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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019) vs Digestive Enzymes: Digestive Enzymes has the stronger overall evidence (6 vs 6/10); they're alternatives for improve digestion — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Digestive Enzymes wins 1 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
5 of 5 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019) and Digestive Enzymes have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
1-10 billion CFU daily for BB-12 (1 billion is enough); 10-20 billion CFU daily for HN019 if transit is the goal
any
Capsule or sachet standardized to a named strain (BB-12 or HN019)
1-2 capsules with meals (varies by product)
At beginning of meals or just before eating
Broad-spectrum enzyme blend capsules
2 weeks
4 weeks
n/a
n/a
Immediate
Immediate
Immediate
Dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on whole gut transit time and functional gastrointestinal symptoms in adults.
Scand J Gastroenterol (2011) · Rct · n=100
Whole-gut transit fell 49 to 21 hours on high dose (p<0.001) and 60 to 41 hours on low dose (p=0.01); placebo unchanged
Eight-Week Supplementation With Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA Netw Open (2024) · Rct · n=229
Primary outcome (change in complete spontaneous bowel movements per week): +0.80 with HN019 vs +0.66 placebo — no difference
Effects of 28-day Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 supplementation on colonic transit time and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with functional constipation: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and dose-ranging trial.
Gut Microbes (2018) · Rct · n=228
No significant differences vs placebo in the primary outcome (colonic transit time) or any secondary outcome
Efficacy of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in chronic pancreatitis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Gut (2017) · Meta analysis · n=511
PERT improved CFA compared with baseline (83.7±6.0 vs 63.1±15.0, p<0.00001; I2=89%) and placebo (83.2±5.5 vs 67.4±7.0, p=0.0001; I2=86%).
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Autism - A Systematic Review
Journal of autism and developmental disorders (2025) · Systematic review · n=39
The results of this systematic review identified that for autistic people, vitamin and mineral supplements may only be of benefit if there is a deficiency.
Comprehensive Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Randomized, Controlled 12-Month Trial
Nutrients (2018) · Rct · n=67
There was a significant improvement in nonverbal intellectual ability in the treatment group compared to the non-treatment group (+6.7 ± 11 IQ points vs. -0.6 ± 11 IQ points, p = 0.009) based on a blinded clinical assessment.
Digestive Enzymes has a higher evidence score (6/10 vs 6/10) and wins in 1 of 3 categories.
For improve digestion, Digestive Enzymes has a higher relevance score (95 vs 68).
No known interactions between B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019) and Digestive Enzymes have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.