Digestive enzymes are supplements used to treat symptoms of various digestive disorders. The supplements contain enzymes that help digest and absorb foods, including proteolytic enzymes for protein, lipases for fat and amylases for carbohydrates. Most products contain all these enzymes, but people with certain health conditions may need to take only specific enzymes. Doctors may prescribe digestive enzymes to patients with disorders such as pancreatic insufficiency, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
Temporary Effects
Digestive enzymes may cause gastrointestinal effects the first few days as the patient's body adjusts. These side effects may include constipation or diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, gas and bloating. Other common side effects also are temporary. They may include headache, fatigue, drowsiness or dizziness that dissipate after a few days.
Serious Reaction
Although unlikely, some people may experience an allergic reaction to digestive enzymes, as explained by the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center. A skin rash, trouble breathing or unexplained swelling are signs of a reaction that calls for medical attention. Other possible but rare serious side effects include severe abdominal pain, joint pain or frequent and painful urination.
Fibrosing Colonopathy
Some children with cystic fibrosis taking digestive enzymes have developed a serious condition called fibrosing colonopathy, as noted by an article published in the May 1996 issue of "Archives of Disease in Childhood." This is primarily associated with high-dose enzymes and results in damage to the large intestine. The condition may occur because of an interaction between the enzymes and the medication's enteric coating, as noted by PeaceHealth.org.
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