Enteric coating is the process of applying a barrier on medications, or supplements, that need to have a delayed release; this is called drug targeting. Enzymes often need to pass through the high acidity of the stomach, protecting them from being denature or degraded, to be able to work in the lower intestine where most of the digestive enzyme breakdown and absorption of nutrients happens. Enteric coating for capsulized enzyme powders can be made of different materials, including:
- Cellulose Acetate
- Waxes
- Plastics
- Lipids or fats
“…The term “enteric” refers to the small intestine; therefore, enteric coatings resist the breakdown of medication before it reaches the small intestine.” Pharmapproach.com
You might have taken enteric coated medications before and just not realized. Many of the everyday supplements, vitamins, and medications on the market are enteric coated, like aspirins and OTC pain relievers, fish oil supplements, and even some multivitamins. A common drug like Ibuprofen is enteric coated for timed release, allowing it to work over a longer period of time.
Why Enteric Coating Enzyme Supplements Is Important
Some sources recommend that Digestive Enzymes be taken at most 30 minutes before a meal, but that is likely too long. The goal is to have the enzyme supplements start their work on food as it exits the stomach, but also survive the trip into and through the lower intestines, where nutrient absorption is completed. Taking your enzyme supplements right before a meal (minutes before eating) is the best course of action.
Keeping enzymes active throughout the entire digestive process is the key to enzyme efficacy. If the enzyme supplement you take can not make it through the stomach’s harsh environment, and work correctly in the lower digestive tract, then you are wasting your time, money, and you are getting little to no benefit from your choice to supplement enzymes.
Look for the following words or letters on the supplements you are buying: EC or EC/EN for enteric coating, or Timed Release to let you know that the supplement is meant to pass the stomach into the lower digestive tract before it starts working.