Digestion & Gut Health Recommendations

This range includes digestive enzymes and related supplements. It is worth noting that no health claims have been authorised for digestive enzymes, betaine hydrochloride, bromelain, papain, ginger or turmeric, so we describe what these are rather than what they do. Among the nutrients present, zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism — an authorised EU health claim.

The range spans a multi-enzyme complex, bromelain and papain, betaine hydrochloride, ginger, turmeric and zinc, as capsules.

12 products

Frequently asked questions

How does digestion work? Popular
Digestion is how the body breaks food down into components small enough to absorb. It starts in the mouth with chewing and saliva, continues in the stomach where acid and enzymes begin breaking down proteins, and is largely completed in the small intestine, where most nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

The whole process relies on a combination of mechanical action, stomach acid, bile from the liver and gallbladder, and a range of digestive enzymes, all working in sequence.
What are digestive enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are proteins that break food down into smaller components the body can absorb. Different enzymes act on different foods: amylase breaks down starches, proteases break down proteins, and lipases break down fats.

The body produces its own digestive enzymes, mainly in the pancreas and the lining of the digestive tract. Some enzymes are also found in foods — bromelain in pineapple and papain in papaya are two examples. No health claims have been authorised for digestive enzyme supplements, so we describe what they are rather than making claims for them.
What is betaine hydrochloride?
Betaine hydrochloride is a compound that provides hydrochloric acid, the same type of acid the stomach produces naturally. It is sometimes taken as a supplement by people interested in stomach acid, though no health claims have been authorised for it.

Health Leads supplies betaine hydrochloride at 500mg in capsules. Because no claims are authorised, we describe what it is rather than what it does. Anyone considering it, particularly alongside medication or an existing condition, should speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
What are bromelain and papain?
Bromelain and papain are enzymes found in fruit — bromelain in the stem and juice of pineapple, and papain in papaya. Both act on proteins, and both have been studied for various uses.

Health Leads supplies them combined in a single capsule. No health claims have been authorised for bromelain or papain, so we describe what they are and where they come from rather than making claims for them.
Why is ginger used in a digestion range?
Ginger is a culinary root used in cooking and traditional food preparation across many cultures for centuries, often after meals. It is included here as a well-known botanical with a long history of dietary use.

No health claims have been authorised for ginger, so while it is a familiar and widely used ingredient, we describe it as such rather than making claims for it. Health Leads supplies ginger root at 500mg in capsules.
What role does zinc play?
Zinc is an essential mineral with several authorised roles in the body. In the context of this range, zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism — the processing of carbohydrates, fats and proteins — which is an authorised EU health claim.

Zinc also contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of normal skin, among other authorised claims. Health Leads supplies zinc as a 15mg complex and a stronger 50mg complex.

How Digestion Works, and What's in This Range

Digestion is the process by which the body breaks food down into components small enough to be absorbed and used. It begins in the mouth, continues in the stomach — where acid and enzymes start breaking down proteins — and is largely completed in the small intestine, where most absorption takes place. It is a coordinated process involving mechanical action, stomach acid, bile and a range of enzymes.

Enzymes are central to it. Different enzymes act on different food components: amylase breaks down starches, proteases break down proteins, and lipases break down fats. The body produces these itself, principally in the pancreas and the lining of the digestive tract. Betaine hydrochloride is a source of hydrochloric acid, the same type of acid the stomach produces. Bromelain and papain are enzymes derived from pineapple and papaya respectively.

This range consists mainly of these kinds of ingredients — a multi-enzyme complex, bromelain and papain, and betaine hydrochloride — alongside ginger and turmeric, which are culinary plants long used in cooking, and zinc. It is important to be clear that no health claims have been authorised for digestive enzymes, betaine hydrochloride, bromelain, papain, ginger or turmeric, so we describe what these ingredients are and where they come from rather than what they do.

The one authorised claim among these products relates to zinc, which contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism — the body's processing of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. This is an authorised EU health claim.

Digestion is influenced far more by everyday habits than by any supplement: a varied diet with adequate fibre, staying hydrated, regular eating patterns and physical activity all play a part. If you have ongoing digestive discomfort or a change in your usual pattern, it is worth seeing a GP, as this can have causes that need proper assessment.