Gastrointestinal symptoms
- In 2014 Archives of Public Health published a study in which 62 patients suffering from common digestive problems were given either a digestive enzyme or domperidone (drug used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms). While both treatments significantly improved symptoms, after 5 days the digestive enzyme was significantly better at reducing abdominal pain. [Source]
Autism
- In 2015 Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience published a double-blind clinical trial in which 101 children with autism (3-9 years old) were randomized to receive either digestive enzymes or a placebo. After 3 months the enzyme group showed improvements in emotional response, general impression autistic score, general behavior and gastrointestinal symptoms. The authors of the study note the excellent safety profile and low cost of digestive enzymes. [Source]
Increased effectiveness of plant proteins for muscle building
- In 2015 the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition published a double-blind, crossover study in which 11 resistance-trained males were randomly given either 60 grams of whey or 60 grams of plant-based (pea/rice) blend with or without a digestive enzyme. Blood tests showed that the pea/rice blend with digestive enzymes increased concentrations of amino acids more than the pea/rice blend alone and reduced differences between whey and plant proteins, with respect to amino acid blood concentrations. [Source]