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Dietary supplement

Essential EnzymesUltra 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 EnzymesUltra 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 EnzymesUltra 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 contains 18 active ingredients, all digestive enzymes designed to help break down different parts of food. The formula includes proteases (protein-digesting enzymes), lipase (for fats), lactase (for milk sugar), and a range of carbohydrate-breaking enzymes like amylase, glucoamylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, and alpha-galactosidase.

Bromelain, derived from pineapple, is also included. These are supported by inactive ingredients: vegetable cellulose (the capsule material), 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 for food breakdown.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Postoperative swelling, Wound healing, bloating — and 3 related terms.
  • 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.
  • Also on file: Bromelain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Wound healing, Postoperative swelling.

The evidence for most of these enzymes is limited. Lactase is rated Effective for lactose intolerance — that one is well established.

For lipase and the proteases, the data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate their use for inflammatory bowel disease or dyspepsia (indigestion). Bromelain, phytase, and the other carbohydrate-digesting enzymes likewise lack sufficient reliable evidence in our data to confirm they work for their labeled purposes.

This doesn't mean they don't work — it means the evidence we hold isn't strong enough to rate them.

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.

Most of these enzymes are generally well tolerated when used as directed, but there are caveats. Proteases and bromelain may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some people.

Bromelain and phytase have rare reports of allergic reactions, including occupational asthma and sensitization reactions from inhalation exposure. Lipase is generally well tolerated, though people with serious digestive conditions should use it only under medical guidance.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding data are thin across the board: lactase is rated likely safe in pregnancy, but bromelain should be avoided, the proteases should be avoided unless prescribed, and lipase and phytase carry insufficient data — talk with your doctor before using during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

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 5 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.

If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners, warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), check with your pharmacist before using this product — bromelain carries a Moderate risk of increased bleeding. If you take tetracycline antibiotics, there's a Minor-severity interaction where bromelain may theoretically affect absorption.

For all other medications, no interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check, but we hold no data for several enzymes in this formula, so it's worth confirming your full medication list with your pharmacist.

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 is an enzyme blend aimed at people who struggle with digestion. The biggest medication concern is if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs — bromelain in here may increase bleeding risk.

If you're on tetracycline antibiotics, there's a smaller concern about levels changing. Before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or take any regular medications, check 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: 7 of 18 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 24, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Essential EnzymesUltra, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078023302
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 24, 2020
DSLD ID 216383
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 EnzymesUltra 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)
UPC/BARCODE
021078023302
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Glucoamylase0 NP--
Invertase0 NP--
Protease 30 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Protease 4.50 NP--
Lactase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Hemicellulase0 NP--
Alpha-Galactosidase0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Protease 60 NP--
Peptidase0 NP--
Phytase0 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--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, purified Water, 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

Premium digestive enzyme blend

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.

Formula

Digestive enzymes are highly specific agents that help transform the food we eat into nutritional compounds our bodies need for living. Essential EnzymesUltra is a Bio-Aligned Formula; it is highly diverse and utilizes multiple levels of enzymes for digesting food in a wide range of pH levels. It contains five types of proteases (protein-digesting enzymes) and multiple enzymes for the 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.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

See for yourself

Essential EnzymesUltra by Source Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Essential EnzymesUltra 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 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, Purified Water, Tapioca Dextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Essential EnzymesUltra by Source Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Essential EnzymesUltra?

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 EnzymesUltra 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 EnzymesUltra, 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 EnzymesUltra by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Essential EnzymesUltra by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Essential EnzymesUltra 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 EnzymesUltra 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.
Does this product contain any allergens I should know about?
These enzymes are generally well tolerated, but proteases and bromelain can trigger allergic reactions in some people — rarely, IgE-mediated reactions have been reported. If you have a history of enzyme allergies or asthma, especially occupational exposure to enzyme powders, talk with your pharmacist before using this product.
Is it safe to use this while I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough safety data on most of these enzymes during pregnancy. Lactase is rated likely safe, but bromelain should be avoided and the proteases should be avoided unless prescribed by your doctor. For the others, the data is too limited to know either way — talk with your doctor before using this product in pregnancy.
Can I use this if I'm breastfeeding?
Safety while breastfeeding hasn't been well studied for most of these enzymes. Bromelain should be avoided, and the proteases are not recommended without medical advice. For the others, data is scarce — check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance before using this product.
What is lactase in this formula for?
Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar). It's rated effective for lactose intolerance — if you have trouble digesting dairy, this ingredient may help. It's generally well tolerated and likely safe in pregnancy.
What does bromelain do, and why is it in a digestive enzyme blend?
Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme derived from pineapple that works alongside the proteases to break down protein in food. The evidence for it as a digestive aid is insufficient to rate, but it's included in this formula for that purpose. Keep in mind it can increase bleeding risk if you take blood thinners.
I've heard enzyme supplements cause diarrhea or upset stomach — is that common?
Digestive upset is possible with these enzymes and is listed as a caution. Bromelain specifically has been reported to cause diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in some people. If you experience these symptoms, reduce the dose or stop and talk with your pharmacist.

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

Not sure if Essential EnzymesUltra 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 EnzymesUltra label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Essential EnzymesUltra'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 31 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.

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

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

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Lactase 1 reference
  1. Laukkanen A, Ruoppi P, Remes S, Koistinen T, Mäkinen-Kiljunen S. Lactase-induced occupational protein contact dermatitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57(2):89-93. PubMed

See these in context on the Lactase monograph →

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 →

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 →

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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