No known drug interactions for the matched ingredients — not a guarantee none exist. Based on 3 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Formula 21 Sugar Digest Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
No known interaction
The interaction bottom line No known interaction

Formula 21 Sugar Digest is a dietary supplement by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestion and bloating, muscle soreness and exercise recovery, inflammation and swelling.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Formula 21 Sugar Digest by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System

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 7 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (184 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Formula 21 Sugar Digest contains seven active enzymes: amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, cellulase, invertase, and diastase. Each is designed to break down different components of food — sugars, proteins, fats, lactose, fiber, and starches.

The capsule also contains plant fiber and water as inactive ingredients.

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: optimize digestion of high-sugar diets.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, glucose intolerance, postprandial hyperglycemia.
  • 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.

Lactase in this product is effective for lactose intolerance — it helps your body digest lactose, the natural sugar in milk and dairy. The evidence for the other ingredients — protease, lipase, and cellulase — for digestive support is insufficient to rate at this time.

We don't have effectiveness data on file for amylase, invertase, or diastase.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient 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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Protease, lipase, and lactase are generally well tolerated in supplement form. Protease may occasionally cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; occupational exposure to airborne protease has rarely triggered allergic rhinitis or asthma, though supplement ingestion is different.

Lipase has no reported adverse effects in adults at supplement doses, though a thorough safety review has not been completed. Lactase caused contact dermatitis and allergic rhinitis in one worker exposed to powdered form — an occupational concern, not typical of oral supplementation.

For pregnancy: protease safety has not been established, so it should be avoided unless prescribed. Lipase has little pregnancy safety data — check with your doctor first.

Lactase is likely safe during pregnancy. For breastfeeding: protease and lipase have limited data, so ask your doctor or pharmacist before use.

Lactase acts only in the gut and is considered likely safe, but confirm with your healthcare provider.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase Lactase

Meds to double-check

No known interactions
Known Interaction Concern · database check
No known interactions

No medication interactions are currently documented for the matched ingredients — that isn't a guarantee none exist.

Why this rating?
  • None of the 3 matched ingredients has a documented medication interaction on file.

No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check in this product. We were unable to verify amylase, cellulase, invertase, and diastase.

If you take any prescription medication, use the search tool on this page to confirm there's nothing we've missed.

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is an enzyme supplement aimed at people who have trouble digesting certain foods, especially lactose. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it — the safety data varies by ingredient.

Run your exact medications through the tool on this page before you begin, and let your healthcare provider know you're taking it.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Formula 21 Sugar Digest, straight from the product label.

Brand NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System
Barcode (UPC) 707636033128
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 221306
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), Gluten Free, 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 Formula 21 Sugar Digest by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System, 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:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
707636033128
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Lactase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Invertase0 NP--
Diastase0 NP--
Proprietary Enzyme Blend184 mg--

Other ingredients: Plant Fiber, Water

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

Formulated exclusively for healthcare professionals NESS Sugar Digest is uniquely formulated to optimize the digestion of high-sugar diets, minimizing sugar intolerance.

Non-GMO

Vegetarian

GMP compliant

Contains No: Aspartame, sugar, salt, gluten, artificial colors or flavors, dairy products, wheat, soy, yeast or corn proteins.

Precautions

Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, have a serious medical condition, or take any medications, consult your physician before use.

Use only if tamper evident seal is unbroken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statement have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Enzyme Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: Take two (2) capsules at the beginning of each meal, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

See for yourself

Formula 21 Sugar Digest by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Formula 21 Sugar Digest by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 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

184 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Plant Fiber, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Formula 21 Sugar Digest by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System Drug Interactions

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Formula 21 Sugar Digest. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Formula 21 Sugar Digest, from the product label.

NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System

See all NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System products
Name
Enzymes Inc.
City
Kansas City
State
MO
ZipCode
64153
Phone Number
1-800-637-7893
Web Address
www.nessenzymes.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Formula 21 Sugar Digest by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System: Common Questions

Does Formula 21 Sugar Digest by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System interact with any medications?
We do not currently list a known interaction for the mapped ingredients in Formula 21 Sugar Digest. This does not guarantee none exist, so confirm with your pharmacist.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Formula 21 Sugar Digest contains 7 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 help with lactose intolerance?
Yes — the lactase in this formula is effective for lactose intolerance. Lactase breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy products, so your body can digest them more easily.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
It depends on the ingredient. Lactase is likely safe in pregnancy. Protease hasn't been studied enough in pregnancy, so skip it unless your doctor says it's okay. Lipase also has limited pregnancy data — check with your doctor first before regular use.
What about breastfeeding?
Lactase is considered likely safe while breastfeeding since it works only in your digestive tract. Protease and lipase have limited safety data during breastfeeding — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using this product.
Are these enzymes safe to take every day?
Protease, lipase, and lactase are generally well tolerated for regular use. However, people with serious digestive conditions should use lipase only under medical guidance. If you have digestive issues or take prescription medications, confirm it with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can this cause allergic reactions?
Protease may cause allergic reactions in rare cases — one historical case of contact dermatitis and allergic rhinitis was reported in a worker exposed to powdered lactase. Supplement users can develop allergic reactions to any ingredient, so stop use and seek help if you notice rash, swelling, or breathing trouble.

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

Not sure if Formula 21 Sugar Digest is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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.

Formula 21 Sugar Digest label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Formula 21 Sugar Digest'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 5 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 →

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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