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Digestive Enzyme Supplement - Stomach Pain

Craig E

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Craig E Newbie
Craig E
Posted

Hi all. I'm new to the forums here. My wife was recently confirmed with gluten intolerance (based on results from Enterolab) and I have been researching what vitamins and supplements are beneficial for healing the gut / intestines (in addition to a gluten-free/CF diet).

As a result, my wife began taking a digestive eznyme supplement (Digest Gold from Enzymedica - defintiely gluten-free) and about 2 days after starting the enzymes she began having severe abdominal pain. She temporarily stopped taking the enzyme as the pain was too extreme. Has anyone encountered this side effect when initially taking enzymes? I did some research and read that this may be short term and could be due to the body getting acclimated to the enzymes. Also read that the body may be going through a form of detox as toxins are being flushed out.

Any experiences / information that anyone has related to this would be really helpful.

Thanks.

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RiceGuy Collaborator
RiceGuy
Posted

Well, the product you mentioned has maltase, an enzyme which is often derived from barley. The company's website doesn't specify the source. I did try an enzyme product or two before I knew that just because it says gluten-free, doesn't mean it really is, and I had horrible experience with them. In my research, I read that the enzymes derived from microbes are more effective, as they can withstand the acidity of the stomach. So I've been using a product formulated with enzymes from microbial sources, and haven't had any trouble with them.

I even tried some products specifically designed for individuals having trouble with gluten, also with bad results. Turns out, even those products had barley enzymes. So you really need to know the sources of the enzymes.

Two products I'm aware of which are derived entirely from microbes are NOW Foods Digest Platinum, and one from Doctor's Best.

I don't know of any reason why the body would need to acclimate to digestive enzymes. That may be a myth, just as the idea of "breaking in" a new pair of shoes.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Well, the product you mentioned has maltase, an enzyme which is often derived from barley. The company's website doesn't specify the source. I did try an enzyme product or two before I knew that just because it says gluten-free, doesn't mean it really is, and I had horrible experience with them. In my research, I read that the enzymes derived from microbes are more effective, as they can withstand the acidity of the stomach. So I've been using a product formulated with enzymes from microbial sources, and haven't had any trouble with them.

I even tried some products specifically designed for individuals having trouble with gluten, also with bad results. Turns out, even those products had barley enzymes. So you really need to know the sources of the enzymes.

Two products I'm aware of which are derived entirely from microbes are NOW Foods Digest Platinum, and one from Doctor's Best.

I don't know of any reason why the body would need to acclimate to digestive enzymes. That may be a myth, just as the idea of "breaking in" a new pair of shoes.

ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME?? :blink: I have been using DIGEST GOLD for 5 weeks because someone on here said it was gluten-free. I read their website completely. Their label specifically says NO GLUTEN...so, what are we supposed to believe?? SONUVA.... :blink::angry::o

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

If pineapple is something that she likes that has a natural digestive enzyme in it. Perhaps a few pieces with each meal might help.

Pepto Bismal liquid, name brand might help with the stomach pain if it is still present.

Craig E Newbie
Craig E
Posted
  • Author

If pineapple is something that she likes that has a natural digestive enzyme in it. Perhaps a few pieces with each meal might help.

Pepto Bismal liquid, name brand might help with the stomach pain if it is still present.

Thanks for info. Her stomach is slowly improving but still in pain. We'll try the Pepto and pineapple (after she forgives me for getting her to take the enzyme).

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

I suggest she stop the Digest Gold for a while and see if that clears up the problem. The thing is, we can be sensitive (food wise) to any ingredient/chemical. So the simplest thing is to eliminate any items with multiple ingredients and see what happens.

RiceGuy Collaborator
RiceGuy
Posted

ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME?? :blink: I have been using DIGEST GOLD for 5 weeks because someone on here said it was gluten-free. I read their website completely. Their label specifically says NO GLUTEN...so, what are we supposed to believe?? SONUVA.... :blink::angry::o

Yeah, labeling laws don't really fully cover it. As long as a product contains less than 20ppm, they can say it's gluten-free. But in this case, the company doesn't specify the source of the maltase. At least not that I could find. You'd have to contact them, and get a specific answer.

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IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Yeah, labeling laws don't really fully cover it. As long as a product contains less than 20ppm, they can say it's gluten-free. But in this case, the company doesn't specify the source of the maltase. At least not that I could find. You'd have to contact them, and get a specific answer.

I understand....Thanks for your thoughts! as I said in my other post, I just keep learning. One woman said she called the company and they said it's not from barley. Whom do you trust? my own gut (pun intended) :)

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Thanks for info. Her stomach is slowly improving but still in pain. We'll try the Pepto and pineapple (after she forgives me for getting her to take the enzyme).

May have been the enzymes or not. Maybe she is just still pretty raw and sensitive to anything. My gut is up and down (2 months gluten-free)...tell her to hang in there. Baby the tummy for now. Hope she feels better soon!

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Yeah, labeling laws don't really fully cover it. As long as a product contains less than 20ppm, they can say it's gluten-free. But in this case, the company doesn't specify the source of the maltase. At least not that I could find. You'd have to contact them, and get a specific answer.

And we have to keep in mind that the labeling laws only apply to food not to supplements or either OTC or script drugs. For those the allergens do not have to be listed.

  • 1 month later...
vianet88 Newbie
vianet88
Posted

funny thing I've had this issue with strong stomach aches when I take digestive enzymes, I kinda thought it was a cleansing process as well, but the stomach pain was at

times unbearable. I've found that different products have different effects. I'm currently taking digestmore by Renew Life and 1 capsule literally is enough to have me in

in pain for several hours. FYI about 6 years ago when I was on a D.E regimen it was very effective in helping me reduce my weight by over 30lbs. Currently I'm 40-50

pounds overweight and as I said the pain seems a bit unbearable at times. I was hoping for some suggestions or solutions as well. I've tried others that don't effect me as dramatically,

and I wasn't sure if they were just not working or just not that strong. Would love to continue on a regimen but I don't think I have the time or tolerance for the pain associated.

Very interested in any additional knowledge or effect brands without the pain. thanks

Igg postive Rookie
Igg postive
Posted

Well, the product you mentioned has maltase, an enzyme which is often derived from barley. The company's website doesn't specify the source. I did try an enzyme product or two before I knew that just because it says gluten-free, doesn't mean it really is, and I had horrible experience with them. In my research, I read that the enzymes derived from microbes are more effective, as they can withstand the acidity of the stomach. So I've been using a product formulated with enzymes from microbial sources, and haven't had any trouble with them.

I even tried some products specifically designed for individuals having trouble with gluten, also with bad results. Turns out, even those products had barley enzymes. So you really need to know the sources of the enzymes.

Two products I'm aware of which are derived entirely from microbes are NOW Foods Digest Platinum, and one from Doctor's Best.

I don't know of any reason why the body would need to acclimate to digestive enzymes. That may be a myth, just as the idea of "breaking in" a new pair of shoes.

Thanks for the information! I have been trying a "gluten free" enzyme and having trouble with it. Do you have suggestions on Vitamins?

liss7217 Newbie
liss7217
Posted

Thanks for info. Her stomach is slowly improving but still in pain. We'll try the Pepto and pineapple (after she forgives me for getting her to take the enzyme).

I agree with ravenwoodglass pineapple really helps me. Digestive enzymes also really bother my stomach. She can also try Bromelain which is a natural supplement that's derived from pineapples and is also supposed to help the body with inflammation as well, which is very common for people with Celiacs Disease and gluten intolerance. Hope she is feeling better.

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