Probiotics vs. Digestive Enzymes: What's the Difference and Do You Need Both?

Written by: Lindsay Malone, MS, RD, LD

Reviewed by: Hayley Miller, MS, RDN, LD, Physicians Choice Science Team

You've probably heard that probiotics are good for your gut. But what about digestive enzymes?

If you've looked for ways to improve your digestion, you've probably seen both types. Some supplements contain probiotics. Others contain digestive enzymes. Some have both. That can make it hard to know which is right for you.

The truth is, probiotics and digestive enzymes do different jobs. They aren't competing products. In fact, they can work well together to support healthy digestion.

Probiotics help support your gut microbiome. That's the helpful bacteria living in your digestive system. Digestive enzymes help break down the food you eat so your body can use its nutrients.

Because they work in different ways, many people take both. Knowing what each one does can help you decide which supplement, or combination of supplements, may be right for you.

In this article, you'll learn how probiotics and digestive enzymes work, how they're different, and why many people choose to use both. It also covers a few simple habits that can help support a healthy digestive system and when it's time to talk with your doctor.

Probiotics vs. Digestive Enzymes at a Glance

Although probiotics and digestive enzymes both support digestive health, they work in very different ways. One isn't better than the other. Instead, each has a unique role.

Here's a quick comparison.

The Bottom Line

Think of probiotics as supporting your gut's environment, while digestive enzymes support the digestion of your food. They have different jobs and aren't the same thing. Many people choose to include both as part of their daily digestive wellness routine.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live, helpful bacteria that support a healthy balance of microbes in your digestive system. Together, these bacteria and other tiny organisms make up your gut microbiome. This community plays an important role in digestion and overall health.

The word bacteria may sound scary, but not all bacteria are bad. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and many of them help keep your digestive system healthy.

Think of your gut like a garden. Healthy soil helps plants grow. In the same way, a healthy gut gives helpful bacteria a place to thrive. Probiotics help support that healthy balance.

One common myth is that probiotics digest your food. They don't. Instead, they help support the healthy bacteria already living in your gut. That's one of the biggest differences between probiotics and digestive enzymes.

It's also important to know that not all probiotics are the same. Different probiotics contain different strains, and each strain may have its own benefits. Scientists are still learning how specific strains support different parts of health, which is why choosing a high-quality probiotic matters.

Like eating healthy foods or staying active, probiotics work best when you take them regularly. They aren't a quick fix but taking them consistently can help support a healthy gut over time.

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food into smaller pieces so your body can use the nutrients. Your body naturally makes digestive enzymes in your mouth, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine every time you eat.

Different digestive enzymes have different jobs. For example:

• Amylase helps digest carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and rice.

• Protease helps break down protein from foods like meat, fish, eggs, and beans.

• Lipase helps digest fats found in foods like nuts, avocado, oils, and dairy.

• Lactase helps digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.

• Alpha-galactosidase helps break down certain carbohydrates found in beans and vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.

Many digestive enzyme supplements also contain additional enzymes, such as bromelain, papain, and cellulase, to help support the digestion of a wider variety of foods.

Think of digestive enzymes as the moving crew. If a large piece of furniture won't fit through a doorway, it has to be taken apart before it can be moved inside. Digestive enzymes do something similar in your digestive tract. They make nutrients small enough for your body to absorb and use.

Not all digestive enzymes are the same. Some contain a blend of digestive enzymes plus ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, peppermint and ginger to soothe the gut and provide added digestive support. Physicians Choice Digestive Enzymes combine 16 digestive enzymes plus these added elements into one formula.

Probiotics help support the healthy bacteria in your gut. Digestive enzymes help break down food. Since they do different jobs, many people choose to use both.

Do You Need Both?

The short answer is: maybe.

If you want to support a healthy gut microbiome, a probiotic may be a good choice. If you want to help your body digest food during meals, digestive enzymes may be a better fit. Choose both if you'd like support for both your gut microbiome and healthy digestion.

Why Taking Both Can Make Sense

By now, you've probably noticed that probiotics and digestive enzymes aren't trying to do the same job.

Probiotics help support a healthy gut microbiome over time. Digestive enzymes help your body break down food during meals. Since they work in different ways, many people choose to include both as part of their daily routine.

The Physicians Choice Hack Your Tummy Bundle makes that easy. It pairs the 60 Billion Probiotic with Digestive Enzymes, giving you two products that work together to support different parts of digestion.‡ Both products are developed by doctors◊ and free from gluten, dairy, soy, GMOs and artificial sweeteners.* When choosing a supplement, it's important to choose products tested for purity, quality and potency. Both products in the bundle are third party tested.

Keep in mind that supplements are only one piece of the puzzle. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress all play an important role in digestive health.

Supplements Work Best Alongside Healthy Habits

Probiotics and digestive enzymes can be helpful tools, but they're only one part of supporting a healthy digestive system. Simple daily habits matter, too.

Here are a few ways to support your gut health:

• Eat more fiber from fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

• Stay hydrated to support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

• Slow down at meals and chew your food well.

• Eat a variety of plant foods to help support a healthy gut microbiome.

• Move your body regularly, even if it's just a daily walk.

• Get enough sleep and manage stress, both of which can affect digestion.

Healthy habits and high-quality supplements work best together.

Not Sure Where to Start?

If you're still wondering whether a probiotic, digestive enzyme, or both might be a good fit, taking a personalized assessment can be a helpful first step.

Take the Physicians Choice Gut Health Quiz to receive personalized supplement recommendations based on your digestive health goals and lifestyle.

In just a few minutes, you'll get guidance to help you choose products that align with your needs, making it easier to feel confident about your next step.

‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics: Fact Sheet for Consumers. Updated February 20, 2025. Accessed July 13, 2026. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-Consumer/

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Digestive Enzymes and Digestive Enzyme Supplements. Accessed July 13, 2026. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements

Hill C, Guarner F, Reid G, et al. Expert consensus document. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;11(8):506-514. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2014.66 https://www.nature.com/articles/nrgastro.2014.66

Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Microbiome and Gut Health. Accessed July 16, 2026. Available at: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/gut-health