Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 13 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Digestive Balance Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Roex

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Digestive Balance is a dietary supplement by Roex with 13 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, 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 Digestive Balance by Roex

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 13 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (155 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Digestive Balance contains 13 active ingredients, mostly digestive enzymes that help break down food. The blend includes amylase (breaks down starch), papain and bromelain (protein-digesting enzymes from papaya and pineapple), lipase (fat digestion), lactase (lactose breakdown), cellulase (fiber digestion), peptidase (further protein breakdown), invertase and glucoamylase (carbohydrate digestion), alpha-galactosidase (complex carbohydrate digestion), proteases (protein digestion), and cerebalase.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—fillers, binders, and flavor—including xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, and natural peppermint flavor.

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 balance and breakdown of food components.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, Indigestion, Bloating.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactase is rated "Effective" for Lactose intolerance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

The data we hold shows sufficient evidence only for lactase: it is effective for lactose intolerance. For the other active ingredients in this product, the effectiveness ratings are insufficient reliable evidence—meaning the research to date hasn't established whether they work for their intended purposes, including supporting general digestion or treating specific digestive conditions.

If you're considering this for a particular digestive concern, that's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist.

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

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 and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. High oral doses may be unsafe; serious but rare effects include esophageal perforation and severe inflammation of the stomach lining.

Papain is possibly unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding is best avoided. Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term with most people, though long-term safety data is limited; common side effects are diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and headache.

It should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Lipase and lactase are generally well tolerated; lactase is rated likely safe in pregnancy.

Proteolytic enzymes (the proteases in this product) are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; safety in pregnancy has not been established, and use during breastfeeding is not recommended without medical advice.

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

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.

Before taking Digestive Balance, check with your pharmacist or doctor if you take warfarin (Coumadin) or any anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug (blood thinners, clot preventers). Papain may increase warfarin effects and bleeding risk; bromelain may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications.

If you take tetracycline antibiotics, bromelain may theoretically raise their levels. Several ingredients in this product could not be checked against your medications—use the search tool on this page to be sure.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Digestive Balance is a multi-enzyme supplement intended to support breakdown of different foods. If you take warfarin or other blood thinners, or antiplatelet medications, check your exact drugs with your pharmacist before starting, because papain and bromelain may increase bleeding risk.

Even if you don't take those medications, several ingredients here couldn't be checked for interactions—use the tool on this page to verify your specific prescriptions. Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist to see if this product fits your situation.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 13 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 26, 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 Digestive Balance, straight from the product label.

Brand Roex
Barcode (UPC) 645245150907
Net contents 90 Chewable Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 26, 2020
DSLD ID 211465
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
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 Digestive Balance by Roex, 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 Chewable Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Chewable Tablet(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
645245150907
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories10 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates3 mg1%
Proprietary Blend155 mg--
Amylase0 NP--
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Lactase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Peptidase0 NP--
Invertase0 NP--
Glucoamylase0 NP--
Alpha-Galactosidase0 NP--
Protease 30 NP--
Protease 60 NP--
CereCalase0 NP--

Other ingredients: Xylitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Dextrin, Stearic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, natural Peppermint flavor

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

Digestive balance assists in the breakdown and assimilation of fiber, protein, carbohydrates, fats, starches and dairy products and may help calm occasional indigestion.

Promotes healthy digestion Aids in the adsorption of nutrients Freshens breath

Formula

Contains peppermint and chlorophyll to freshen breath.

Plant-sourced dietary enzymes

Precautions

Warning: Consult your physician prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or are taking medications.

Not intended for children.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if clear safety seal around bottle neck is broken or missing.

Contains: Milk, wheat, and soy (soybeans)

Brand IP Statement(s)

CereCalase is a registered trademark or National Enzyme Company.

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.

Storage

Store at room temperature, in a dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults, chew 2 tablets before meals, as a dietary supplement or as directed by your doctor.

See for yourself

Digestive Balance by Roex label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Digestive Balance by Roex

These are the 13 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Chewable Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container45 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.

Proprietary Blend

155 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Xylitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Dextrin, Stearic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Natural Peppermint flavor. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Digestive Balance by Roex Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Digestive Balance?

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 Digestive Balance 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 Digestive Balance, from the product label.

Roex

See all Roex products
Name
BIN Science LLC
Street Address
8310 South Valley Highway, St. 300
City
Englewood
State
CO
ZipCode
80112
Phone Number
800-645-0010
Web Address
www.roex.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Digestive Balance by Roex: Common Questions

Does Digestive Balance by Roex interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Digestive Balance 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?
Digestive Balance contains 13 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 Digestive Balance safe to take if I'm pregnant?
Papain in this product is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy, so you'd want to avoid it. Bromelain should not be used in pregnancy. Lactase is rated likely safe. Because the product contains multiple enzymes with varying pregnancy safety data, talk with your doctor before taking it during pregnancy.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
Papain and bromelain are both best avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Lactase's safety during breastfeeding has not been well studied, so check with your healthcare provider first. The product also contains proteolytic enzymes not recommended during breastfeeding without medical advice.
What does lactase in this product do?
Lactase breaks down lactose, the natural sugar in milk and dairy products. It is effective for lactose intolerance—the difficulty digesting lactose that causes gas, bloating, or stomach upset in some people.
Will Digestive Balance help my digestion?
The only ingredient we have solid evidence for is lactase, which is effective for lactose intolerance. For the other enzymes in the product, we don't have enough reliable research to say whether they improve digestion or help with specific digestive issues.
What are the most common side effects?
Bromelain may cause diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache. Papain may cause allergic reactions, stomach irritation, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or sneezing. The proteolytic enzymes may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Most people tolerate these ingredients without problems when used as directed.
Can I take this with my blood thinner medication?
Not without checking first with your pharmacist or doctor. Papain and bromelain in this product may increase the effects of warfarin and other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, raising your bleeding risk. Use the medication checker on this page with your exact drug name, then confirm with your healthcare provider before starting.

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

Not sure if Digestive Balance 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.

Digestive Balance label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Digestive Balance’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Digestive Balance'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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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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