Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Bio-Gest Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Thorne

Bio-Gest label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Minor
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Bio-Gest against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Bio-Gest is a dietary supplement by Thorne with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 36 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Betaine Hydrochloride. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Bio-Gest by Thorne

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Bio-Gest by Thorne — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bio-Gest by Thorne

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Pancreatin” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (140 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Bio-Gest is a 7-ingredient digestive enzyme blend designed to support your stomach's work breaking down food. The active ingredients are Amylase (breaks down carbohydrates), Protease (breaks down protein), Lipase (breaks down fats), Pepsin (a protein-digesting enzyme), plus Betaine Hydrochloride (which increases stomach acid), L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride, and Ox Bile concentrate (supports fat digestion).

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — Hypromellose, Leucine, and Silicon Dioxide — which are fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: GI support and digestive enzyme supplementation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Celiac disease, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Food allergies, Gallbladder disease, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia, Celiac disease.
  • Also on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Food allergies, Gallbladder disease.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that Bio-Gest works for any condition. Betaine Hydrochloride has been studied for heartburn, low thyroid, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, and hay fever, but the evidence for each remains insufficient to rate.

Lipase and the proteolytic enzymes show insufficient reliable evidence for inflammatory bowel disease and heartburn. If you're considering this for a specific digestive issue, talk with your pharmacist about what the research actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Betaine Hydrochloride is the main safety concern here. It can irritate your stomach and isn't safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux — it may even make heartburn worse.

The proteolytic enzymes (Protease and Pepsin) are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or, rarely, allergic reactions; occupational exposure to airborne pepsin has triggered asthma and allergic rhinitis in some cases. Lipase is generally well tolerated but people with serious digestive conditions should use it only under medical guidance.

During pregnancy, Betaine Hydrochloride should be avoided — safety data isn't available. Protease and Pepsin are best avoided during pregnancy unless prescribed.

Lipase has limited pregnancy data; use only if your doctor advises it. During breastfeeding, none of these ingredients have well-established safety, so check with your healthcare provider first.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 36 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 acid-reducing medications — H2-blockers (like famotidine), antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, like omeprazole) — you'll want to double-check your specific drugs before using Bio-Gest. Betaine Hydrochloride increases stomach acid, which may reduce how well these medications work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Bio-Gest is a digestive enzyme supplement best suited for adults without ulcers, gastritis, or active acid reflux who aren't taking acid-reducing medications. If you take H2-blockers, antacids, or PPIs, check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting.

Talk with your pharmacist about whether a digestive enzyme is right for you and your situation.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 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 Bio-Gest, straight from the product label.

Brand Thorne
Barcode (UPC) 693749404026
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 22, 2023
DSLD ID 291774
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Bio-Gest by Thorne, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
693749404026
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Betaine Hydrochloride480 mg--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride480 mg--
Pancreatin140 mg--
Ox Bile concentrate80 mg--
Pepsin70 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide

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

GI support

Gluten free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 1-2 capsules with each meal or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.

Precautions

Tamper evident: Use only if bottle is sealed.

If pregnant, consult your health-care practitioner before using this product.

Do not take this product out of the capsule. This product is contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcers.

Storage

Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

Manufactured in the USA using US & imported ingredients

Formula

Digestive enzymes

The Pancreatin in one capsule contains no less than: Amylase 15,750 USP units, Protease 14,000 USP units, Lipase 2,450 USP units.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Bio-Gest by Thorne label

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

Bio-Gest label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bio-Gest by Thorne

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
480 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

L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride

480 mg per serving

Pancreatin

140 mg per serving Form: Porcine

Ox Bile concentrate

80 mg per serving

Pepsin

No known
interactions
70 mg per serving Form: Porcine

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

Pepsin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bio-Gest by Thorne Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bio-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
36Drugs
36 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Betaine Hydrochloride 36

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Bio-Gest interact with 36 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 7 ingredients in Bio-Gest interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Betaine Hydrochloride

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bio-Gest with known interactions, here are the types of medications it 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
Betaine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bio-Gest, from the product label.

Thorne

See all Thorne products
Name
Thorne Research, Inc.
Phone Number
1-800-228-1966
Web Address
Thorne.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bio-Gest by Thorne: Common Questions

Does Bio-Gest by Thorne interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bio-Gest has a known interaction with 36 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bio-Gest contains 7 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.
Can I take Bio-Gest if I have acid reflux or heartburn?
No. Betaine Hydrochloride in Bio-Gest increases stomach acid, which can make heartburn worse and is unsafe if you have true acid reflux, gastritis, or ulcers. If digestive upset is an issue for you, talk with your pharmacist about what's driving it before using this product.
What does Pepsin do in this blend?
Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down protein in your stomach. It's a natural part of digestion, but it's also a proteolytic enzyme — the same type used in some laundry detergents. Most people tolerate it well, but rarely it can trigger allergic reactions or digestive upset.
Is Bio-Gest safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Betaine Hydrochloride should be avoided during pregnancy because safety data isn't available. Protease and Pepsin are also best avoided during pregnancy unless prescribed. During breastfeeding, safety hasn't been well established for any of the active ingredients, so check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Will Bio-Gest help with my bloating or indigestion?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that any ingredient in Bio-Gest works for bloating, indigestion, or other digestive complaints. If you're considering it for a specific issue, talk with your pharmacist about what actually has research behind it.
Does Bio-Gest have fillers or other ingredients I should know about?
Yes. The capsule contains Hypromellose, Leucine, and Silicon Dioxide as inactive ingredients — these are fillers and binders. The active ingredients are the enzymes and supporting compounds listed on the label.

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

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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.

Bio-Gest label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bio-Gest’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with 36 drugs

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is limited and mostly based on tradition rat...

Read the full Betaine Hydrochloride monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

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

Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lipase

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...

Read the full Lipase monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bio-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 6 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.

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 →

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 →

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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