Enzymes are fine for children and even infants once they are eating solid food. Adjust the enzyme dosage for children based on meal size, not age or body weight, since enzymes are not absorbed from the gut in appreciable amounts.

The enzymes can be added to foods or drinks and even baby formula. Enzymes such as TriEnza will help break down the proteins, complex carbohydrates and fats in food for easier assimilation by the gastrointestinal tract.

Infants being breastfed should not be given protease enzymes (enzymes that break down proteins) as they could inactivate antibodies and other protein factors found in mother’s milk. Moms, however, can take enzymes without any problems. In fact, taking enzymes will help increase caloric intake and absorption of nutrients that help Mom while she’s nursing.

Children with food intolerances often have special dietary needs. Many have intolerances to proteins such as gluten (in wheat) and casein (in dairy). Dietary enzymes such as AFP-Peptizyde can help break down these proteins such that the incomplete peptides, which often are the source of the intolerances, are either not produced or are broken down into inactive compounds.