Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Digestive Enzymes against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
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.
Check Your Meds Against Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
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.
What’s inside
Low disclosure
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
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.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
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.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
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.
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
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 |
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
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Amylase | 0 NP | -- |
| Papain | 0 NP | -- |
| Bromelain | 0 NP | -- |
| Protease | 0 NP | -- |
| Lipase | 0 NP | -- |
| Lactase | 0 NP | -- |
| Cellulase | 0 NP | -- |
| Glucoamylase | 0 NP | -- |
| Hemicellulase | 0 NP | -- |
| Digestive Enzyme Blend | 500 mg | -- |
| Protease 3 | 0 NP | -- |
Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Maltodextrin
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)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.
Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Maltodextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Nested Naturals Digestive Enzymes has documented interactions with blood thinners and some antibiotics.
The most serious concern is papain, one of the active enzymes here. It may increase the effects of warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner used to prevent clots.
One case report described a patient stable on warfarin who developed dangerously high INR levels after taking a papain-containing supplement.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Bromelain, another active ingredient, may have mild blood-thinning effects of its own and could raise bleeding risk if you're already on anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), or warfarin. There's also a theoretical Minor-severity interaction with tetracycline antibiotics, though a study in healthy adults found no change in tetracycline levels when combined with bromelain.
We couldn't check amylase, cellulase, glucoamylase, or hemicellulase — we hold no interaction data for these ingredients. Use the medication checker on this page to run your exact prescriptions against the full product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Digestive Enzymes interact with 141 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 10 ingredients in Digestive Enzymes interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bromelain Papain
Diclofenac Sodium, MisoprostolArthrotec 50, Arthrotec 75
How Diclofenac Sodium, Misoprostol interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Diclofenac Sodium, Misoprostol interactionDiclofenac EpolamineFlector, Licart
How Diclofenac Epolamine interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Diclofenac Epolamine interactionDicumarolDicumarol
How Dicumarol interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Dicumarol interactionDiphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen SodiumAleve PM
How Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium interactionDipyridamoleDipyridamole, Persantin, Persantin Injection, Persantin Retard, Persantine
How Dipyridamole interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Dipyridamole interactionEdoxabanSavaysa
How Edoxaban interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Edoxaban interactionEffientPrasugrel
How Effient interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Effient interactionEnoxaparinLovenox
How Enoxaparin interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Enoxaparin interactionEptifibatideIntegrilin
How Eptifibatide interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Eptifibatide interactionEsomeprazole, NaproxenVimovo
How Esomeprazole, Naproxen interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Esomeprazole, Naproxen interactionFamotidine, IbuprofenDuexis
How Famotidine, Ibuprofen interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Famotidine, Ibuprofen interactionFish Oil TriglyceridesOmegaven
How Fish Oil Triglycerides interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Fish Oil Triglycerides interactionFondaparinuxArixtra
How Fondaparinux interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Fondaparinux interactionHeparinHeparin
How Heparin interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Heparin interactionHydrocodone, IbuprofenVicoprofen
How Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen interactionIbrutinibImbruvica
How Ibrutinib interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Ibrutinib interactionIbuprofenAdvil, Arthrofen, Brufen, Brufen Retard, Calodor, Calprofen +14 more
How Ibuprofen interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Ibuprofen interactionIbuprofen LysineNeoProfen
How Ibuprofen Lysine interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Ibuprofen Lysine interactionIbuprofen, AcetaminophenAdvil Dual Action
How Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen interactionIbuprofen, HydrocodoneIbucodone
How Ibuprofen, Hydrocodone interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Ibuprofen, Hydrocodone interactionIbuprofen, OxycodoneCombunox
How Ibuprofen, Oxycodone interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Ibuprofen, Oxycodone interactionIbuprofen, PseudoephedrineDristan
How Ibuprofen, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Ibuprofen, Pseudoephedrine interactionIcosapent Ethyl (prescription Drug)Vascepa
How Icosapent Ethyl (prescription Drug) interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Icosapent Ethyl (prescription Drug) interactionIloprostAurlumyn, Ventavis
How Iloprost interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Iloprost interactionInotersenTegsedi
How Inotersen interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Inotersen interactionKetoprofenOrudis, Oruvail Gel, Oruvail Injection, Powergel
How Ketoprofen interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Ketoprofen interactionLepirudinRefludan
How Lepirudin interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Lepirudin interactionMinocyclineAcnamino MR, Aknemin, Amzeeq, Arestin Miscrosperes, Dynacin, Minocin +6 more
How Minocycline interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Tetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Minocycline interactionNadroparinFraxiparine
How Nadroparin interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Nadroparin interactionNaproxenAleve, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, Arthroxen, EC-Naprosyn, Naprelan +7 more
How Naproxen interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Naproxen interactionEach 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.
Bromelain
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.
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.
Papain
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.
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
Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals: Common Questions
Does Digestive Enzymes by Nested Naturals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Will this help my digestion?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Is this safe while breastfeeding?
What are the common side effects?
I'm allergic to pineapple — should I avoid this?
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.
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.
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.
Papain
Interacts with 2 drugsPapain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food and laboratory uses, strong human evidence...
Read the full Papain monograph → Herb & supplement monographBromelain
Interacts with 141 drugsBromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early studies are promising, but the overall evi...
Read the full Bromelain monograph → Herb & supplement monographProteolytic Enzymes (proteases)
Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin. Peo...
Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph → Herb & supplement monographLipase
Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...
Read the full Lipase monograph → Herb & supplement monographLactase
Lactase is a digestive enzyme supplement that helps people who lack enough natural lactase break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It can reduce gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhe...
Read the full Lactase monograph →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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
- Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
- Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
- Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
- 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
- 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
Bromelain 19 references
- Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
- Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
- 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
- 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.
- Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
- 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.
- Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
- 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
- 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
Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
- 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
- Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
- 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
- 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
Lactase 1 reference
- 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
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