When we are young, our digestive enzymes function at their best by breaking down food into necessary proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, while also helping various metabolic functions in the body take place. Many studies have proven that these enzymes deteriorate as we age, typically around age 40, though food choices and lifestyles people live with today also promote the depletion of the number of enzymes much more rapidly. We've seen teenagers that have decreased enzyme production!