Re: Can digestive enzymes cause stomach pain?

Hi, Tammy. I've taken a large number of enzyme formulas from various suppliers, and never had any problems with them. Papain (an enzyme derived from papaya, and used in meat tenderizers) can cause a warm stomach and general "hot" body feeling when taken in quantity. Omega Zyme ("Q Zyme") contains papain, but apparently in the usual modest amount.

A list of Omega Zyme ingredients is at the link below. It contains live probiotics (beneficial bacteria), whereas most enzyme formulas skip same, leaving probiotics as a separate, optional supplement. It also contains barley grass juice, which I believe some folks may be allergic to (I've heard several comments about "grass" sensitivities in Garden of Life products). My guess is that either the probiotics or grass component is affecting you. You can try substantially reducing the dose and see what happens, steadily increasing the dose later if feasible. Personally, if it was me, I'd move on to another enzyme formula and probiotic from other supplier(s) -- not everyone can tolerate a given herb or other supplement, much the way some can drink milk, while others will suffer lactose reactions. There are many good brands of enzymes and probiotics, so don't feel bound to any given brand.

http://www.nutritiousgarden.com/omegazyme.asp

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