Over-the-counter enzyme supplements: what a clinician needs to know

Jithinraj Edakkanambeth Varayil; Brent A Bauer; Ryan T Hurt

doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.05.015

Over-the-counter enzyme supplements: what a clinician needs to know

Mayo Clin Proc. 2014 Sep;89(9):1307-12. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.05.015. Epub 2014 Aug 4.

Authors

Jithinraj Edakkanambeth Varayil¹, Brent A Bauer¹, Ryan T Hurt²

Affiliations

¹ Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
² Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 25103998
DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.05.015

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) enzyme use is increasing in frequency in the United States. The numerous health benefit claims by manufacturers are leading to a surge in enzyme use for various conditions and symptoms. Clinicians need to help patients navigate this complex realm and make informed decisions about the use of OTC enzymes. This review focuses on key concepts for health care providers to understand the current evidence, risks, and benefits of OTC enzymes.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Dietary Supplements* / adverse effects
Digestion / drug effects
Enzyme Therapy*
Enzymes / adverse effects
Humans
Inflammation / drug therapy
Myalgia / drug therapy
Neoplasms / drug therapy
Nonprescription Drugs / adverse effects
Nonprescription Drugs / therapeutic use*
Osteoarthritis / drug therapy
Pancreatic Diseases / drug therapy

Substances

Enzymes
Nonprescription Drugs