Key Digestive Enzymes and Their Functions

Pepsin- Secreted by cells in the stomach lining; in combination with stomach acid, it helps break downproteins into peptides in the stomach.

Trypsin- Originating in the pancreas and the intestinal lining, trypsin is secreted into the duodenum (the Trypsin upper portion of the small intestine), where it breaks down peptides formed in the stomach into amino acids.

Chymotrypsin- A digestive enzyme originating in the pancreas and the intestinal lining, it is activated by the action of trypsin and helps break down protein.

Proteases- Secreted by the pancreas, they facilitate the breakdown of proteins into amino acids.

Amylase- Present in saliva, and also secreted by the pancreas, it cleaves complex carbohydrate molecules into manageable sugars.

Lipase- Present in saliva, and also secreted by the pancreas, it facilitates breakdown of lipids (fats) into useable components.

Lactase- Secreted by cells lining the small intestine, it helps break down lactose (milk sugar).

Papain (from papaya)- Supplements help protein digestion.

Cellulase- Produced by "friendly" bacteria in the gut, it helps digest cellulose and other plant constituents.