Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 16 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by 4Life

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Digestive Enzymes is a dietary supplement by 4Life with 16 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 Enzymes by 4Life

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 16 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (175 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This capsule contains 16 active digestive enzymes designed to break down different components of food. Amylase, glucoamylase, and alpha-galactosidase work on carbohydrates; lipase breaks down fats; proteases and peptidase handle proteins; bromelain and papain are plant enzymes that also help with protein digestion; and the rest target fiber and other plant materials.

The blend also includes rice bran, a vegetable capsule, and water as inactive ingredients.

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 digestive health and nutrient absorption.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), indigestion, malabsorption, enzyme insufficiency.
  • 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.

The evidence for most of these enzymes isn't established in the data we hold. Papain and bromelain both have insufficient reliable evidence for conditions like cancer, exercise soreness, and various other uses.

Lipase similarly shows insufficient evidence for inflammatory bowel disease and indigestion. The proteases we checked have no effectiveness ratings on file.

If you're looking at this product to support digestion, the evidence doesn't give us a clear answer either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Lipase 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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Papain is generally well tolerated as a food, but the supplement form can irritate your digestive tract and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people—especially itching, watery eyes, sneezing, and stomach cramps. High doses may be unsafe and could cause severe stomach inflammation or even perforation in rare cases.

Papain should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to safety concerns. Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety data is thin.

Common side effects are diarrhea, gas, and upset stomach; it may also cause allergic reactions. Bromelain should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Lipase has no reported adverse effects in adults, though safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. The proteases are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; safety in pregnancy is uncertain, and medical advice is best before using while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Lipase 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 4 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 this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on warfarin (a blood thinner)—papain may increase its effect and your bleeding risk. Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel (from bromelain) also need a conversation.

If you take tetracycline antibiotics, bromelain might change how much your body absorbs—worth confirming.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This enzyme blend may help with digestion, but the evidence isn't clear. If you take warfarin or other blood thinners, or tetracycline antibiotics, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—the enzymes could affect how these drugs work.

People with sensitive digestive systems or allergies to papaya or pineapple should be cautious. Check with your own doctor or pharmacist before adding this to your routine.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 16 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 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 Enzymes, straight from the product label.

Brand 4Life
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2020
DSLD ID 211470
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
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 Enzymes by 4Life, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Peptidase0 NP--
Invertase0 NP--
Glucoamylase0 NP--
Alpha-Galactosidase0 NP--
Xylanase0 NP--
Pectinase0 NP--
Beta-Glucanase0 NP--
Hemicellulase0 NP--
Protease 4.50 NP--
Protease 30 NP--
Proprietary Enzyme Blend175 mg--
Acid Maltase0 NP--

Other ingredients: Rice Bran, Vegetable Capsule, Water

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

Sixteen unique digestive enzymes to support digestive health Supports healthy digestive function promotes nutrient absorption May assist with gastrointestinal discomfort that can occur after eating What is Digestive Enzymes? Digestive Enzymes is a proprietary blend of 16 different enzymes that support digestive health by aiding in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats; and, in turn, the absorption of nutrients. Aging, illness, and stress may reduce the number of digestive enzymes produced by the body, causing incomplete digestion and unwanted side effects such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and flatulence. Supplementing with Digestive Enzymes can make up for these temporary deficiencies and help ensure your body's ability to get the most out of the food you eat and maintain healthy function. Key Features Promotes the healthy breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats with a blend of multiple enzyme sources Supports the body's ability to more efficiently absorb nutrients Promotes regularity through healthy digestive support

Primary Support: Digestion

General Statements

Did you know? 4Life also offers Probiotics to further promote healthy digestive system function.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one (1) to three (3) capsules with 8 oz of fluid. Best if taken with food.

Formula

Ko (Kosher)

Precautions

Contains Sulfites

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Brand IP Statement(s)

2017 4Life Trademarks, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Seals/Symbols

Ko (Kosher)

See for yourself

Digestive Enzymes by 4Life label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Digestive Enzymes by 4Life

These are the 16 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Proprietary Enzyme Blend

175 mg per serving
  • › Amylase
  • Papain
  • Bromelain
  • Lipase
  • › Cellulase
  • › Peptidase
  • › Invertase
  • › Glucoamylase
  • › Alpha-Galactosidase
  • › Xylanase
  • › Pectinase
  • › Beta-Glucanase
  • › Hemicellulase
  • Protease 4.5
  • Protease 3
  • › Acid Maltase

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Bran, Vegetable Capsule, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Digestive Enzymes by 4Life Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Digestive Enzymes?

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

Go to the checker
141Drugs
122 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141
Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

4Life

Name
4Life
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Digestive Enzymes by 4Life: Common Questions

Does Digestive Enzymes by 4Life interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Digestive Enzymes has a known interaction with 141 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Digestive Enzymes contains 16 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 this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Papain should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding—safety data advises against it. Bromelain should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Lipase and the proteases have limited safety information in pregnancy and breastfeeding; talk with your doctor before using if you're pregnant or nursing to get personalized advice.
What side effects might I experience?
The most common are digestive: diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and headache. Some people have allergic reactions—itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, or stomach cramps—especially if they're sensitive to papaya or pineapple. High doses of papain may cause serious stomach irritation or inflammation in rare cases.
Does this actually help with digestion?
The evidence isn't clear. The enzymes in this product don't have strong, reliable evidence backing their use for conditions like indigestion or other digestive issues. That doesn't mean it doesn't work for you—it means the research data we hold doesn't give us a confident answer either way.
What do papain and bromelain actually do?
Both are plant enzymes that break down proteins in food. Papain comes from papaya; bromelain comes from pineapple. They're included in this blend to help your digestive system handle protein-rich foods, though the evidence for how well they do that in supplement form isn't firm.
Are there any fillers in this?
The inactive ingredients are rice bran, a vegetable capsule, and water. Those are the only fillers or supporting materials listed in this product.
Will this interact with my digestion medicine?
We have interaction data for papain and bromelain with blood thinners and some antibiotics. We couldn't check about half the enzymes in this blend because we don't hold data for them. Use the search tool on this page to check your exact medications, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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

Not sure if Digestive Enzymes is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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

Digestive Enzymes label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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

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

The 34 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 →

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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