absorption.¹⁰

They are made by the salivary and lingual glands, the stomach, the pancreas, and the lining of the small intestine.¹⁰ Some gut microbes also produce enzymes that extend digestion, especially in the colon.^11,12

With age, our secretion of digestive enzymes decreases.¹³ The diversity of beneficial microbes in the colon also declines with age.^14,15

Deficiencies of digestive enzymes can lead to gut symptoms, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea.⁵ Disaccharidase deficiency, which affects enzymes such as lactase, sucrase, and maltase, has been identified in approximately 40% of adults with chronic unexplained gas, bloating, and related abdominal symptoms.⁴ It occurs when the small intestine does not have enough of these enzymes to break down sugars properly.

When enzyme activity is inadequate, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are poorly digested and absorbed, which can also reduce uptake of fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients.¹⁶

Taking oral digestive enzymes before meals supports digestive efficiency and comfort.^9,17 Different types of foods—dairy, fats, fiber and proteins—require different digestive enzymes to break them down.¹⁰

Protein Digestion

Proteases are enzymes that break down protein.¹⁸

As we age, protein digestion and absorption decline, partly because of reduced secretion of digestive enzymes.¹⁹ Pepsin, one of the body's main proteases, is about 40% lower in older adults.²⁰

The following oral proteases can help with protein digestion:

• Microbial protease, produced through fermentation, has been shown in laboratory studies to break down a broad range of animal and plant proteins.^21,22 Certain microbial acid proteases remain active and continue to digest protein even in acidic conditions (around pH 3.0), similar to the acidic environment of the human stomach.^23,24
• Bromelain, a protease from pineapple stem and pulp, supports protein digestion in laboratory and animal studies.²⁵

In human trials, healthy adults who took a blend of microbial proteases with a little less than an ounce of pea or whey protein absorbed more essential amino acids into the blood than with placebo.^26,27

Being able to properly digest amino acids from dietary protein is important for maintaining muscle mass and physical function with age.^28,29

Breaking Down Fat

Lipases break down fat into free fatty acids and other molecules that the body can absorb.^30,31

In laboratory studies, microbial-derived lipases are more stable and can work under harsher conditions than lipases from plants or animals.³¹ One widely used microbial lipase, from Candida rugosa, preclinically has been shown to break down a broad range of fats.³²

An animal study found that C. rugosa lipase increased levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria.³³

Help Digesting Dairy

Difficulty digesting lactose, the main carbohydrate in dairy products, can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.³⁴

To digest lactose, the body requires lactase, an enzyme produced by the small intestinal lining.³⁴

Globally, about 70% of adults have reduced lactase activity in adulthood, meaning only roughly 30% retain the ability to fully digest lactose.³⁵

In placebo-controlled trials, oral lactase taken with lactose reduced abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence in people with lactase deficiency.^36,37

Fiber Digestion Support

Plant foods often contain large amounts of fiber, which is indigestible by human enzymes.³⁸

Gut microbes ferment these undigested carbohydrates, and the gas they generate can cause bloating and other digestive discomfort.³⁹

Specific oral enzymes can break down some of these fermentable carbohydrates before they reach the gut bacteria in the colon:⁴⁰

Cellulase breaks down cellulose, the main structural component of plant cell walls.⁴¹ Whole grains are a major source of cellulose.⁴²

Hemicellulase breaks down hemicellulose, a common fiber in vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts.⁴³

Pectinase breaks down pectin, which is found in most plant foods, especially apples, pears, and citrus fruits.⁴⁴

Xylanase targets xylan, another fiber found in plant cell walls.^42,45

Alpha-galactosidase breaks down galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), fibers abundant in beans, soy, and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli.^46-48

In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, adults with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) ate a diet high in galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)—a fermentable fiber found mainly in legumes and beans—for three days.

Digestion-Supporting Probiotic

One specific probiotic has been demonstrated to promote better digestive health.

Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 is a probiotic strain that produces lactic acid. Production of lactic acid may help create conditions that are less favorable for the growth of certain potentially harmful microbes.⁵⁰ The strain has demonstrated resistance to gastric acid in vitro and survives through the upper digestive tract.⁸

In a four-week trial, researchers tested B. coagulans MTCC 5856 in healthy adults who reported abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating at least once a week.⁸

By week four, the probiotic group's indigestion score—which combines bloating, gas, distension, and belching—dropped by about 66%, while the placebo group showed no significant change. Within that score, the individual symptoms improved to a similar degree:⁸

~67% decrease in bloating (abdominal distension),

~66% decrease in gas (flatus), and a

~65% overall decrease in indigestion symptoms.

In a separate 90-day trial in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, the same strain at two billion colony forming units (CFU) per day added to standard care significantly reduced bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and stool frequency versus placebo.⁵¹

In a 28-day study in healthy adults, the strain was safe and preserved overall microbiome balance, with modest increases in several beneficial bacteria.⁸

Combining B. coagulans MTCC 5856 with oral digestive enzymes may provide complementary support for digestive comfort.

Summary

Gastrointestinal symptoms may result from problems digesting food properly.

Oral digestive enzymes derived from plants and microbes help break down dairy, protein, fats and certain plant fibers and may support digestive comfort.

The probiotic B. coagulans MTCC 5856 is clinically shown to help reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion. Combining it with digestive enzymes may help support digestive comfort.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

1. Peery AF, Crockett SD, Murphy CC, et al. Burden and Cost of Gastrointestinal, Liver, and Pancreatic Diseases in the United States: Update 2021. Gastroenterology. 2022 Feb;162(2):621-44.
2. Imhann F, Vich Vila A, Bonder MJ, et al. The influence of proton pump inhibitors and other commonly used medication on the gut microbiota. Gut Microbes. 2017 Jul 4;8(4):351-8.
3. Jackson MA, Goodrich JK, Maxan ME, et al. Proton pump inhibitors alter the composition of the gut microbiota. Gut. 2016 May;65(5):749-56.
4. Kemple B, Rao SSC. Disaccharidase Enzyme Deficiency in Adult Patients With Gas and Bloating. Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2025 Mar 1;16(3):e00809.
5. Viswanathan L, Rao SS. Intestinal Disaccharidase Deficiency in Adults: Evaluation and Treatment. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2023 Jun;25(6):134-9.
6. Grundy MM, Edwards CH, Mackie AR, et al. Re-evaluation of the mechanisms of dietary fibre and implications for macronutrient bioaccessibility, digestion and postprandial metabolism. Br J Nutr. 2016 Sep;116(5):816-33.
7. Palafox-Carlos H, Ayala-Zavala JF, Gonzalez-Aguilar GA. The role of dietary fiber in the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of fruit and vegetable antioxidants. J Food Sci. 2011 Jan-Feb;76(1):R6-R15.
8. Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Paulose S, et al. The effects of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 on functional gas and bloating in adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Mar 3;102(9):e33109.
9. Swami OC, Shah NJ. Functional dyspepsia and the role of digestive enzymes supplement in its therapy. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol. 2017;6(5):1035-41.
10. Borowitz D. Non-Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes. Biomolecules. 2025 Aug 30;15(9).
11. Maske BL, de Melo Pereira GV, da SVA, et al. A review on enzyme-producing lactobacilli associated with the human digestive process: From metabolism to application. Enzyme Microb Technol. 2021 Sep;149:109836.
12. Lushchak VI. Symphony of Digestion: Coordinated Host-Microbiome Enzymatic Interplay in Gut Ecosystem. Biomolecules. 2025 Aug 11;15(8).
13. Lohr JM, Panic N, Vujasinovic M, et al. The ageing pancreas: a systematic review of the evidence and analysis of the consequences. J Intern Med. 2018 May;283(5):446-60.
14. Haran JP, McCormick BA. Aging, Frailty, and the Microbiome-How Dysbiosis Influences Human Aging and Disease. Gastroenterology. 2021 Jan;160(2):507-23.
15. An R, Wilms E, Masclee AAM, et al. Age-dependent changes in GI physiology and microbiota: time to reconsider? Gut. 2018 Dec;67(12):2213-22.
16. Owens SR, Greenson JK. The pathology of malabsorption: current concepts. Histopathology. 2007 Jan;50(1):64-82.
17. Ullah H, Di Minno A, Piccinocchi R, et al. Efficacy of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Dec 31;169:115858.
18. Rao S, Grover M. Intestinal proteases. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2023 Nov 1;39(6):472-8.
19. Qiu Z, Shi Y, Wu Y, et al. Altered Digestive and Absorptive Characteristics of Food Proteins in Older Adults: Mechanisms, Model Applications, and Innovative Strategies. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2026 Jan;25(1):e70364.
20. Feldman M, Cryer B, McArthur KE, et al. Effects of aging and gastritis on gastric acid and pepsin secretion in humans: a prospective study. Gastroenterology. 1996 Apr;110(4):1043-52.
21. Contesini FJ, Melo RR, Sato HH. An overview of Bacillus proteases: from production to application. Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2018 May;38(3):321-34.
22. Dos Santos Aguilar JG, Sato HH. Microbial proteases: Production and application in obtaining protein hydrolysates. Food Res Int. 2018 Jan;103:253-62.
23. Kocabiyik S, Ozel H. An extracellular--pepstatin insensitive acid protease produced by Thermoplasma volcanium. Bioresour Technol. 2007 Jan;98(1):112-7.
24. Gurumallesh P, Alagu K, Ramakrishnan B, et al. A systematic reconsideration on proteases. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 May 1;128:254-67.
25. Kansakar U, Trimarco V, Manzi MV, et al. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bromelain: Applications, Benefits, and Mechanisms. Nutrients. 2024 Jun 28;16(13).
26. Paulussen KJM, Askow AT, Deutz MT, et al. Acute Microbial Protease Supplementation Increases Net Postprandial Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations After Pea Protein Ingestion in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Nutr. 2024 May;154(5):1549-60.
27. Huang Y, Bell ZW, Alhamwi A, et al. Acute Effects of Oral Microbial Protease Co-ingestion with Whey Protein on Postprandial Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations, Appetite, and Satiety in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Clinical Trial. J Nutr. 2025 Oct;155(10):3356-73.
28. Ishaq I, Noreen S, Maduabuchi Aja P, et al. Role of protein intake in maintaining muscle mass composition among elderly females suffering from sarcopenia. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1547325.
29. Ispoglou T, Witard OC, Duckworth LC, et al. The efficacy of essential amino acid supplementation for augmenting dietary protein intake in older adults: implications for skeletal muscle mass, strength and function. Proc Nutr Soc. 2021 May;80(2):230-42.
30. Carriere F, Renou C, Lopez V, et al. The specific activities of human digestive lipases measured from the in vivo and in vitro lipolysis of test meals. Gastroenterology. 2000 Oct;119(4):949-60.
31. Anobom CD, Pinheiro AS, De-Andrade RA, et al. From Structure to Catalysis: Recent Developments in the Biotechnological Applications of Lipases. BioMed Research International. 2014 2014/01/01;2014(1):684506.
32. Sharma S, Sahney R, Dahiya P. Development prospects for immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on biopolymer-based nanomaterial and its application: A review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Sep;322(Pt 2):146770.
33. Menden A, Hall D, Broedlow CA, et al. Candida rugosa lipase alters the gastrointestinal environment in wild-type mice. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020 Oct;130:110579.
34. Borralho AI, Marcos P. Lactose Intolerance and Malabsorption Revisited: Exploring the Impact and Solutions. GE Port J Gastroenterol. 2025 Oct;32(5):350-7.
35. Perets TT, Gingold-Belfer R, Dickman R. Lactose intolerance and probiotics: from pathophysiological mechanisms to clinical applications. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2026 Mar 17;119(4).
36. Montalto M, Nucera G, Santoro L, et al. Effect of exogenous beta-galactosidase in patients with lactose malabsorption and intolerance: a crossover double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005 Apr;59(4):489-93.
37. de Vrese M, Laue C, Offick B, et al. A combination of acid lactase from Aspergillus oryzae and yogurt bacteria improves lactose digestion in lactose maldigesters synergistically: A randomized, controlled, double-blind cross-over trial. Clin Nutr. 2015 Jun;34(3):394-9.
38. Barber TM, Kabisch S, Pfeiffer AFH, et al. The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre. Nutrients. 2020 Oct 21;12(10).
39. Mutuyemungu E, Singh M, Liu S, et al. Intestinal gas production by the gut microbiota: A review. Journal of Functional Foods. 2023 2023/01/01/;100:105367.
40. Di Nardo G, Oliva S, Ferrari F, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of alpha-galactosidase in treating gas-related symptoms in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. BMC Gastroenterol. 2013 Sep 24;13:142.
41. Seidler Y, Rimbach G, Luersen K, et al. The postbiotic potential of Aspergillus oryzae - a narrative review. Front Microbiol. 2024;15:1452725.
42. Baky MH, Salah M, Ezzelarab N, et al. Insoluble dietary fibers: structure, metabolism, interactions with human microbiome, and role in gut homeostasis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(7):1954-68.
43. Shallom D, Shoham Y. Microbial hemicellulases. Curr Opin Microbiol. 2003 Jun;6(3):219-28.
44. Dong Y, Jiang T, Wu T, et al. Enzyme-responsive controlled-release materials for food preservation and crop protection - A review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Jan;254(Pt 3):128051.
45. Burlacu A, Siriopol D, Nistor I, et al. Clinical SYNTAX Score - a good predictor for renal artery stenosis in acute myocardial infarction patients: analysis from the REN-ACS trial. Arch Med Sci. 2017 Jun;13(4):837-44.
46. Njoumi S, Josephe Amiot M, Rochette I, et al. Soaking and cooking modify the alpha-galacto-oligosaccharide and dietary fibre content in five Mediterranean legumes. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Aug;70(5):551-61.
47. Ignatova I, Arsov A, Petrova P, et al. Prebiotic Effects of alpha- and beta-Galactooligosaccharides: The Structure-Function Relation. Molecules. 2025 Feb 9;30(4).
48. Available at: https://www.eurofins.in/food-testing/blog/gos-galacto-oligosaccharides-and-fos-fructo-oligosaccharides-analysis/. Accessed 02/01/2026.
49. Tuck CJ, Taylor KM, Gibson PR, et al. Increasing Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Symptoms With Ingestion of Galacto-Oligosaccharides Are Mitigated by alpha-Galactosidase Treatment. Am J Gastroenterol. 2018 Jan;113(1):124-34.
50. Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Mundkur L, et al. Probiotic modulation of gut microbiota by Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 in healthy subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-control study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 May 19;102(20):e33751.
51. Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Natarajan S, et al. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 supplementation in the management of diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a double blind randomized placebo controlled pilot clinical study. Nutr J. 2016 Feb 27;15:21.