General Dosage
Take with the first bite of each meal; dosing varies by enzyme content and indication
Maximum dose: For Rx PERT: 10,000 lipase units/kg/day; OTC enzymes have no formal upper limit
Digestive Enzymes Dosage Guide
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Dosage Recommendations
General recommendation: Take with the first bite of each meal; dosing varies by enzyme content and indication
Timing: Must be taken with the first bite of food — enzymes need to mix with food in the stomach • Take with food for best absorption.
Dosage by Condition
Pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
25,000-75,000 USP units lipase per meal (Rx)Strong
Lactose intolerance
3,000-9,000 FCC units lactase with dairyStrong
General bloating/dyspepsia
Broad-spectrum enzyme with each mealEmerging
| Condition | Recommended Dose | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) | 25,000-75,000 USP units lipase per meal (Rx) | Strong |
| Lactose intolerance | 3,000-9,000 FCC units lactase with dairy | Strong |
| General bloating/dyspepsia | Broad-spectrum enzyme with each meal | Emerging |
Upper limit: For Rx PERT: 10,000 lipase units/kg/day; OTC enzymes have no formal upper limit
Timing & Absorption
Must be taken with the first bite of food — enzymes need to mix with food in the stomach
Best taken with food for optimal absorption.
References
- Dominguez-Munoz JE. (2011). Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after gastrointestinal surgery. HPB. DOI PubMed
- Quinten T, Sutter JD, Hänninen AL, et al. (2018). A multi-enzyme preparation reduces bloating and gas-related symptoms in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology. DOI