Which Enzyme Digests Which Food? A Simple Cheat Sheet

Every food you eat is broken down by a specific type of enzyme. Once you know which enzyme matches which food, digestive enzyme labels stop looking like alphabet soup. Here's the cheat sheet.

Proteins → Protease, Bromelain, Papain

Found in: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, tofu.

Proteins are long chains of amino acids. Protease enzymes cut those chains into smaller pieces your body can absorb. Two of the best-known plant-derived proteases come from fruit: bromelain from pineapple and papain from papaya — which is also why these two fruits have a long history as natural meat tenderizers.

Fats → Lipase

Found in: oils, butter, nuts, seeds, avocado, fried foods, fatty cuts of meat.

Fats don't mix with water, which makes them harder to digest. Lipase breaks fats down into fatty acids and glycerol. Heavier, higher-fat meals are one of the situations where people most often notice digestion feeling slow.

Dairy Sugar → Lactase

Found in: milk, ice cream, soft cheeses, yogurt (in smaller amounts).

Lactose is the natural sugar in milk. Lactase splits it into two simpler sugars. Many adults produce less lactase over time, which is why dairy sits differently for some people as they get older.

Complex Carbohydrates → Alpha Galactosidase

Found in: beans, lentils, chickpeas, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower.

These foods contain complex sugars that human digestive enzymes don't fully break down on their own, so they travel further into the gut, where bacteria ferment them — producing gas. Alpha galactosidase helps break these sugars down earlier in the process.

Why Most Meals Need More Than One

A burrito bowl alone covers nearly every category: beans (complex carbs), cheese (lactose), meat (protein), and guacamole (fat). That's the practical case for a broad-spectrum enzyme formula rather than a single-enzyme product.

Quick Reference

Food type	Enzyme	Common sources
Proteins	Protease, Bromelain, Papain	Meat, eggs, fish, legumes
Fats	Lipase	Oils, butter, nuts, fried food
Dairy sugar	Lactase	Milk, ice cream, soft cheese
Complex carbs	Alpha Galactosidase	Beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage

Our Digestive Enzyme Pro Blend includes all of the enzymes above in one capsule, alongside three Lactobacillus probiotic strains.

---

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have ongoing digestive symptoms or take prescription medication, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Science. Quality. You. — Corvital+

Follow along for daily, science-led wellness content: Instagram @corvitalplus · X @CorvitalPlus