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Dietary supplement

Essential Enzymes Ultra Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals

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

Essential Enzymes Ultra is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 5 active ingredients.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Essential Enzymes Ultra by Source 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 18 active ingredients.
  • “To Break Down Protein” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “To Break Down Fats” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “To Break Down Carbohydrates” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

Essential Enzymes Ultra is a blend of 18 active enzymes designed to support digestion. Lactase breaks down milk sugar; bromelain (from pineapple) and the three proteases (Protease 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0) break down protein; lipase handles fats; and the remaining enzymes—glucoamylase, invertase, cellulase, hemicellulase, alpha-galactosidase, peptidase, amylase, pectinase, phytase, beta-glucanase, xylanase, and acid maltase—target various carbohydrates and plant fibers.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: vegetable cellulose (the capsule shell itself), purified water, and tapioca dextrin.

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 enzyme support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Lactose intolerance, Postoperative pain, Postoperative swelling, Sprains — 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, Wound healing.
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

The evidence on these enzymes is mixed. Lactase is effective for lactose intolerance—that's well established.

For the other enzymes in this product, effectiveness ratings haven't been reliably proven. Phytase, bromelain, lipase, and the proteases all lack sufficient reliable evidence for the conditions they're marketed to address in the research we hold.

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 6 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these enzymes are generally well tolerated when used as directed. Lactase and lipase appear relatively benign, though lipase should be used cautiously in people with serious digestive disorders and only under medical guidance.

Bromelain can cause diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, headache, and allergic reactions in sensitive people; it should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Papain (Protease 3.0) may cause similar digestive irritation and allergic reactions, and concentrated papain is not safe in pregnancy.

The proteases and phytase carry a small risk of allergic reactions, especially in occupational settings with airborne dust exposure. There is not enough safety data on phytase supplementation in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so those should be avoided unless a doctor advises otherwise.

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 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 141 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist or doctor if you take warfarin or any blood thinner (such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, heparin, or enoxaparin), antiplatelet drugs (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or ticagrelor), or tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline or minocycline). The papain and bromelain in this product may affect how these work.

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 is a multi-enzyme digestive blend best suited for people who want enzyme support for general digestion. If you take warfarin or any other blood thinner, antiplatelet drug, or tetracycline antibiotic, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first—papain and bromelain can interact with these.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before starting it, since safety data are incomplete for several ingredients.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 18 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2022.

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 Essential Enzymes Ultra, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078023326
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2022
DSLD ID 273965
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Essential Enzymes Ultra by Source 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
021078023326
IngredientAmount% DV
Glucoamylase0 NP--
Invertase0 NP--
Lactase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Hemicellulase0 NP--
Alpha-Galactosidase0 NP--
Peptidase0 NP--
Phytase0 NP--
Amylase0 NP--
Pectinase0 NP--
To Break Down Protein0 NP--
To Break Down Fats0 NP--
To Break Down Carbohydrates0 NP--
To Break Down Milk Sugar0 NP--
Beta-Glucanase0 NP--
Xylanase0 NP--
Custom Digestive Enzyme Blend456 mg--
To Break Down Carbohydrates & Fiber0 NP--
Acid Maltase0 NP--
Protease 3.00 NP--
Protease 4.50 NP--
Protease 6.00 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Water, Purified, Tapioca Dextrin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Bio Align

Vegetarian capsules

Formula

Premium digestive enzyme blend

Digestive enzymes are highly specific agents that help transform the food we eat into nutritional compounds our bodies need for living. Essential EnzymesUltra(TM) is a Bio-Aligned(TM) and highly diverse formula utilizing multiple levels of enzymes for digesting all foods in a wide range of pH levels. It contains five types of proteases (protein-digesting enzymes) and multiple enzymes for digestion of carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and milk sugars. It is one of the most sophisticated arrays of digestive enzymes on the market today for supporting digestive comfort.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 capsule just before or at the start of a meal. Do not exceed 6 capsules per day.

Precautions

CAUTION: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any prescription drug, over the counter drug, or time-released medication, consult your health care professional before using this product.

Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright SOURCE NATURALS, INC.

General Statements

Enzyme Measurement Units: SAPU (Spectrophotometric Acid Protease Units), HUT (Hemoglobin Units in a Tyrosine Base), FCC PU (Food Chemical Codex - Papain Units), FIP (Federation Internationale Pharmaceutique), DU (Dextrinizing Units), AGU (Amyloglucosidase Units), SU (Serrapeptase Units), MaltU (Maltase Units), GalU (Galactosidase Activity Units), CU (Cellulase Units), endo-PG (Endopolygalacturonidase Units), XU (Xylanase Units), HCU (Hemicellulase Units), BGU (beta-Glucanase Units), FTU (Phytase Units), ALU (Acid Lactase Units).

See for yourself

Essential Enzymes Ultra by Source Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Essential Enzymes Ultra by Source Naturals

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container120 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.

Custom Digestive Enzyme Blend

456 mg per serving
  • › To Break Down Protein
  • › To Break Down Fats
  • › To Break Down Carbohydrates
  • › To Break Down Milk Sugar
  • › To Break Down Carbohydrates & Fiber

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

Interaction report

Essential Enzymes Ultra by Source Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Essential Enzymes Ultra?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

The maker

Brand information

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

Source Naturals

Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Essential Enzymes Ultra by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Essential Enzymes Ultra by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Essential Enzymes Ultra 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?
Essential Enzymes Ultra contains 5 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 with lactose intolerance?
Lactase, one of the enzymes in this product, is effective for lactose intolerance. It breaks down milk sugar so your body can digest it more easily. The rest of the enzymes target other foods—fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber—so this is a broad digestive blend.
Is it safe to take while pregnant?
The data are incomplete. Lactase is likely safe in pregnancy, but papain is possibly unsafe and bromelain should be avoided. Phytase and the proteases don't have enough safety information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Safety while breastfeeding hasn't been well studied for most of these enzymes. Lactase appears okay, but bromelain and papain should be avoided, and phytase should not be used without medical advice. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can this help with bloating or gas?
This product is designed to break down foods your body struggles to digest, which in theory could reduce bloating or gas. However, the evidence on these enzymes for that specific purpose isn't established in the data we hold.
Are there any common side effects?
Most people tolerate digestive enzymes well. Some may experience diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in people sensitive to pineapple (bromelain) or papaya (papain).
Does this contain any fillers?
The active ingredients are enzymes. The inactive ingredients are vegetable cellulose (the capsule), purified water, and tapioca dextrin—these help make the supplement.

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

Not sure if Essential Enzymes Ultra 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.

Essential Enzymes Ultra label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Essential Enzymes Ultra'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 42 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.

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 →

Phytase 7 references
  1. Lei XG, Weaver JD, Mullaney E, Ullah AH, Azain MJ. Phytase, a new life for an "old" enzyme. Annu Rev Anim Biosci. 2013;1:283-309. PubMed
  2. Smuts CM, Matsungo TM, Malan L, et al. Effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on growth, psychomotor development, iron status, and morbidity among 6- to 12-mo-old infants in South Africa: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2 PubMed
  3. van Heemst RC, Sander I, Rooyackers J, et al. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by occupational exposure to phytase. Eur Respir J. 2009;33(6):1507-9. PubMed
  4. Baur X, Melching-Kollmuss S, Koops F, Strassburger K, Zober A. IgE-mediated allergy to phytase -- a new animal feed additive. Allergy. 2002;57(10):943-5. PubMed
  5. Doekes G, Kamminga N, Helwegen L, Heederik D. Occupational IgE sensitisation to phytase, a phosphatase derived from Aspergillus niger. Occup Environ Med. 1999;56(7):454-9. PubMed
  6. Brnic M, Hurrell RF, Songré-Ouattara LT, et al. Effect of phytase on zinc absorption from a millet-based porridge fed to young Burkinabe children. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017;71(1):137-141. PubMed
  7. Koshy JC, Sharabi SE, Feldman EM, Hollier LH Jr, Patrinely JR, Soparkar CN. Effect of dietary zinc and phytase supplementation on botulinum toxin treatments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(4):507-12.

See these in context on the Phytase monograph →

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 →

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 →

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

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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