Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 10 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nested Naturals

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 Nested Naturals with 10 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 Nested Naturals

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 10 active ingredients.
  • “Digestive Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 10 ingredients, including several digestive enzymes: papain (from papaya), bromelain (from pineapple), protease, lipase, lactase, and others. Papain and bromelain break down proteins; protease does similar work; lipase handles fats; and lactase helps digest lactose in dairy.

The inactive ingredients are vegetable cellulose and maltodextrin (a binder and flow agent).

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support digestion of carbohydrates proteins and fats.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Lactose intolerance, Postoperative pain, Postoperative swelling, Rhinosinusitis — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactase is rated "Effective" for Lactose intolerance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness.
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

The evidence on papain, bromelain, protease, and lipase for their claimed digestive roles is insufficient in our data. Lactase, one of the enzymes in this product, is effective for lactose intolerance — it breaks down the milk sugar your body may struggle to digest.

For the other ingredients and the broader digestive support claim, the research we hold doesn't establish clear benefit.

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

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 and bromelain are generally well tolerated short-term at normal doses, though high doses of papain may be unsafe. The most common side effects are mild: allergic reactions in sensitive people (itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, abdominal cramps, diarrhea), and occasionally digestive upset, headache, or skin reactions.

High-dose papain can rarely cause serious digestive damage. Protease and lipase are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some.

During pregnancy, papain and bromelain should be avoided — safety data advises against them. Protease and lipase safety hasn't been established in pregnancy, so check with your doctor.

For breastfeeding, papain and bromelain are best avoided due to insufficient safety data. Protease has little data and lipase is unstudied; ask your doctor or pharmacist before using either while nursing.

Lactase is likely safe in pregnancy and works only in the gut, but confirm with your doctor first.

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

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.

If you take warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), double-check with this product first — papain may increase warfarin's effects, and bromelain may thin the blood further. Tetracycline antibiotics may have a minor interaction with bromelain; verify before combining.

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.

This product may help with lactose intolerance, but evidence for broad digestive support is weak. If you take warfarin or any blood thinner, or tetracycline antibiotics, check your medications with our tool before starting.

Anyone with a known papain or bromelain sensitivity should avoid it. Talk to your pharmacist about whether this fits your needs and medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 10 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 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 Nested Naturals
Barcode (UPC) X0018D1SPZ
Net contents 90 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 221663
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
X0018D1SPZ
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Lactase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Glucoamylase0 NP--
Hemicellulase0 NP--
Digestive Enzyme Blend500 mg--
Protease 30 NP--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Maltodextrin

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.
General Statements

Our mission: You To better your health & wellness with natural, clean ingredients backed by evidence-based

Guaranteed for life We're confident you'll love us, but if you don't then call us for a refund. Transparent We include every single ingredient on our label. Nested Naturals 1% for health and happiness. Your purchase helps us make the world a healthier and happier place.

Made with love

Formulation

Third party tested Certified to ensure you get all the good stuff.

Aids in the digestion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins

100% Vegan

Non GMO

Does not contain wheat, gluten, GMO, soy, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, yeast, barley or added sugar.

Formula

Digestive enzymes are proteins found in our bodies that chops the food we eat into the building blocks of life. We use those building blocks to maintain, build, and repair the cells and tissues in our body. Digestive enzymes support your stomach and small intestine to breakdown food.

Amylase, glucoamylase, lactase, cellulase, and hemicellulase aids in the digestion of carbohydrates. Proteases, bromelain, and papain aid in the digestion of proteins. Lipase aids in the digestion of fats.

Enzyme blend is standardized in a base of maltodextrin.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 1 vegan capsule with water before each meal.

Precautions

Warning: Use only as directed.

Consult your physician before use if you are pregnant or nursing, have a serious medical condition, or use prescription medications.

For adult use only.

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

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.

Seals/Symbols

Third Party Tested GMP Certified Facility

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid excessive heat.

See for yourself

Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals

These are the 10 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetarian 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.

Digestive Enzyme Blend

500 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Maltodextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals 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.

Nested Naturals

See all Nested Naturals products
Name
Nested Naturals Inc.
Street Address
301-525 Seymour Street
City
Vancouver
State
BC
ZipCode
V6B 3H7
Phone Number
1-866-992-3677
Web Address
www.nestednaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals: Common Questions

Does Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals 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 10 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.
Will this help my digestion?
Lactase in this product is effective for lactose intolerance specifically. For broader digestive support from the other enzymes here, the research we hold doesn't establish clear benefit. If you have specific digestive concerns, talk to your pharmacist about whether this matches your needs.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Papain and bromelain, two of the active ingredients, should be avoided in pregnancy based on safety data. Protease and lipase haven't been proven safe in pregnancy — ask your doctor before use. Lactase is likely safe, but confirm with your doctor first.
Is this safe while breastfeeding?
Papain and bromelain are best avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Protease and lipase have little or no data; don't use without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Lactase works only in the gut, but still check with your healthcare provider.
What are the common side effects?
The most common are mild: allergic reactions (itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, abdominal cramps, diarrhea), and occasional digestive upset, headache, or skin itching in sensitive people. High doses of papain are riskier and can cause serious digestive damage.
I'm allergic to pineapple — should I avoid this?
This product contains bromelain, an enzyme from pineapple. If you have a pineapple or bromelain allergy, avoid this product. If you're unsure whether you're allergic, talk to your pharmacist before trying it.

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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Digestive Enzymes’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 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 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 →

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 →

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 →

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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