“Enzyme coffee” is regular coffee with added ingredients, such as digestive enzymes and green tea. Some people claim it promotes well-being or weight loss. However, no research proves this.

Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions. They occur naturally in many foods, including coffee. During digestion, the body also makes its own enzymes to break down nutrients, such as fat.

However, this does not mean that consuming additional enzymes will break down fat inside the body’s tissues or prevent the body from absorbing fat during digestion.

Keep reading to learn more about enzyme coffee, including its ingredients, properties, and potential risks.

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Enzyme coffee is a product that has become popular mainly due to social media. It is regular coffee with added ingredients, such as:

Because there is no set definition of what constitutes enzyme coffee, products with this label can vary significantly in their ingredients and quality.

Similarly, enzyme coffee also varies in terms of its caffeine content. Most coffee contains caffeine, but products with added yerba mate or guarana will contain even more than usual.

Some people make their own version of enzyme coffee at home using lemon juice.

It is unlikely that the enzymes in enzyme coffee have an impact on weight loss. This is because the claims manufacturers make about enzyme coffee are not scientific and have no evidence to support them.

For example, some proponents of enzyme coffee claim these products contain “fat burning” enzymes. However, this is not what digestive enzymes do.

When a person eats, the body releases enzymes to break down their food into smaller molecules, helping the body absorb them. This includes fat. Consuming extra enzymes does not prevent fat absorption.

Another problem with the claims surrounding enzyme coffee is that digestive enzymes work best at body temperature. High temperatures, such as that of boiling water, can stop them from working.

What enzyme coffee does is provide a source of caffeine, which may explain why some people report feeling a benefit from drinking it.

Does caffeine help with weight loss?

Yes – to a small extent, the caffeine in any type of coffee may help with weight loss.

Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up bodily processes, such as metabolism. It also makes people feel more alert and awake.

A 2019 review and analysis of controlled trials found that caffeine consumption in the form of coffee correlated with reductions in weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage. As caffeine intake increased, so did the decrease in weight, BMI, and body fat.

A 2022 double-blind randomized controlled trial compared people who drank caffeinated coffee with those who drank decaffeinated coffee. Both coffee drinks contained additional cocoa and substances called fructo-oligosaccharides.

Both groups had reductions in body fat, arm circumference, and waist circumference. However, this reduction was slightly greater in people who drank caffeinated coffee.

Although no studies have directly tested if enzyme coffee has a similar effect due to its caffeine content, it is possible.

Some people argue that taking enzymes can change body weight. There is no research to prove this.

Some also claim that digestive enzymes positively impact digestion and the gut microbiome, influencing weight loss. The microbiome is the collection of microbes that live in the intestines. They have an impact on a wide range of bodily functions.

A 2018 review found evidence that changes in the gut microbiome may correlate with a higher risk of obesity.

However, it is important to note that this does not prove that taking extra enzymes has a long lasting beneficial impact on the gut microbiome in a way that impacts weight.

While it is true that some people take enzymes to alleviate symptoms such as bloating after a meal, there is no research proving a connection between enzymes, gut flora, and body weight.

Because scientists have not tested enzyme coffee, most information about its potential side effects comes from people who have tried it. These vary depending on the person, how much they drink, and the specific product they are using.

Some of the side effects people report include:

These may be due to enzyme coffee’s caffeine content. Other symptoms of caffeine use include:

In addition to the effects of caffeine, which are mild for most people, enzyme coffee may have other risks. It could contain much more caffeine than a person usually consumes. It may also contain other ingredients that have their own risks, such as vitamins or herbs.

It is possible people may experience:

In severe cases, a caffeine overdose can cause:

It is always best to speak with a doctor before using any supplement or drug, including products that contain high amounts of caffeine.

Reaching a moderate weight can be a challenge that takes time. However, people who need to lose excess weight who do so gradually are more likely to be able to maintain these effects.

For long-term weight loss, people can try:

  • a calorie deficit, where a person consumes slightly fewer calories than they need to maintain their current weight
  • focusing on eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as olive oil
  • swapping sweetened drinks for low calorie soda, flavored water, or tea
  • avoiding foods that contain added sugars or are high in saturated fat
  • gradually increasing physical activity, aiming for 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week

Joining support groups and managing any underlying chronic conditions that could be contributing to weight gain may also help.

If a person tries enzyme coffee and begins experiencing any new symptoms, it is best for them to speak with their doctor.

Call 911 or seek emergency help if a person develops signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:

This could be anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency.

People can also consult a doctor if scientifically proven approaches to weight management are not working. Overweight and obesity are chronic health conditions, and some people benefit from medical treatments. A doctor can talk through the options.

Trying extreme measures to lose weight can be a sign of an eating disorder. This group of conditions can affect people of any size. Speak with a doctor if a person is preoccupied with weight loss or shows any other potential signs of disordered eating.

Help is available

Eating disorders can severely affect the quality of life of people living with these conditions and those close to them. Early intervention and treatment greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

Anyone who suspects they or a loved one may have an eating disorder can contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, which offers a daytime helpline staffed by licensed therapists and an online search tool for treatment options.

For general mental health support at any time, people can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24 hours a day at 1-800-662-4357 (or 1-800-487-4889 for TTY).

Many other resources are also available, including:

There is no evidence that enzyme coffee specifically helps with weight loss. Although the caffeine in coffee may modestly increase metabolism and support weight loss, this will not work on its own to create significant changes. For that, a person needs a sustainable, evidence-based weight management plan.

Weight management can involve making dietary and lifestyle changes that help a person reach a moderate weight. If a person is finding this difficult or wants to try enzyme coffee, it is best for them to speak with a doctor or dietitian.