THE ROLE OF ENZYME THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF NON-INFECTIOUS GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN
Keywords:
enzyme therapy, pediatric gastrointestinal disorders, lactase supplementation, pancreatic enzyme replacement, non-infectious diseases, childrenAbstract
Non-infectious gastrointestinal disorders in children, including lactose intolerance, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and functional digestive disturbances, pose a significant burden on quality of life and nutritional status. Enzyme therapy—comprising lactase supplementation, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), and other digestive enzyme supports—has emerged as a key management strategy. In this review article, we systematically examined clinical studies and trials from 2000 to 2023 regarding the efficacy, dosing strategies, and safety profiles of enzyme therapy in the pediatric population. Our literature search revealed strong evidence supporting lactase supplementation for lactose intolerance and PERT in conditions such as cystic fibrosis-associated pancreatic insufficiency. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that enzyme-based approaches may improve outcomes in some functional gastrointestinal disorders. Limitations include variability in dosing regimens, product formulations, and patient adherence. Future studies should aim to standardize enzyme formulations and dosing guidelines as well as explore novel enzymes for other specific non-infectious gastrointestinal conditions. We conclude that enzyme therapy represents an effective, safe, and practical adjunctive treatment strategy for managing non-infectious gastrointestinal disorders in children.
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