Here is a list of some enzymes that are widely used with their functions and benefits:

Amylase
Function: Breaks down complex carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars like maltose.
Understood Benefits: Aids in the digestion of starches found in grains, potatoes, and other plant foods, reducing digestive discomfort like bloating and gas. Improves nutrient absorption from carbohydrate-rich meals.
Protease
Function: Breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and individual amino acids.
Understood Benefits: Essential for protein digestion and absorption, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, hormone production, and overall cellular health. May reduce allergic reactions to certain proteins and aid in post-meal digestive comfort.
Glucoamylase
Function: Breaks down starches into glucose. It acts on the ends of starch molecules, releasing glucose units.
Understood Benefits: Works synergistically with amylase for more complete carbohydrate digestion, particularly in breaking down resistant starches. This can lead to better glucose absorption and less digestive burden.
Lactase
Function: Breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, into glucose and galactose.
Understood Benefits: Crucial for individuals with lactose intolerance, allowing them to digest dairy products without experiencing symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea.
Lipase
Function: Breaks down fats (lipids) into fatty acids and glycerol.
Understood Benefits: Aids in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Important for individuals with pancreatic insufficiency or those who have difficulty digesting fats.
Beta-glucanase
Function: Breaks down beta-glucans, which are soluble fibres found in the cell walls of barley, oats, and some fungi.
Understood Benefits: Helps to break down viscous fibres, which can improve nutrient absorption and reduce the “heaviness” feeling after consuming fibre-rich foods. May also support gut health by releasing beneficial compounds from these fibres.
Invertase
Function: Breaks down sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose.
Understood Benefits: Aids in the digestion of sucrose, which can be beneficial for individuals who consume a lot of refined sugars, potentially reducing digestive stress.
Cellulase
Function: Breaks down cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that forms the cell walls of plants and is a major component of dietary fibre. Humans do not produce cellulase naturally.
Understood Benefits: Helps break down plant fibres, which can improve the digestibility of fruits, vegetables, and grains, potentially leading to better nutrient extraction and reduced gas and bloating from fibre fermentation.
Alpha-galactosidase
Function: Breaks down complex carbohydrates (oligosaccharides) found in legumes (beans), broccoli, cabbage, and other gas-producing foods into simpler sugars.
Understood Benefits: Significantly reduces gas and bloating associated with consuming these foods by breaking down the indigestible sugars before they reach the colon and are fermented by gut bacteria.
Phytase
Function: Breaks down phytic acid (phytate), an anti-nutrient found in grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Phytic acid can bind to minerals like zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium, making them less available for absorption.
Understood Benefits: Increases the bioavailability of essential minerals from plant-based foods, improving nutrient absorption and potentially preventing mineral deficiencies.
Hemicellulase
Function: Breaks down hemicellulose, a diverse group of complex carbohydrates found in plant cell walls, often alongside cellulose.
Understood Benefits: Works with cellulase to further break down plant fibres, enhancing the digestibility of fibrous foods and promoting more complete nutrient release. Can help reduce digestive discomfort related to high-fibre diets.