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Dietary supplement

Digest Formula Extra Strength Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Berg's

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

Digest Formula Extra Strength is a dietary supplement by Dr. Berg's with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support, weight management, digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 198 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Apple Cider Vinegar powder, Betaine HCl. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Digest Formula Extra Strength by Dr. Berg's

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients. Apple cider vinegar powder is a concentrated form of vinegar made from apples.

Betaine HCl (betaine hydrochloride) is a compound that increases stomach acid and is included to support digestion. The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—apple pectin, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and stearic acid—which are fillers and binders that help form and stabilize the tablet.

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: Support for bloating, indigestion, and gas.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Gastric discomfort, Digestive distress, Flatulence.
  • The closest evidence on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Apple Cider Vinegar is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

The evidence we hold does not establish that apple cider vinegar works for acne, athletic performance, cognitive function, dental plaque, depression, or eczema—all are rated insufficient evidence. Similarly, we have insufficient evidence to rate betaine HCl for dyspepsia, hypothyroidism, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, or hay fever.

If you're considering this product for a specific purpose, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about what the research actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Apple Cider Vinegar Betaine Hydrochloride

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

In normal food amounts, apple cider vinegar is well tolerated when used short-term for medicinal purposes. However, large doses or long-term use may not be safe—rare serious effects from chronic overuse include low potassium, elevated renin levels, and osteoporosis.

Topical application carries a risk of chemical burns and skin irritation. Betaine HCl may irritate the stomach and is not safe for people with ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux.

The safety data during pregnancy is insufficient, so it's best avoided then. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so avoid use while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Apple Cider Vinegar Betaine Hydrochloride

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 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride, Apple Cider Vinegar.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 198 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.

Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any diuretics (water pills), digoxin (a heart medication), insulin, other diabetes medications, or acid-reducing drugs like H2-blockers, antacids, or PPIs. The interactions could reduce how well your medications work or raise the risk of low potassium.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is for people interested in digestive support through apple cider vinegar and betaine HCl, but the evidence we hold doesn't confirm it works for any specific condition. If you take diuretics, heart medication like digoxin, insulin, diabetes drugs, or acid-reducing medications, you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this—the interactions are real and could affect how your drugs work.

Do not use if you have ulcers or gastritis.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2020.

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 Digest Formula Extra Strength, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Berg's
Barcode (UPC) X0012YYWAD
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 237184
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 Digest Formula Extra Strength by Dr. Berg's, 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:
3 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
X0012YYWAD
IngredientAmount% DV
Apple Cider Vinegar powder300 mg--
Betaine HCl300 mg--

Other ingredients: Apple Pectin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement take two (2) to three (3) capsules with meals.

Precautions

Caution: If you feel pain or burning in your stomach stop taking products. Do not take this product if you have an ulcer or inflammation in your stomach.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Keep out of reach of children and do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Keep out of reach of children and do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

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.

General Statements

To reorder: www.DrBerg.com (800-816-8184) Dr. Berg Approved

Formulation

Support for: Bloating / Indigestion / Gas

See for yourself

Digest Formula Extra Strength by Dr. Berg's label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Digest Formula Extra Strength by Dr. Berg's

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 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.

Apple Cider Vinegar powder

Interacts with
162 drugs
300 mg per serving

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented apple product that many people use hoping to help with blood sugar, weight, or digestion. The evidence for most of...

Apple Cider Vinegar powder monograph & interactions

Betaine HCl

Interacts with
36 drugs
300 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 HCl monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Apple Pectin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Digest Formula Extra Strength by Dr. Berg's Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Digest Formula Extra Strength?

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Go to the checker
198Drugs
89 Moderate 109 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Digest Formula Extra Strength 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.

Apple Cider Vinegar powder4 drug types · 162 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of apple cider vinegar with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
A case of hypokalemia related to chronic use of apple cider vinegar has been reported. Theoretically, overuse of apple cider vinegar could decrease potassium levels, increasing the risk of toxicity with digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of apple cider vinegar with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
A case of hypokalemia related to chronic use of apple cider vinegar has been reported. There is some concern that people taking apple cider vinegar along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Theoretically, concomitant use of apple cider vinegar with insulin might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
A case of hypokalemia related to chronic use of apple cider vinegar has been reported. Theoretically, overuse of apple cider vinegar concomitantly with insulin might increase the risk of hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking apple cider vinegar with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Apple cider vinegar might reduce fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels and decrease gastric emptying in people with diabetes. However, not all research agrees. Theoretically, it might have additive effects on glucose levels when used with antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Betaine HCl3 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Digest Formula Extra Strength, from the product label.

Dr. Berg's

See all Dr. Berg's products
Name
Dr. Berg Nutritionals
Street Address
4501 Ford Avenue
City
Alexandria
State
VA
ZipCode
22302
Phone Number
800-816-8184
Web Address
www.DrBerg.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Digest Formula Extra Strength by Dr. Berg's: Common Questions

Does Digest Formula Extra Strength by Dr. Berg's interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Digest Formula Extra Strength has a known interaction with 198 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Digest Formula Extra Strength contains 2 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 this safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on betaine HCl during pregnancy, so it's best avoided. Safety during breastfeeding hasn't been established either, so avoid it then too. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for your situation.
Can I take this if I have acid reflux or ulcers?
No. Betaine HCl increases stomach acid, which can irritate ulcers and gastritis and make acid reflux worse. If you have these conditions, this product isn't for you.
What are the side effects of apple cider vinegar in large amounts?
In food amounts it's generally well tolerated, but large or long-term doses can cause low potassium, elevated renin levels, and osteoporosis. Topically it may cause chemical burns and skin irritation.
Does betaine HCl work for digestion?
We don't have reliable evidence that it does. It's rated insufficient evidence for dyspepsia and other digestive issues in our data.
Why does this interact with so many medications?
Apple cider vinegar affects how your body handles potassium and blood sugar, which matters for heart and diabetes drugs. Betaine HCl increases stomach acid, which directly opposes acid-reducing medications. Together, these two ingredients touch several drug classes.
Is this safe to use long-term?
We don't have good safety data on long-term use of these ingredients in supplement form. One case report linked chronic daily apple cider vinegar use to serious potassium loss and bone problems. Talk with your doctor before using this long-term.

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

Not sure if Digest Formula Extra Strength is safe with your meds?

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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.

Digest Formula Extra Strength label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Digest Formula Extra Strength'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 13 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.

Apple Cider Vinegar 11 references
  1. Lhotta K, Hofle G, Gasser R, Finkenstedt G. Hypokalemia, hyperreninemia, and osteoporosis in a patient ingesting large amounts of cider vinegar. Nephron 1998;80:242-3. PubMed
  2. Hill LL, Woodruff LH, Foote JC, Barreto-Alcoba M. Esophageal injury by apple cider vinegar tablets and subsequent evaluation of products. J Am Diet Assoc 2005;105:1141-4. PubMed
  3. Hlebowicz J, Darwiche G, Björgell O, Almér LO. Effect of apple cider vinegar on delayed gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study. BMC Gastroenterol 2007;7:46. PubMed
  4. Johnston CS, Kim CM, Buller AJ. Vinegar improves insulin sensitivity to a high-carbohydrate meal in subjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:281-2. PubMed
  5. Lhotta, K., Hofle, G., Gasser, R., and Finkenstedt, G. Hypokalemia, hyperreninemia and osteoporosis in a patient ingesting large amounts of cider vinegar. Nephron 1998;80(2):242-243. PubMed
  6. Bunick CG, Lott JP, Warren CB, et al. Chemical burn from topical apple cider vinegar. J Am Acad Dermatol 2012;67(4):e143-4. PubMed
  7. Feldstein S, Afshar M, Krakowski AC. Chemical Burn from Vinegar Following an Internet-based Protocol for Self-removal of Nevi. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015 Jun;8(6):50.
  8. Luu LA, Flowers RH, Kellams AL, et al. Apple cider vinegar soaks [0.5%] as a treatment for atopic dermatitis do not improve skin barrier integrity. Pediatr Dermatol. 2019;36(5):634-639. PubMed
  9. Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A. The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021;21(1):179. PubMed
  10. Feise NK, Johnston CS. Commercial vinegar tablets do not display the same physiological benefits for managing postprandial glucose concentrations as liquid vinegar. J Nutr Metab 2020;2020:9098739. PubMed
  11. Gheflati A, Bashiri R, Ghadiri-Anari A, Reza JZ, Kord MT, Nadjarzadeh A. The effect of apple vinegar consumption on glycemic indices, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and homocysteine in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia: A randomized contro

See these in context on the Apple Cider Vinegar 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 →

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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