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Advanced Digestive Enzymes

Thorne
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(4251 ratings)
Glutamic Acid 480 mg
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Score 40.0

Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes is a high-quality, comprehensive digestive support supplement designed to improve digestion of all macronutrients, not a primary brain or cognitive enhancer.

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

Score 40.0

Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes is a high-quality, comprehensive digestive support supplement designed to improve digestion of all macronutrients, not a primary brain or cognitive enhancer.

Analysis

Thorne's Advanced Digestive Enzymes is a robust and comprehensive supplement aimed at optimizing digestion across multiple stages. It provides Betaine Hydrochloride and L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride for stomach acid support, Pepsin for protein breakdown, Pancreatin for broad-spectrum enzymatic action on carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and Ox Bile concentrate to aid in fat emulsification. This formulation addresses common digestive deficiencies. Similar to the Solaray product, despite its efficacy as a digestive aid, its specified goals of "Brain Health" and "Cognitive Support" are not directly met by its ingredient profile, which is focused purely on digestive physiology.

Pros
  • Offers a comprehensive blend of enzymes (pepsin, pancreatin) and digestive aids (Betaine HCl, Glutamic Acid HCl, Ox Bile) for full spectrum digestive support.
  • Includes Ox Bile, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with fat malabsorption or those without a gallbladder.
  • Thorne is a highly reputable brand, known for its high-quality ingredients and strict manufacturing standards often recommended by health professionals.
Cons
  • The specified goals of "Brain Health" and "Cognitive Support" are profoundly misaligned with the product's intended and actual function.
  • Higher price per serving compared to simpler digestive enzyme products, though justified by its comprehensive formula.
  • Contains porcine-derived ingredients (Pepsin, Pancreatin), which may not be suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or individuals with certain religious dietary restrictions.
Warnings
  • Not recommended for individuals with gastric or duodenal ulcers, as the acidifying ingredients can aggravate these conditions.
  • May cause digestive discomfort, such as heartburn, if stomach acid is not deficient or if too many capsules are consumed.
  • Individuals with pancreatic insufficiency or gallbladder issues should consult a healthcare provider prior to use.
$47.70($0.26 per serving)
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Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Betaine Hydrochloride 480 mg
L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride 480 mg
Pancreatin (Porcine) 140 mg
Ox Bile concentrate 80 mg
Pepsin (Porcine) 70 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Categories
Glutamic Acid 75.0
The product contains a significant amount of L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride. While a form of glutamic acid, its primary role in this supplement is as a powerful acidifier to support gastric digestion, rather than serving as a direct source of free glutamic acid for its neurological functions.
Goals
Brain Health, Cognitive Support 15.0
This product is expertly formulated for digestive health, containing enzymes and acidifiers to break down food. However, its ingredients do not directly target brain health or cognitive enhancement. Any perceived benefit would be highly indirect through improved nutrient absorption, which is not its primary or specialized function for these goals.
75 Value

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4.6
★★★★★
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90 Value

Ultra-Zyme

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70 Value

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

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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

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4.6
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(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

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4.8
★★★★★
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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

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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

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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

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(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.