Product Image

Advanced Digestive Enzymes

Thorne

4.7
(4251 ratings)
Glutamic Acid 480 mg
Product Image
Score 90.0

A premium, comprehensive digestive enzyme blend with strong support for stomach acid, protein, fat, and carbohydrate digestion, from a highly reputable brand. It is not a direct brain health or cognitive support supplement.

Quantity: 180 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (90 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Digestive Health
Muscle Gain
Brain Health
Cognitive Support

Score 90.0

A premium, comprehensive digestive enzyme blend with strong support for stomach acid, protein, fat, and carbohydrate digestion, from a highly reputable brand. It is not a direct brain health or cognitive support supplement.

Analysis

Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes is a robust formulation designed to optimize the digestion of all macronutrients. It provides substantial amounts of L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride (480mg) and Betaine Hydrochloride (480mg) to support stomach acid levels, which are critical for the initial breakdown of proteins and the absorption of essential minerals. Pepsin (70mg, porcine) specifically targets protein digestion, while Pancreatin (140mg, porcine) supplies a broad range of enzymes including amylase, lipase, and protease, ensuring efficient breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and remaining proteins. The inclusion of Ox Bile concentrate (80mg) is particularly beneficial for individuals with challenges in fat digestion or gallbladder function. This comprehensive approach is highly regarded by nutritionists and widely supported by positive user reviews for its effectiveness in alleviating a wide array of digestive complaints. Similar to other digestive enzyme products, the stated goals of 'Brain Health, Cognitive Support' are not the primary, direct functions of this supplement, despite the indirect benefits improved digestion offers to overall health.
Pros
  • Offers a comprehensive enzyme blend for efficient digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
  • Features high potency Betaine HCl and L-Glutamic Acid HCl for superior stomach acid support.
  • Includes Ox Bile concentrate, significantly enhancing fat digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Manufactured by Thorne, a brand highly respected for its quality, purity, and scientific backing.
  • Porcine-derived enzymes are generally well-regarded for their compatibility and effectiveness in human digestion.
Cons
  • The stated goals of Brain Health and Cognitive Support are not the product's direct therapeutic target.
  • Comes at a higher price point per serving compared to many simpler or less comprehensive digestive aids.
  • The use of porcine-derived ingredients may not align with all dietary restrictions or ethical preferences.
Warnings
  • Individuals with ulcers, gastritis, or hyperacidity should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using, as strong acidifiers can be contraindicated.
  • Consult with a healthcare provider before use if pregnant, nursing, or if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications, to avoid potential complications or interactions.
Report analysis
$47.70($0.53 per serving)
iHerb
$ 47.70
Pure Formulas
$ 53.00
Amazon
$ 53.00
Vitacost
$ 53.00
Report prices

Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Betaine Hydrochloride
480 mg
L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride
480 mg
Pancreatin
140 mg
Ox Bile concentrate
80 mg
Pepsin
70 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Report overview

Categories

Containing a substantial 480mg of L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride, this product offers one of the highest dosages among digestive enzyme supplements, effectively contributing to stomach acid production. This significant amount provides strong support for its intended digestive role, making it a key component of its overall efficacy.

Goals

While exceptional digestion leads to improved nutrient absorption, which is undeniably beneficial for overall health and can indirectly support brain function, this product is not formulated with specific neuroactive compounds. Its primary action is digestive, providing only a general and indirect health benefit to the brain through systemic wellness.
This potent enzyme blend facilitates the breakdown of food and absorption of vital nutrients, contributing to general physiological well-being. However, it lacks specialized ingredients or direct mechanisms typically associated with targeted cognitive enhancement or specific brain health pathways, positioning its role in cognitive support as entirely secondary to its digestive function.
75 Value

Digestive Enzymes

Mason Natural
4.6
(461 ratings)
Offers a very cost-effective multi-enzyme blend including Pepsin, Pancreatin, Betaine HCl, and Glutamic Acid. While the potency is lower than Thorne, it provides excellent value for basic comprehensive digestive support at a fraction of the cost, making it a good entry point.
90 Value

Ultra-Zyme

Natures Plus
4.7
(1495 ratings)
Offers Pancreatin at a higher 4x potency, a larger quantity of Ox Bile, and a wider spectrum of additional enzymes (Lactase, Cellulase, Hemicellulase) along with probiotics, Pepsin, Betaine HCl, and Glutamic Acid. Although slightly higher in price per serving than Thorne, its increased comprehensiveness and potency may represent a better value for those requiring maximum digestive assistance.
70 Value

Calcium Magnesium Zinc With L-Glutamic Acid 1000 mg : 500 mg : 50 mg

Country Life
4.8
(5630 ratings)
Provides a very high dose of L-Glutamic Acid (1000mg) along with essential minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc) at a significantly lower price per serving than Thorne. If the need for Glutamic Acid is a primary consideration, this product offers superior value for that specific component and additional mineral benefits.
85 Performance

50+ Men Multivitamin + Supporting Herbs Iron Free

Super Nutrition SimplyOne
4.6
(938 ratings)
While Thorne excels in digestion, this multivitamin is explicitly designed with ingredients (e.g., Ginkgo, L-Tyrosine, Choline) that directly support 'Brain Health, Cognitive Support,' aligning more closely with the stated goals of the original product. It offers a holistic approach to cognitive well-being.
85 Performance

50+ Women Multivitamin + Supporting Herbs

Super Nutrition SimplyOne
4.6
(1107 ratings)
Similar to the men's version, this multivitamin provides targeted support for 'Brain Health, Cognitive Support' through a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts (e.g., Ginkgo, L-Tyrosine), offering a more direct route to the listed goals than a digestive enzyme.
78 Performance

Max-Amino Caps with Vitamin B6

Country Life
4.8
(1004 ratings)
This product offers a superior and more diverse profile of amino acids, including a significant dose of L-Glutamic Acid, which is a neurotransmitter and vital for brain function. For individuals focusing on the 'Glutamic Acid' collection and its direct role in 'Brain Health, Cognitive Support,' this is a more specialized and comprehensive option.
75 Budget

Digestive Enzymes

Mason Natural
4.6
(461 ratings)
Offers a multi-enzyme blend including Pepsin, Pancreatin, Betaine HCl, and Glutamic Acid at a significantly lower total price and price per serving. While less potent than Thorne, it provides a cost-effective option for fundamental digestive enzyme support.
88 Budget

Ultra-Zyme

Natures Plus
4.7
(1495 ratings)
Provides a comprehensive digestive enzyme formula, including Pepsin, Pancreatin 4x, Ox Bile, Betaine HCl, and Glutamic Acid, at a lower total price than Thorne. It delivers broad-spectrum support, making it a strong alternative for those seeking robust digestive aid at a reduced overall cost.
68 Budget

Max-Amino Caps with Vitamin B6

Country Life
4.8
(1004 ratings)
A considerably cheaper option overall that includes L-Glutamic Acid (a key ingredient in Thorne) as part of a broad amino acid complex. While not a direct digestive enzyme replacement, it addresses the 'Glutamic Acid' component and collection at a more accessible price point.
75 Value

Digestive Enzymes

Mason Natural
4.6
(461 ratings)
Offers a very cost-effective multi-enzyme blend including Pepsin, Pancreatin, Betaine HCl, and Glutamic Acid. While the potency is lower than Thorne, it provides excellent value for basic comprehensive digestive support at a fraction of the cost, making it a good entry point.
90 Value

Ultra-Zyme

Natures Plus
4.7
(1495 ratings)
Offers Pancreatin at a higher 4x potency, a larger quantity of Ox Bile, and a wider spectrum of additional enzymes (Lactase, Cellulase, Hemicellulase) along with probiotics, Pepsin, Betaine HCl, and Glutamic Acid. Although slightly higher in price per serving than Thorne, its increased comprehensiveness and potency may represent a better value for those requiring maximum digestive assistance.
70 Value

Calcium Magnesium Zinc With L-Glutamic Acid 1000 mg : 500 mg : 50 mg

Country Life
4.8
(5630 ratings)
Provides a very high dose of L-Glutamic Acid (1000mg) along with essential minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc) at a significantly lower price per serving than Thorne. If the need for Glutamic Acid is a primary consideration, this product offers superior value for that specific component and additional mineral benefits.
85 Performance

50+ Men Multivitamin + Supporting Herbs Iron Free

Super Nutrition SimplyOne
4.6
(938 ratings)
While Thorne excels in digestion, this multivitamin is explicitly designed with ingredients (e.g., Ginkgo, L-Tyrosine, Choline) that directly support 'Brain Health, Cognitive Support,' aligning more closely with the stated goals of the original product. It offers a holistic approach to cognitive well-being.
85 Performance

50+ Women Multivitamin + Supporting Herbs

Super Nutrition SimplyOne
4.6
(1107 ratings)
Similar to the men's version, this multivitamin provides targeted support for 'Brain Health, Cognitive Support' through a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts (e.g., Ginkgo, L-Tyrosine), offering a more direct route to the listed goals than a digestive enzyme.
78 Performance

Max-Amino Caps with Vitamin B6

Country Life
4.8
(1004 ratings)
This product offers a superior and more diverse profile of amino acids, including a significant dose of L-Glutamic Acid, which is a neurotransmitter and vital for brain function. For individuals focusing on the 'Glutamic Acid' collection and its direct role in 'Brain Health, Cognitive Support,' this is a more specialized and comprehensive option.
Report alternatives