Free delivery with your first UK order
Love your protein shake, but not the bloated feeling that sometimes follows? It’s more common than you might think. Getting your daily protein intake is important, but it needs to be digested properly to do its thing. Not to mention, the smoother it goes down, the better you feel.
“Many people don’t realise that without effective digestion, your body may not absorb all the nutrients from your protein shake,” says Natalie Rouse, Registered Nutritionist and Head of Nutrition at Free Soul. “Whey, for example, has a complete amino acid profile but can be tough on digestion. That’s where protein digestive enzymes can really help”.
Here’s the lowdown on what digestive enzymes are, and how DigeZyme® in your protein drink helps keep things smooth, light, and easy on your gut.
What are Digestive Enzymes and how do they work?
Digestive enzymes are the proteins that help break down food into smaller, absorbable molecules your body can use. They’re produced in your mouth, pancreas, and small intestine, and each enzyme targets a specific nutrient type.
These enzymes include:
- Protease – Breaks down proteins into amino acids (mainly in the stomach and small intestine)
- Amylase – Breaks down complex carbohydrates (starts in the mouth and continues in the small intestine)
- Lipase – Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol (in the small intestine)
- Lactase – Breaks down lactose, the sugar in dairy (in the small intestine)
- Sucrase – Breaks down sucrose (sugar) into glucose and fructose (in the small intestine)
- Cellulase – Breaks down cellulose, a plant fibre some people struggle to digest (not naturally produced by the body, but found in some supplements)
When your body needs the nutrients from a protein shake, protease is the main player. It helps break the protein down into amino acids your body can absorb and use for energy, recovery, and muscle support.
Why are Digestive Enzymes added to Protein blends?
If you’ve ever felt bloated or sluggish after a protein shake, you’re in good company. Protein can be harder to digest, especially when consumed in large amounts or quickly. That’s why many high-quality blends include digestive enzymes to support smoother digestion and better nutrient absorption.
Here’s how they help:
- Ease digestion – Enzymes like protease break down protein into smaller amino acids and peptides, reducing the chance of heaviness or bloating
- Improve absorption – By breaking protein down efficiently, they help your body access more of the nutrients in every scoop
- Support muscle recovery – When protein is digested properly, your body can put those amino acids to work for muscle maintenance and repair
“Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, which your body can’t absorb in their whole form,” explains Natalie. “Digestive enzymes, especially protease, help break those chains down efficiently, which is particularly useful when you’re having larger servings of protein in one go,” says Natalie.
How do Digestive Enzymes help with protein absorption?
Because your body can’t absorb whole proteins, proteases (e.g., pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin) are needed to break them down into the amino acids your body can use. Here’s how that process works:
- In the stomach – Pepsin (a protease) starts the breakdown of protein into smaller chains called peptides
- In the small intestine – Trypsin and chymotrypsin (also proteases) continue the job, turning peptides into individual amino acids
- Absorption – Those amino acids pass through the intestinal wall into your bloodstream, where your body can use them for things like muscle maintenance, recovery, and energy
“If the body isn’t producing digestive enzymes, or enough to break protein down properly, your body may not absorb all the available nutrients,” explains Natalie. “That could mean missed benefits, and uncomfortable side effects like bloating or sluggishness”.
More enzymes = better digestion = more from your protein.
What Is DigeZyme®?
DigeZyme® is a clinically studied, multi-enzyme blend designed to support the digestion and absorption of all three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
It contains five key digestive enzymes: α-amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, and lactase.
“DigeZyme® is a broad-spectrum enzyme complex that helps your body break down food more efficiently,” says Natalie. “Its protease content is especially useful when it comes to digesting protein powders, so your body can absorb more of the good stuff.”
Benefits of DigeZyme®
DigeZyme® benefits lie in its ability to support efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.
Here’s what the research shows:
- Supports digestion across proteins, fats, and carbs with a full-spectrum enzyme blend, helping your body break down nutrients more efficiently
- Shown in a clinical study to ease functional dyspepsia symptoms (e.g., bloating, heartburn, and nausea) when taken for 60 days
- Safe and well-tolerated, with no adverse effects reported by participants in the study
DigeZyme® is science-backed and designed to support healthy digestion, so you can get more from the food you eat.
Who should consider a Digestive Enzyme blend?
A digestive enzyme blend can be good for many people, but are especially worth considering if you tick any of these boxes:
- You feel bloated or discomfort after eating – Especially after high-protein meals or shakes
- You’re increasing your protein intake – Protease may help your body break it down more efficiently
- You follow a high-fibre or plant-based diet – Cellulase supports the digestion of tough plant fibres
- You’re over 30 – Natural enzyme production may decrease with age
- You want to support nutrient absorption – Enzymes can help your body get more from your food and supplements
“Digestive enzymes aren't a cure-all for healthy digestion, but can offer gentle support to help your body break down food more effectively. They’re a smart choice if you’re focusing on gut health, fitness, or better recovery,” says Natalie.
Why Is DigeZyme® in Free Soul Protein Iced Coffee?
We included DigeZyme® into our Protein Iced Coffee to support smooth digestion and help your body make the most of every sip. Each drink contains 19g of whey and pea protein, for a complete amino acid profile, and DigeZyme® helps break it down so your body can absorb and use all that goodness.
It also makes our blend a gentler choice for anyone who’s found protein shakes tough on their gut in the past. Easy on your digestion, easy to enjoy.
DigeZyme® FAQs
Do digestive enzymes help you absorb protein better?
Yes, enzymes like protease help break down protein into smaller amino acids your body can absorb and use more effectively.
Can digestive enzymes help with bloating after having a protein blend or shake?
Digestive enzymes have been studied for their potential to reduce symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating, when taken with food. However, effects can vary from person to person.
Do you need digestive enzymes in protein powder?
They’re not essential, but they can be a useful addition, especially if you consume a lot of protein or find that shakes leave you feeling heavy or bloated. Enzymes like protease help support smoother digestion and better nutrient absorption.
What happens if you don’t digest protein properly?
If protein isn’t properly digested, your body may not absorb all of the available nutrients. This can also lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas.
Do digestive enzymes reduce belly fat?
No, digestive enzymes are not a fat loss solution. That said, they may ease bloating or indigestion, which can help you feel lighter and more comfortable.
What is the best enzyme for protein digestion?
The best enzyme for protein digestion is protease. It helps convert protein into amino acids that your body can absorb and use.
