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Dietary supplement

Beta-Gest Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NeoLife Nutritionals

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

Beta-Gest is a dietary supplement by NeoLife Nutritionals with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support for protein digestion, wound cleaning (debridement of dead tissue), sore throat and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 61 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Betaine Hydrochloride, Lemon Pectin, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Beta-Gest by NeoLife Nutritionals

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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Beta-Gest has 5 active ingredients. Papain is an enzyme from papaya that breaks down proteins; lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar); betaine hydrochloride is a compound that increases stomach acid; acid stable protease is another protein-digesting enzyme; and lemon pectin is a soluble fiber from citrus.

Together, they're designed to support digestion. The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients—cellulose, silicates, and other binders and colorants—to hold the formulation together.

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: support normal stomach digestive secretions.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Lactose intolerance, Peptic ulcers, Diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactase is rated "Effective" for Lactose intolerance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diarrhea, Dyspepsia.
  • Also on file: Pectin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diarrhea, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Peptic ulcers.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that any of these ingredients work for specific conditions. Lactase is rated effective for lactose intolerance—that's the one solid finding.

Lemon pectin is possibly effective for high cholesterol. For everything else—including papain for cancer, dental health, muscle soreness, shingles, or parasites; betaine hydrochloride for heartburn or thyroid function; and protease for any named condition—the evidence is either insufficient or absent from our data.

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.

Papain is generally tolerated as a food but may irritate the digestive tract or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. High doses may cause serious problems like severe inflammation or perforation of the esophagus.

You should avoid concentrated papain and unripe papaya during pregnancy; during breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data. Betaine hydrochloride is not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux, and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Lemon pectin is generally well tolerated, though it can occasionally cause gas, loose stools, or mild cramps, and rare allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Lactase and acid stable protease are generally well tolerated, though lactase rarely causes allergic skin reactions, and protease may occasionally cause digestive upset or allergy symptoms.

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?
  • 3 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Betaine Hydrochloride, Pectin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 61 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.

Double-check before using Beta-Gest if you take warfarin (blood thinner), lovastatin or other cholesterol drugs, tetracycline antibiotics, digoxin (heart medication), H2-blockers, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (acid-reducing medications). Papain is the biggest concern; pectin and betaine hydrochloride account for the rest.

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 for people looking to support digestion with plant enzymes. If you take warfarin, lovastatin, tetracycline antibiotics, digoxin, H2-blockers, antacids, or PPIs, check with your pharmacist first—this product may interfere with them.

Those with ulcers or reflux should avoid it. Talk to your pharmacist about your medications and any allergies before you start.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2023.

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 Beta-Gest, straight from the product label.

Brand NeoLife Nutritionals
Barcode (UPC) 3521s
Net contents 100 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2023
DSLD ID 303275
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Beta-Gest by NeoLife Nutritionals, 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:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
33
UPC/BARCODE
3521s
IngredientAmount% DV
Papain30 mg--
Lactase24 mg--
Betaine Hydrochloride825 mg--
acid stable Protease120 mg--
Lemon Pectin9 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Silicate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Food Glaze, Beet, Powder, Silicon Dioxide, Triacetin, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Licorice, Powder, natural mint extract, Natural color, Carmine

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.
Formula

Protease, hydrochloric acid (from betaine HCl) and lactase reinforce normal stomach digestive secretions compromised by age, stress, alcohol or antacid overuse. Hydrochloric acid readies protein for enzymatic digestion, activates natural gastric enzyme, pepsinogen, and is needed for absorption of phosphorus, iron, magnesium, calcium and B12. Lactase assists digestion of lactose (milk sugar).

Plant sourced enzymes support efficient digestion

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Precautions

Packaged with safety seal.

Formulation

GMO Free

Based in Nature

Stomach Targeted

Made in U.S.A.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 to 3 tablets daily, immediately before or with food.

General Statements

Not sold in retail stores. Available Exclusively from NeoLife Promoters.

Leading edge nutrition since 1958. Based in Nature, Backed by Science.

Seals/Symbols

SAB Scientific Advisory Board NeoLife Scientific Advisory Board

See for yourself

Beta-Gest by NeoLife Nutritionals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Beta-Gest by NeoLife Nutritionals

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container33 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.

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
30 mg per serving

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food an...

Papain monograph & interactions

Lactase

No known
interactions
24 mg per serving

Lactase is a digestive enzyme supplement that helps people who lack enough natural lactase break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It can red...

Lactase monograph & interactions

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
825 mg per serving

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...

Betaine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Acid stable Protease

No known
interactions
120 mg per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Acid stable Protease monograph & interactions

Lemon Pectin

Interacts with
23 drugs
9 mg per serving

Pectin is a natural soluble fiber found in fruits like apples and citrus, and it is widely used in foods and as a fiber supplement. It may modestly he...

Lemon Pectin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Silicate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Food Glaze, Beet, Powder, Silicon Dioxide, Triacetin, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Licorice, Powder, Natural mint extract, Natural color, Carmine. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Beta-Gest by NeoLife Nutritionals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Beta-Gest?

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
61Drugs
25 Moderate 36 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Beta-Gest 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.

Betaine Hydrochloride3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lemon Pectin3 drug types · 23 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of digoxin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking digoxin with a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of digoxin by about 62%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Lovastatin (Mevacor)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of lovastatin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of pectin and lovastatin might reduce the cholesterol-lowering effect of lovastatin, possibly due to reduced intestinal absorption of lovastatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking tetracycline with bismuth subsalicylate in a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of tetracycline by about 34%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, bismuth subsalicylate, or the combination.

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 Beta-Gest, from the product label.

NeoLife Nutritionals

See all NeoLife Nutritionals products
Name
NeoLife International, LLC
City
Santa Clara
State
CA
ZipCode
95054
Web Address
NeoLife.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Beta-Gest by NeoLife Nutritionals: Common Questions

Does Beta-Gest by NeoLife Nutritionals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Beta-Gest has a known interaction with 61 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Beta-Gest contains 5 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 it safe to take during pregnancy?
No. Papain should be avoided in pregnancy due to safety concerns. Betaine hydrochloride should also be avoided. Lactase is likely safe, and lemon pectin in normal food amounts is likely safe, but concentrated pectin supplements haven't been well studied. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What is papain, and why is it in here?
Papain is an enzyme extracted from papaya that breaks down proteins. It's included to help digest food, but the evidence doesn't clearly show it works for the conditions companies claim it treats.
Can I use this if I have acid reflux or heartburn?
No. Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acid and could irritate your stomach if you have reflux, ulcers, or gastritis. This product is not right for you in those cases.
Will this help with lactose intolerance?
Lactase, one of the five ingredients, is effective for lactose intolerance. But you should check if the other ingredients are safe for your medications first.
What are the most common side effects?
Papain may cause allergic reactions or digestive upset; lemon pectin may cause gas, loose stools, or mild cramps. Most people tolerate the product well when used as directed, but allergic reactions are possible if you're sensitive to any ingredient.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking this?
No. Papain and betaine hydrochloride should be avoided during breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data. Lactase is likely safe and lemon pectin is likely safe, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

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

Not sure if Beta-Gest is safe with your meds?

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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.

Beta-Gest label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Beta-Gest’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Beta-Gest'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 28 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.

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 →

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 →

Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
  2. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Betaine Hydrochloride 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 →

Pectin 11 references
  1. Jaakkola MS, et al. Asthma caused by occupational exposure to pectin. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;100:575-6. PubMed
  2. Westphal W, et al. [Exogenous allergic asthma following pectin exposure-a new occupational allergen]. Pneumologie 1990;44(Suppl 1):337-8.
  3. Baldwin JL, et al. Pectin-induced occupational asthma. Chest 1993;104:1936-7. PubMed
  4. Cohen AJ, Forse MS, Tarlo SM. Occupational asthma caused by pectin inhalation during the manufacture of jam. Chest 1993;103:309-11.
  5. Kraut A, et al. Christmas candy maker's asthma. IgG4-mediated pectin allergy. Chest 1992;102:1605-7. PubMed
  6. Richter WO, Jacob BG, Schwandt P. Interaction between fibre and lovastatin. Lancet 1991;338:706.
  7. Albert KS, Ayres JW, DiSanto AR, et al. Influence of kaolin-pectin suspension on digoxin bioavailability. J Pharm Sci 1978;67:1582-6. PubMed
  8. Albert KS, Welch RD, DeSante KA, et al. Decreased tetracycline bioavailability caused by a bismuth subsalicylate antidiarrheal mixture. J Pharm Sci 1979;68:586-8. PubMed
  9. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  10. Federal Register April 17,2003. Anti-Diarrheal Products for over-the-counter human use; final monograph. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/03-9380.pdf (Accessed 27 December 2004).
  11. Washio K, Nakamura M, Sato N, et al. Anaphylaxis in a pectin- and cashew nut-allergic child caused by a citrus bath. Allergol Int 2022;71(1):155-157. PubMed

See these in context on the Pectin 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

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