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

Enzyme 13 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Bounty

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

Enzyme 13 is a dietary supplement by Nature's Bounty with 13 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support for protein digestion, wound cleaning (debridement of dead tissue), sore throat and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Enzyme 13 by Nature's Bounty

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 13 of its 13 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (520 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Enzyme 13 contains 13 active digestive enzymes. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates; papain and bromelain are protein-digesting enzymes (proteases) derived from papaya and pineapple; protease is another protein-digesting enzyme; lipase breaks down fats; and lactase breaks down milk sugar (lactose).

The blend also includes cellulase, invertase, glucoamylase, alpha-galactosidase, xylanase, beta-glucanase, and hemicellulase—all enzymes that help break down plant fibers and complex carbohydrates. The capsule itself is made from vegetable cellulose, with rice flour as an inactive ingredient.

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 health support with enzymes.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, Bloating, Gas, Indigestion.
  • 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.

For most of the conditions this product is used for, the evidence isn't established in the data we hold. Lactase is the one exception: it's rated effective for lactose intolerance, helping people digest milk sugar.

For papain, bromelain, and the other enzymes—covering everything from hay fever and burns to exercise-related muscle soreness—we hold insufficient reliable evidence to rate their effectiveness. That doesn't mean they don't work; it means the studies aren't there yet to confirm or rule it out.

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.

Overall, the digestive enzymes in Enzyme 13 are generally well tolerated when used as directed and short-term. Papain and bromelain may irritate the digestive tract or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people—itching, rash, digestive upset, or in rare cases with high papain doses, severe stomach inflammation or esophageal damage.

Bromelain may also cause diarrhea, gas, or headache. Protease and lipase have similar cautions around digestive upset and allergic reactions, though serious side effects are rare.

For pregnancy, papain is rated possibly unsafe and should be avoided, especially concentrated forms and unripe papaya products. Bromelain and protease are rated not safe during pregnancy.

Lactase is rated likely safe in pregnancy. For breastfeeding, papain and bromelain are best avoided due to insufficient safety data.

Lactase has limited data but acts only in the gut; ask your doctor or pharmacist before regular use. Protease and lipase also have little safety data during breastfeeding—check with your healthcare provider 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.

Check your medications before taking this product if you take warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs—papain and bromelain may increase bleeding risk. If you take tetracycline antibiotics, bromelain may theoretically raise their levels, though the practical effect is unclear.

If any of these apply, confirm with your own doctor or pharmacist that it's okay to combine them.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Enzyme 13 is a blend of digestive enzymes useful for people with lactose intolerance (lactase is effective for that) and those seeking general digestive support, though evidence is limited for most other uses. If you take warfarin or any blood thinner or antiplatelet drug, or tetracycline antibiotics, run your exact medications through the checker below before starting—these enzymes may affect how your drugs work.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product fits your situation.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 13 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 25, 2015.

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 Enzyme 13, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Bounty
Barcode (UPC) 074312552724
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 25, 2015
DSLD ID 49563
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 Enzyme 13 by Nature's Bounty, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
074312552724
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase25000 DU--
Papain500000 PU--
Bromelain500000 PU--
Protease100000 HUT--
Lipase3750 FIP--
Lactase1000 ALU--
Cellulase3250 CU--
Invertase300 SU--
Glucoamylase50 AGU--
Alpha-Galactosidase500 GALU--
Xylanase650 XU--
Beta-Glucanase65 BGU--
Hemicellulase750 HCU--
Proprietary Enzyme Blend520 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Vegetable Cellulose, Contains <2% of

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Nature’s Bounty(R) Enzyme 13 provides an easy option to help support optimal digestive health with every meal.*

(C)2014 Nature’s Bounty, Inc.

General Statements

Enzymes help protein break down into amino acids, carbohydrates into simple sugars and fat into fatty acids that your body absorbs as nutrients.* Enzyme 13 is an excellent way to supplement the body’s enzyme production.*

Nutrition Questions or Comments? Call 1-800-433-2990 Mon. - Sat. 9 AM - 7 PM ET

DIGESTIVE COMPLEX

13 Bio-Active Enzymes Advanced Formula Helps Break Down Food* Multi-Action Targeted Enzyme Formula Advanced Support for: -Digestive Tract & Intestinal Health*

Formulation

No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Sugar, No Milk, No Lactose, No Fish. Sodium Free.

Suitable for Vegetarians

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

LABORATORY TESTED GUARANTEED QUALITY

General

Prod. No. 55272 00A B34711

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: For adults, take one (1) capsule three times daily, preferably with meals.

Formula

Contains wheat and soy ingredients.

Precautions

Contains wheat and soy ingredients.

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

See for yourself

Enzyme 13 by Nature's Bounty label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Enzyme 13 by Nature's Bounty

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

Serving size1 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.

Proprietary Enzyme Blend

520 mg per serving
  • › Amylase
  • Papain
  • Bromelain
  • Protease
  • Lipase
  • Lactase
  • › Cellulase
  • › Invertase
  • › Glucoamylase
  • › Alpha-Galactosidase
  • › Xylanase
  • › Beta-Glucanase
  • › Hemicellulase

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Vegetable Cellulose, Contains <2% of. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Enzyme 13 by Nature's Bounty Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Enzyme 13?

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 Enzyme 13 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 Enzyme 13, from the product label.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Enzyme 13 by Nature's Bounty: Common Questions

Does Enzyme 13 by Nature's Bounty interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Enzyme 13 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?
Enzyme 13 contains 13 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does Enzyme 13 work for digestion?
Lactase in this product is rated effective for lactose intolerance specifically. For general digestive support, the evidence on file for the other enzymes—papain, bromelain, protease, lipase, and the rest—is insufficient to confirm or rule out whether they work. Many people use enzyme supplements for digestion, but the science isn't settled yet.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Papain in this product is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided. Bromelain and protease are rated not safe during pregnancy. Lactase is likely safe. Because this is a blend, it's best to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in pregnancy.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Papain and bromelain are best avoided while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data. Lactase acts only in the gut, but safety data is limited; ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Protease and lipase also have little breastfeeding safety data—check with your healthcare provider before using.
What are the side effects?
Most common are digestive upset—diarrhea, gas, cramping, nausea—and allergic reactions in sensitive people, like itching, rash, or watery eyes. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe stomach inflammation or esophageal damage at very high papain doses. Stop and tell your doctor if you have severe symptoms.
Is this safe if I have a digestive condition?
If you have a serious digestive condition, use enzyme supplements only under medical guidance. The data we hold advises this caution, especially for lipase. Talk with your doctor before starting.
What is papain?
Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme (protease) from papaya. In this supplement, it's meant to help break down proteins during digestion.

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

Not sure if Enzyme 13 is safe with your meds?

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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.

Enzyme 13 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Enzyme 13’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Enzyme 13'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, M&auml;kinen-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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