NOW Super Enzymes
Best value digestive enzyme for adults over 50 — a comprehensive blend that covers all three macronutrients at a price that's hard to beat.
- Comprehensive blend covers fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
- Includes ox bile for superior fat digestion support
- Excellent value — roughly $0.18 per capsule
- Trusted brand with GMP-certified manufacturing
- Contains ox bile — not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
- Large capsule size may be difficult for some to swallow
- Not third-party tested by USP or NSF
NOW Super Enzymes is the best value digestive enzyme supplement for adults over 50, combining bromelain, ox bile, pancreatin, and papain in a single capsule that supports the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. At roughly $16 for 90 capsules, it delivers a comprehensive enzyme blend that addresses the natural decline in enzyme production that comes with aging.
What Is NOW Super Enzymes?
NOW Foods has been making affordable, quality supplements since 1968 — over 55 years in the industry. They’re one of the largest independent supplement manufacturers in the United States, with GMP-certified facilities and a reputation for delivering solid formulas without the premium price tag.
Super Enzymes is their flagship digestive product, designed to help your body break down all three macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. What sets it apart from many basic enzyme supplements is the inclusion of ox bile, which specifically supports fat digestion — something that becomes increasingly important as we age and bile production naturally decreases.
What’s Inside
Each capsule packs a comprehensive enzyme blend:
- Bromelain (120 GDU) — a protein-digesting enzyme derived from pineapple stems
- Ox Bile Extract (200mg) — supports fat emulsification and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
- Pancreatin 10X (200mg) — a blend of amylase, lipase, and protease enzymes that mirror your pancreas’s own output
- Papain (120,000 PU) — a protein-digesting enzyme from papaya
- Betaine HCl (200mg) — supports stomach acid levels, which naturally decline after 50
- Cellulase — helps break down plant fiber for better nutrient extraction from vegetables
The capsule shell is gelatin-based, so this product is not vegetarian. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
What the Research Says
The rationale behind enzyme supplementation after 50 is well-established. A study published in Current Drug Metabolism (2016) confirmed that pancreatic enzyme output decreases significantly with age, contributing to maldigestion symptoms like bloating, gas, and nutrient malabsorption.
Research on pancreatin supplementation published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics has shown meaningful improvements in fat digestion and reduction of steatorrhea (fatty stools) in individuals with reduced enzyme output. Bromelain has been studied separately — a review in Biotechnology Research International (2012) found it effective for reducing digestive discomfort and inflammation in the GI tract.
The ox bile component addresses a specific gap. A 2018 study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology noted that bile acid production decreases with age and after gallbladder removal, making supplemental bile acids a logical intervention for fat maldigestion.
Who Is This Best For?
NOW Super Enzymes is a particularly good fit for adults over 50 who:
- Experience bloating or gas after meals — especially with protein-heavy or fatty foods
- Have had their gallbladder removed — the ox bile helps compensate for reduced bile flow
- Want a budget-friendly option — at roughly $0.18 per capsule, this is one of the most affordable comprehensive enzyme blends available
- Prefer an all-in-one approach — rather than buying separate protease, lipase, and bile supplements
- Eat a varied diet — the broad enzyme spectrum covers proteins, fats, carbs, and plant fiber
This is not the right choice for vegetarians or vegans due to the ox bile and gelatin capsule. For a plant-based alternative, consider Enzymedica Digest Gold.
How to Take It
Take one capsule at the beginning of each meal, or within the first few bites. The enzymes work best when they can mix with food early in the digestive process. For a particularly large or rich meal, a second capsule is reasonable.
If you experience any warmth or mild stomach discomfort, try taking the capsule in the middle of the meal rather than at the start — the betaine HCl component can cause a warming sensation on an empty stomach.
Interactions to watch: The bromelain in this formula may have mild blood-thinning properties. If you take warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants, discuss this supplement with your doctor before starting. Also separate from any antibiotics by at least 2 hours.
The Bottom Line
NOW Super Enzymes delivers a genuinely comprehensive digestive enzyme blend at a price that most budgets can handle. The combination of pancreatin, bromelain, papain, ox bile, and betaine HCl covers all the major digestive pathways that slow down with age. It’s not the fanciest option on the shelf, but for adults over 50 who want straightforward digestive support without overpaying, this is the smart choice.
Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NOW Super Enzymes good for seniors?
Yes. After age 50, your body naturally produces fewer digestive enzymes, which can lead to bloating, gas, and incomplete digestion — especially with protein-heavy or fatty meals. NOW Super Enzymes provides a broad-spectrum blend that supplements what your body may be producing less of. The inclusion of ox bile is particularly helpful for fat digestion, which tends to decline with age.
When should I take NOW Super Enzymes?
Take one capsule with each meal, ideally at the beginning of the meal or within the first few bites. This gives the enzymes time to mix with your food and start working as digestion begins. If you eat a particularly large or rich meal, some people take a second capsule, though one is typically sufficient for most meals.
Can I take NOW Super Enzymes with my medications?
Digestive enzymes can potentially affect how some medications are absorbed. If you take blood thinners, the bromelain in this formula may have mild blood-thinning effects. Space enzyme supplements at least 30 minutes from medications, and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — especially if you take prescription drugs with meals.
What is the difference between NOW Super Enzymes and a probiotic?
They do completely different things. Digestive enzymes break down food into absorbable nutrients — they're mechanical helpers for digestion. Probiotics are live bacteria that support your gut microbiome and immune function. Many adults over 50 benefit from both, but they address different aspects of digestive health. You can safely take them together.