Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 11 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamin World

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes is a dietary supplement by Vitamin World with 11 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inflammation and swelling, sinus and nasal congestion, digestion support.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes by Vitamin World

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 11 of its 11 active ingredients.
  • “Digestive Enzyme Complex” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (104 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 11 ingredients total: several are active digestive enzymes and a probiotic complex designed to support digestion, and the rest are inactive fillers and binders. The active enzymes include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), proteases, amylase, lipase, cellulase, hemicellulase, and lactase — each breaks down different food components — plus a bio-active probiotic complex meant to support gut bacteria.

The inactive ingredients include vegetable cellulose, maltodextrin, dicalcium phosphate, silica, rice bran, stearic acid, and vegetable magnesium stearate.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Digestive support and enzyme supplementation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Postoperative swelling, Rhinosinusitis, Sprains — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactase is rated "Effective" for Lactose intolerance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Wound healing.
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

The data we hold shows lactase is effective for lactose intolerance. For bromelain, papain, and most of the other enzymes in this product, the evidence isn't established — studies either don't exist or are too limited to say whether they work for their intended purposes.

Each enzyme ingredient is listed with insufficient reliable evidence for the various conditions they're marketed to address, so we can't tell you whether they'll help your digestion based on what's documented here.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Papain Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase Lactase

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term when taken by mouth, though some people report diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, or headache. Papain is also well tolerated at normal doses, but high doses may be unsafe and can cause serious stomach problems or allergic reactions in sensitive people.

The proteases and lipase are generally well tolerated for most adults but may cause digestive upset in some. Lactase is generally well tolerated when used as directed.

Allergic reactions to any of these enzymes are possible in people sensitive to them — occupational exposure to airborne enzyme dust has caused asthma and respiratory allergies in some workers. Because we could not check amylase, the probiotic complex, cellulase, hemicellulase, and the fiber enzyme blend, we have no interaction or safety data on file for them.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Papain Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase Lactase

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 141 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin), or tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline), double-check with your pharmacist before starting this product — bromelain and papain can affect how these work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is used to support digestion, and lactase in it is effective for lactose intolerance specifically. If you take blood thinners like warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or tetracycline antibiotics, check with your pharmacist before starting — the bromelain and papain can interact.

Most people tolerate it well, though digestive upset and allergic reactions are possible. Talk to your pharmacist if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious digestive condition.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 6 of 11 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitamin World
Barcode (UPC) 766443514909
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2013
DSLD ID 20948
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Structure/Function, No Claim
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes by Vitamin World, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
766443514909
IngredientAmount% DV
Bromelain86 GDU--
Papain787500 FCCPU--
Amylase483 DU--
Bio-Active Probiotic Complex46 mg--
Digestive Enzyme Complex104 mg--
Protease 310.6 SAPU--
Lipase158 FIP--
Protease 4.5420 HUT--
Lactase24.2 ALU--
Cellulase10.6 CU--
Hemicellulase10.6 HCU--
Fiber Enzyme Complex20 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Dicalcium Phosphate, Silica, Rice Bran, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Sugar, No Starch, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.

Precautions

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Contains milk, wheat and soy ingredients.

Storage

Store unopened container at room temperature. Refrigerate after opening.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

(C) 2012 Vitamin World, Inc.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: For adults, take two (2) tablets daily, preferably with meals.

General Statements

Vitamin World products are subject to critically stringent quality assurance analysis. Our state-of-the-art laboratory, manufacturing and packaging facilities insure the highest quality nutritional supplements money can buy. Your health & safety are our first priority!

Get healthy.

BROAD SPECTRUM FORMULA FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH* 4 BILLION ACTIVE CULTURES** PER SERVING 9 KEY ENZYMES - Helps Maintain Healthy Intestinal Balance*

New Small Tablet

Seals/Symbols

QA QUALITY ASSURED

General

PROD. #51490 B51490 00A

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes by Vitamin World label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes by Vitamin World

These are the 11 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Bio-Active Probiotic Complex

46 mg per serving Form: B. bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis, L. brevis, L. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acidophilus

Digestive Enzyme Complex

104 mg per serving

Fiber Enzyme Complex

20 mg per serving Form: Grapefruit Pectin, Oat Bran, Psyllium Husk

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Dicalcium Phosphate, Silica, Rice Bran, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes by Vitamin World Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
141Drugs
122 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141
Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, papain might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes, from the product label.

Vitamin World

See all Vitamin World products
Name
Vitamin World, Inc.
City
Ronkonkoma
State
NY
ZipCode
11779
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes by Vitamin World: Common Questions

Does Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes by Vitamin World interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes has a known interaction with 141 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes contains 11 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is lactase in this product going to help my lactose intolerance?
Yes — lactase is documented as effective for lactose intolerance. It works only in your gut, so it won't affect other parts of your body or interact with medications the way other ingredients here might.
What are the most common side effects of taking this?
The enzymes in this product are generally well tolerated. If you do get side effects, they're usually mild digestive ones: diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache. Allergic reactions are possible if you're sensitive to the enzymes themselves.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
No — bromelain is not recommended and papain is possibly unsafe during pregnancy. The proteases and lipase also have little safety data. Talk with your doctor about whether this product is right for you before you start.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
The data isn't clear enough. Bromelain, papain, and the proteases aren't recommended without medical advice because safety isn't well studied. Lipase and lactase have limited data too. Check with your healthcare provider first.
What do these enzymes actually do?
Each enzyme breaks down a different food component: proteases break down protein, lipase breaks down fat, amylase breaks down starch, and the others target fiber and other carbohydrates. Lactase specifically breaks down lactose in dairy. The probiotic complex is meant to support your gut bacteria.
Does this product have a lot of fillers?
It has several inactive ingredients — vegetable cellulose, maltodextrin, dicalcium phosphate, silica, rice bran, stearic acid, and vegetable magnesium stearate — which are used as binders and fillers. If you're sensitive to any of these, check the label.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Acidophilus & Digestive Enzymes's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 35 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

Papain 11 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  3. Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.
  4. Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
  5. Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial PubMed
  6. Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
  7. Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
  8. Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
  9. Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
  10. Baur X, König G, Bencze K, Fruhmann G. Clinical symptoms and results of skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test in thirty-three papain workers: Evidence for strong immunogenic potency and clinically relevant proteolytic e?ects of airborne papain. C
  11. Novey HS, Keenan WJ, Fairshter RD, Wells ID, Wilson AF, Culver BD. Pulmonary disease in workers exposed to papain: clinico-physiological and immunological studies. Clin Allergy 1980;10(6):721-31. PubMed

See these in context on the Papain monograph →

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Lactase 1 reference
  1. Laukkanen A, Ruoppi P, Remes S, Koistinen T, Mäkinen-Kiljunen S. Lactase-induced occupational protein contact dermatitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57(2):89-93. PubMed

See these in context on the Lactase monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring