Quick answer
Digestive enzymes are taken at the start of a meal, because that is when food reaches the stomach. Metagenics SpectraZyme Complete Enzymes suggests 2 capsules with each meal, or as directed by your practitioner. Enzymes taken between meals, such as Interfase Plus, are a different category used for a different purpose. People on diabetes medications should check with a provider first.
Key takeaways
Mealtime digestive enzymes are taken at the start of a meal, when food first reaches the stomach.
Enzymes taken between meals are a different category used for a different purpose, so timing depends on the goal.
The guide discusses how people choose a gentle starting point, and anyone on diabetes medications should check with a clinician first.
If you have questions about whether digestive enzymes fits your plan, a short call is a simple place to start.
Timing is the most common question about digestive enzymes. This page covers mealtime timing, how one popular practitioner product is dosed, and how mealtime enzymes differ from enzymes taken between meals. It is educational information.
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Mealtime vs between-meal enzymes
Mealtime enzymes such as SpectraZyme are taken with food to help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in that meal. Between-meal enzymes such as Interfase Plus are taken away from food for a different purpose (How to take Interfase Plus with Biocidin).
SpectraZyme Complete label dosing
According to Metagenics, SpectraZyme Complete Enzymes is a plant-based blend that includes amylase, three proteases, lipase, lactase, cellulase, and others. The directions are 2 capsules with each meal, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Metagenics says most people take enzymes right at the start of a meal. It contains milk, wheat, and soy.
Start-low and tips
Some people start with 1 capsule at their largest meal and add more over a week. This is a general description of how the label is often paced, so please follow the plan your own clinician gives you.
Taking them consistently with meals is more useful than taking them now and then.
What the research says
A review describes the established role of pancreatic enzymes and lactase in specific digestive conditions and the growing use of plant- and microbe-derived enzymes (Ianiro 2016). We did not find published trials on SpectraZyme itself.
Cautions and who should check with a provider
Metagenics advises talking with your practitioner first if you take diabetes medications. It contains milk, wheat, and soy, so check with your provider if you have those allergies, and ask first if you take blood thinners, have pancreatitis, or have an ulcer.
Ongoing digestive symptoms, unexplained weight loss, or changes in stool should be checked by a clinician.
Questions to bring to your clinician
These questions can help you get the most out of your next visit.
Would mealtime enzymes make sense for my digestion, and how would we know if they help?
Could digestive enzymes interact with any of my current medications or other supplements?
Would any labs or health history details help us decide whether digestive enzymes makes sense for me?
How would we tell whether digestive enzymes is a good fit for me, and when should we check in again?
Practitioner-grade options in my Fullscript catalog: if you and your clinician decide a supplement makes sense, my supplement guide by health goal links to the practitioner-grade products I trust.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take digestive enzymes?
At the start of a meal, with the first bites of food.
How do I take SpectraZyme Complete?
The label says 2 capsules with each meal, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Can I take digestive enzymes on an empty stomach?
Mealtime enzymes are meant for food. Between-meal enzymes like Interfase Plus are a different product type.
Can I take digestive enzymes with betaine HCl?
Some practitioners use both at meals. Ask your provider whether you need both.
Can I take digestive enzymes with probiotics?
Yes. They can be taken at the same meal.
Can I take digestive enzymes with coffee?
Enzymes are meant to work on food, so take them at the start of a meal rather than with coffee alone.
Can I take digestive enzymes with medications?
If you take any prescription medication, check with your own doctor or pharmacist before combining it with this supplement.
How long can I take digestive enzymes?
Many people take them with meals as needed. Ask your clinician how long it fits your plan.
Related reading
Sources
- Metagenics. SpectraZyme Complete Enzymes product page: supplement facts, directions, and safety.
- Ianiro G, et al. Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases. Curr Drug Metab. 2016. PubMed 26806042
Talk with your own doctor or healthcare provider about the right dose for you before starting any supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or take medications.
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If you have questions about whether digestive enzymes fits your plan, a short call is a simple place to start.
This page shares general educational information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition. Product labels can change, so always follow the label on the bottle you have.
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