Human digestive enzyme

Human digestive enzymes refer collectively to a diverse group of proteins produced throughout the human gastrointestinal tract—including the mouth, stomach, pancreas and small intestine—that catalyze the breakdown of macronutrients in food into absorbable molecules. Major classes include amylases (break down starches/carbohydrates), proteases/peptidases (break down proteins), and lipases (break down fats). Each class contains multiple distinct human genes/proteins with unique substrate specificity and tissue distribution. These are essential for normal digestion and nutrient absorption. Deficiencies in particular digestive enzymes can lead to malabsorption syndromes such as lactose intolerance or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Other names

Digestive enzymeHuman digestive enzymesPancreatic enzyme (for specific enzymes)Intestinal enzyme (for specific enzymes)