The potency of a digestive enzyme supplement needed for proper digestion depends largely on the number of calories consumed per meal or snack. Consumer-level products will provide relief for many people with digestive problems, while products from a qualified health care professional might be necessary for other individuals.

It's generally understood that smaller stools indicate an individual is getting proper digestive support. It might be a good idea to evaluate the size of your stool while on and off digestive enzymes. The more you excrete, the less you have absorbed, and vice versa. It's extremely important to absorb a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals from our foods. So, the amount of digestive enzymes required for proper nutrition will vary depending on the individual.

While the above "test" might help you decide between consumer- and professional-level enzymes, it's a good idea to talk with your health care professional about the digestive enzyme potency that's best for your needs.

Source: Evenepoel P. et al. "Amount and fate of egg protein escaping assimilation in the small intestine of humans" Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 1999: 277;5, G935-G943.

*The technical services division of Enzymes, Inc., received this question from one of its customers. To fit this blog, the question was modified from its original version. The response from clinical nutritionist Dan Kaur Weamer also has been modified. The answer is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice provided by a physician or other health care professional. Readers are asked to consult other sources as well as to obtain direct consultation with a physician when making decisions about their health care.