Digestive Enzymes for Kids

Learn about the potential health benefits of digestive enzymes for kids.

Digestive enzymes are naturally occurring proteins the body uses to digest food. These proteins work to break down nutrients into smaller particles that your child’s body can use and absorb. Most kids get enough digestive enzymes from a healthy diet and their own bodies, which produce enzymes in the pancreas, stomach, liver, salivary glands, and small intestine.

However, this isn’t always the case; sometimes your child may need a little help with digestion, and a digestive enzyme supplement may be beneficial. Keep reading to learn more about when digestive enzymes for kids can provide relief and help balance your child’s digestion and overall health.

Understanding Digestive Enzymes 

Digestive enzymes can be broken down into three main categories; lipases which help digest fat, proteolytic enzymes which work to digest proteins, and amylases which help to digest carbohydrates. Within these three categories there are a large number of specific enzymes derived from different sources each of which play a unique role in digestion.

Ideally, your child’s young body is processing food well and doesn’t need added digestive enzymes to assist in absorption. However, every child is unique, and some kids have allergies or medical conditions that interrupt healthy digestion and therefore can benefit from digestive enzymes.

Benefits of Digestive Enzymes for Kids

Many foods that are naturally rich in digestive enzymes are sweet and pretty easy to incorporate into your child’s diet. Foods like pineapple, papaya, raw honey, yogurt, and bananas are appetizing for kids and are a healthy, quick snack. Adding these foods to your child’s lunchbox or mealtime plate can naturally boost their digestive enzymes.

If your child struggles with IBS, bloating, constipation, or stomach discomfort, digestive enzymes may help bring about balance and healthy elimination. Additionally, kids who struggle with food allergies or allergic reactions could potentially benefit from digestive enzymes as they can help boost nutritional absorption. Some research suggests that children with autoimmune conditions may also benefit from digestive enzyme supplements as well.

Try These Digestive Enzymes for Kids

If you feel your child may benefit from digestive enzymes, check out these high quality products from trustworthy brands.

Chewable Kids Digest from Enzymedica

Naturally sweetened with a fruit punch flavor, Chewable Kids Digest from Enzymedica provides digestive enzymes that help your child’s body break down fats, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. These enzymes can also reduce occasional gas, bloating, and indigestion from eating problem foods.

Digest Smart Kids Enzyme from Renew Life

Digest Smart Kids Enzyme from Renew Life comes in a berry blast chewable your kids will enjoy. Each chewable provides your child with plant-based digestive enzymes to help gently break down food, supporting optimal nutrient absorption and helping your kids feel their best.

Kidz Digest Chewable Berry from Transformation Enzyme

When your child’s body is able to fully use the good food on their plate, their cells and tissue have what the need to grow, repair, and re-energize. Kidz Digest Chewable Berry from Transformation Enzyme is a tasty, convenient way to help encourage your child’s system to provide a more complete digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Before you integrate a new supplement into your child’s routine, it’s best to check with their health care team. Your doctor can help you understand whether or not digestive enzymes may be beneficial for your child.

Do you use digestive enzymes for kids health? Share your stories and experiences with us in the comments section below.