In order to gain nutrients from the food you eat, your body uses digestive enzymes to facilitate absorption. Digestive enzymes are found in the gastrointestinal tract, and different enzymes are responsible for breaking down different types of foods. For example, the gastric juice in the stomach creates pepsin, which helps to break down foods that contain protein. Additionally, the saliva in your mouth contains amylase, which helps to break down carbohydrate foods. These digestive enzymes are important for people of any age, including toddlers. However, do not give your child enzyme supplements without your doctor's approval.
Digestive Enzymes
Without digestive enzymes, you could not digest important foods, including protein, fats or carbohydrates, and you therefore would not gain any nutrients that are parts of these foods. Some children have conditions that affect the digestive process, making them unable to absorb some of the nutrients in their diets. Digestive enzymes are available over the counter as supplements for young children who may need help with digestion, including those who have medical conditions. For example, some toddlers may need to take lipase for help with digesting fats, while other conditions may require protease to digest and absorb proteins.
Autism
Autism is a type of disorder that causes communication difficulties, poor social interaction and ritualistic behaviors. Some parents have had success with regulating autistic behaviors by making dietary changes. According to Food for the Brain, some children with autism may manifest behaviors due to chronic intestinal inflammation in which they are unable to absorb nutrients properly after eating. Providing digestive enzyme supplements to children and toddlers with autism may help to establish normal food absorption, and could make a difference in negative behaviors.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is a condition often diagnosed in early childhood that affects the body's mucous production. Mucous is important as a lubricant for many different bodily areas, such as the lining of the digestive tract and the respiratory system. This abnormal mucous production can also obstruct the pancreatic ducts, reducing the amount of pancreatic enzymes available for digestion. Toddlers with CF whose bodies have trouble secreting pancreatic enzymes may need to take enzyme supplements to compensate.
Considerations
Although you can buy digestive enzyme supplements over-the-counter or online, speak with your physician before purchasing these for your toddler. Some supplements may be specifically designed for toddler use, but your doctor can advise you on how much to give your child or if he needs digestive enzyme supplements at all. Although some parents and caregivers have had success with giving their toddlers digestive enzyme supplements, these preparations are not necessarily cures for medical conditions.
