What are Seeking Health Digestive Enzymes and who are they for?

Seeking Health Digestive Enzymes is a plant-based enzyme formula designed to support the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates during digestion. This chewable formula is particularly useful for individuals whose digestive systems may benefit from enzymatic support, whether due to age, dietary habits, food choices, or occasional digestive challenges. The vegetarian sourcing makes this formula accessible to those following plant-based diets or seeking alternatives to animal-derived enzyme products.

Why choose a plant-based enzyme blend?

Plant-derived enzymes offer distinct advantages over animal-sourced alternatives. They remain active across a wider pH range, meaning they begin working in the mouth and continue functioning through the stomach and small intestine. Animal-derived enzymes, by contrast, are often deactivated by stomach acid. Additionally, plant-based enzymes avoid potential allergen concerns associated with animal sources and align with vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences.

The chewable format of this formula is particularly practical. Rather than swallowing a capsule that must dissolve in the stomach, chewable enzymes begin breaking down food immediately upon contact, which can be especially beneficial for those with reduced saliva production or difficulty swallowing.

How do digestive enzymes work?

Think of digestive enzymes as specialised workers on an assembly line. Your body produces these biological catalysts to break large food molecules into smaller, absorbable units. Without sufficient enzyme activity, food passes through your digestive tract incompletely broken down, leading to malabsorption, fermentation by gut bacteria, and the bloating and gas many people experience after meals.

Protease action: This enzyme breaks peptide bonds in proteins, reducing them from long chains into amino acids and smaller peptides your intestines can absorb. Without adequate protease, you may experience protein malabsorption even when consuming adequate dietary protein.

Lipase function: Lipase breaks down triglycerides in dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol. This is particularly important for fat-soluble vitamin absorption (vitamins A, D, E, and K) and energy production. Individuals who feel sluggish after fatty meals often have insufficient lipase activity.

Amylase contribution: This enzyme breaks down complex carbohydrates and starches into glucose and maltose. When amylase is insufficient, undigested carbohydrates ferment in the colon, producing gas, bloating, and sometimes loose stools.

What can this support?

This formula provides nutritional support for:

Post-meal digestive comfort: Individuals who experience bloating, heaviness, or gas after eating, particularly after larger meals or foods they find difficult to digest.

Protein digestion challenges: Those who notice undigested food in stools, feel overly full after protein-rich meals, or experience fatigue that correlates with protein consumption.

Fat digestion support: Individuals who struggle after consuming oils, nuts, seeds, or fatty cuts of meat, or who have had gallbladder removal and lack the bile acid reservoir needed for optimal fat breakdown.

Rapid eating habits: People who eat quickly or in stressful environments, where insufficient chewing and saliva enzyme production compromise initial food breakdown.

Age-related enzyme decline: Enzyme production naturally decreases with age; individuals over 50 often benefit from supplemental support.

Dietary transitions: Those increasing fibre intake, incorporating more raw foods, or shifting to plant-based eating may experience temporary digestive adjustment that enzyme support can ease.

Common questions

Will this replace my body’s natural enzyme production?
No. Supplemental enzymes work alongside your endogenous enzymes; they do not suppress your body’s own production. Think of them as temporary support during meals when your own enzyme capacity may be insufficient.

When should I take these enzymes?
Take them with meals, ideally at the beginning. The enzymes need to be present when food enters your digestive tract to be most effective. If you’re taking them as a chewable, chew thoroughly before swallowing to maximise surface area contact with food.

Are these enzymes effective for everyone?
Enzyme responsiveness varies. Some people notice improvement within days; others take 1-2 weeks. Consistency matters—taking them only occasionally is less effective than regular use with meals. If you have severe digestive dysfunction, enzyme support should be part of a broader functional medicine approach addressing stomach acid, bile production, and gut integrity.

Can I take these if I have a sensitive stomach?
Plant-based enzymes are generally well-tolerated. However, if you have active gastritis or severe reflux, discuss with your practitioner before starting. Enzymes work best when stomach acid is adequate; if you’re taking acid-suppressing medications, enzyme efficacy may be reduced.

What’s the difference between this and digestive bitters or HCl supplements?
Enzymes break down food molecules. Bitters stimulate your body’s own enzyme and acid production. HCl supplements provide stomach acid. A comprehensive approach to digestive support often involves multiple tools; enzymes alone address food breakdown but not acid production or bile flow.

Is this suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes. This formula uses plant-derived enzymes, making it suitable for all dietary preferences. It is also free from common allergens including dairy, eggs, and gluten.

Key Features

• Plant-based enzyme blend including protease, amylase, and lipase for multi-macronutrient support
• Chewable format for immediate enzyme activity and flexible dosing
• Room-temperature stable, no refrigeration required
• Straightforward formulation without fillers or unnecessary additives

Suggested Use

Take one chewable tablet with each meal, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Chew thoroughly before swallowing to maximise enzyme contact with food. For larger or heavier meals, some individuals take two tablets. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consult your healthcare provider before use.

Ingredients (per tablet)

• Protease (plant-derived)
• Amylase (plant-derived)
• Lipase (plant-derived)
• Additional plant-based enzymes and supporting ingredients

Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and animal-derived ingredients.
Vegetarian and vegan suitable.

These statements have not been evaluated by the TGA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.