Positives

• One individual undergoing a functional medicine protocol, which included digestive enzymes, reported feeling “40% better” after two months, highlighting improvements in overall health and inflammation reduction Reddit.
  
  
• A patient noted significant improvement in their MCAS symptoms after starting a regimen that included digestive enzymes, attributing the change to a more balanced immune response Reddit.
  
  
• One person experienced a noticeable reduction in skin rashes, estimating a “30-40% better” improvement, after incorporating digestive enzymes into their treatment plan Reddit.
  
  

Negatives

• Mayo Clinic warns that pancreatic-enzyme containing products can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, asthma, and hives; patients allergic to pork should avoid common pancrelipase formulations entirely. Mayo Clinic.
• MedicineNet notes constipation is the most common side effect of OTC digestive enzymes, with nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea also reported; many fungal-derived blends can trigger reactions in patients with mold sensitivity. Medicinenet.
• WebMD reports broad-spectrum enzyme blends are not approved for any specific indication outside pancreatic insufficiency, and the patient-paid out-of-pocket cost can outweigh the marginal benefit when the underlying issue isn't enzymatic. WebMD.

Hurdles & Side Effects

• Accessing a functional medicine approach, which includes digestive enzymes, can be challenging due to differing definitions of “normal” between conventional and functional medicine, potentially complicating treatment plans Reddit.