1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Nutrition Glossary: Enzyme

By , About.com Guide

Updated April 22, 2013

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition:
Specialized substance that acts as a catalyst to regulate the speed of a chemical reaction involved in the metabolism of living organisms.

In nutrition, enzymes are substances that break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats for digestion and absorption.

Digestive enzymes include lipase that breaks down fats, amylase that breaks down sugars and carbohydrates, and protease that breaks down proteins.

Back to the Nutrition Glossary

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.