Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

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 The Vitamin Shoppe with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support, bloating and gas, fat digestion.Based on those ingredients, 333 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Legume and Grain Digesting Enzymes, Bromelain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Digestive Enzymes by The Vitamin Shoppe

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.
  • “Fat Digesting Enzymes” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “Legume and Grain Digesting Enzymes” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “Lactose Digesting Enzyme” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This product contains 10 active ingredients, all digestive enzymes that help break down different food components. Bromelain (from pineapple) digests protein; protease also breaks down protein; lactase handles lactose in dairy; lipase digests fats; and amylase works on carbohydrates.

The product also includes cellulase, hemicellulase, xylanase, beta-glucanase, and alpha-galactosidase — all enzymes that digest fiber and complex plant carbohydrates. The inactive ingredients are vegetable cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate — common capsule materials and binders.

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 aid and nutrient digestion support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, bloating, indigestion, gas.
  • 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 evidence varies by enzyme. Lactase is rated effective for lactose intolerance — if you have trouble digesting dairy, it works.

For the other enzymes in this blend — bromelain, protease, lipase, and the rest — the data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for any specific condition. That doesn't mean they don't work, just that reliable evidence hasn't been established in our records.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lipase Calabar Bean Lactase Bromelain 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.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term when taken by mouth, though long-term safety data is limited. The most common side effects are diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache.

Rarely, people may have allergic reactions — including throat itching, difficulty swallowing, or asthma if bromelain is inhaled. Protease and lipase are also generally well tolerated for most adults but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions.

Lactase is generally well tolerated when used as directed. For pregnancy: Bromelain safety data is not enough, so it's best avoided.

Protease and lipase safety in pregnancy hasn't been established, so use only if your doctor advises it. Lactase is likely safe.

For breastfeeding: bromelain and protease data are too limited — check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Lipase safety while breastfeeding hasn't been well studied, so ask your healthcare provider.

Lactase is thought to act only in the gut.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lipase Calabar Bean Lactase Bromelain 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?
  • 1 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — 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, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or similar medications) — bromelain may increase bleeding risk. Also flag any tetracycline antibiotics you take, as bromelain may raise their levels.

No other interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.

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.

If you're looking to support general digestion, especially dairy digestion, this product may help — lactase is proven for lactose intolerance. However, if you take blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or tetracycline antibiotics, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product because bromelain interacts with them.

Pregnant or breastfeeding: discuss it with your healthcare provider first, especially because pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data for most of these enzymes is limited or unknown.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 10 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2018.

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 The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536025879
Net contents 90 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2018
DSLD ID 183578
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar 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 The Vitamin Shoppe, 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 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
766536025879
IngredientAmount% DV
Bromelain0 NP--
Fat Digesting Enzymes0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Hemicellulase0 NP--
Xylanase0 NP--
Beta-Glucanase0 NP--
Alpha-Galactosidase0 NP--
Lactase0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Amylase0 NP--
Legume and Grain Digesting Enzymes0 NP--
Lactose Digesting Enzyme0 NP--
Protein Digesting Enzyme Blend0 NP--
Carbohydrate Digesting Enzyme Blend0 NP--
Fiber and Complex Carbohydrate Digestive Enzyme Blend0 NP--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate

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

Specialty

Digestive aid Nutrient digestion and absorption

Digestive Enzymes is a broad spectrum, plant based enzyme formula to support digestion and help release the nutrients from a wide variety of foods.

Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Gluten free Nut free

Does not contain: Gluten, sugar, salt, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Precautions

Contains: Milk, soy and wheat.

Warning: Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have any medical conditions.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

Formula

Contains: Milk, soy and wheat.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one (1) veggie capsule at the beginning of a meal.

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 in a cool, dry place.

General

Item No. VS-2587 1768167 ES 37

See for yourself

Digestive Enzymes by The Vitamin Shoppe label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Digestive Enzymes by The Vitamin Shoppe

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Fat Digesting Enzymes

0 NP per serving

Legume and Grain Digesting Enzymes

Interacts with
195 drugs
0 NP per serving

Calabar bean is a highly poisonous West African seed that contains physostigmine, a powerful cholinesterase inhibitor. It is not a safe dietary supple...

Legume and Grain Digesting Enzymes monograph & interactions
  • › Beta-Glucanase
  • › Alpha-Galactosidase

Lactose Digesting Enzyme

0 NP per serving

Protein Digesting Enzyme Blend

0 NP per serving

Carbohydrate Digesting Enzyme Blend

0 NP per serving
  • › Amylase

Fiber and Complex Carbohydrate Digestive Enzyme Blend

0 NP per serving
  • › Cellulase
  • › Hemicellulase
  • › Xylanase

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

Interaction report

Digestive Enzymes by The Vitamin Shoppe 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
333Drugs
122 Moderate 211 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141

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.

Legume and Grain Digesting Enzymes1 drug type · 195 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, taking calabar bean might reduce the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Physostigmine, a constituent of calabar bean, reverses the effects of belladonna and other drugs with anticholinergic activity.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

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
The maker

Brand information

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

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-800-223-1216
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Digestive Enzymes by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does Digestive Enzymes by The Vitamin Shoppe interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Digestive Enzymes has a known interaction with 333 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 9 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 me digest dairy if I'm lactose intolerant?
Yes — the lactase in this product is rated effective for lactose intolerance. Lactase breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy products, so it can help reduce bloating, gas, and stomach upset after eating dairy.
What are the most common side effects?
The main ones from bromelain are diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache. These are generally mild. Rarely, some people have allergic reactions, including throat itching or asthma if the powder is inhaled.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
The safety data for bromelain and most of these enzymes in pregnancy is too limited — it's best avoided during pregnancy unless your doctor says otherwise. Lactase is thought to be likely safe. Talk with your doctor before starting this product.
Is this safe if I'm breastfeeding?
Safety data while breastfeeding is limited for most of these enzymes. Lactase acts only in the gut, so it's thought to be okay, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first about the others, especially bromelain and protease.
Does this product have any fillers?
It has three inactive ingredients: vegetable cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose (which make up the capsule), and magnesium stearate (a binder). These are standard in capsule supplements.

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

Not sure if Digestive Enzymes is safe with your meds?

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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 26 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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

Calabar Bean 2 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.

See these in context on the Calabar Bean 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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