Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Gallbladder Formula Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Berg

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Gallbladder Formula is a dietary supplement by Dr. Berg with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 2,026 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Slippery Elm, Betaine Hydrochloride, Choline. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gallbladder Formula by Dr. Berg

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 8 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This 8-ingredient formula contains betaine hydrochloride and choline, which support stomach acid production and digestion. Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme; pancreatin 4X adds multiple digestive enzymes; and ox bile extract and conjugated bile salts help your body process fats.

Slippery elm soothes the digestive tract, and stone root rounds out the blend. The capsule itself is made from vegetable material, with silica and magnesium stearate added as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Gallbladder health and digestive support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Gallbladder disease, Dyspepsia, Constipation, Diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — and 3 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia, Gallbladder disease.
  • Also on file: Choline is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that these ingredients work for gallbladder support or any specific condition. Betaine hydrochloride, choline, pepsin, and slippery elm all show insufficient reliable evidence for the conditions they're traditionally used for — from digestive upset to inflammatory bowel disease.

Stone root has no effectiveness data in our files. If you're considering this formula for a particular health issue, your pharmacist or doctor can help you weigh what's known.

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.

Betaine hydrochloride may irritate the stomach and isn't safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux — it can cause heartburn and theoretically worsen ulcers. Avoid it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Choline is well tolerated at normal doses but can cause fishy body odor, and at very high doses (9+ grams daily) may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other GI upset; it should be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding only as your doctor advises. Pepsin is generally well tolerated but may rarely cause allergic reactions or digestive upset; avoid it in pregnancy without a prescription, and use cautiously while breastfeeding.

Slippery elm is generally well tolerated short-term but has limited safety data; pregnancy and breastfeeding safety aren't well established. Stone root has very little safety data and should be avoided in pregnancy and 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?
  • 3 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride, Choline, Slippery Elm.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 2,027 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 any oral medications you take — slippery elm may slow how your body absorbs them (Moderate severity). Also double-check if you take acid-reducing drugs like H2-blockers, antacids, or PPIs, since betaine hydrochloride could reduce their effects (Minor).

If you take atropine, mention that to your pharmacist (Minor). We have no interaction data for three ingredients in this formula, so run your full medication list through the checker below.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This formula is designed for digestive and gallbladder support, but the evidence for its effectiveness isn't established in our data. The main medication concern is slippery elm's potential to slow drug absorption — a significant reason to check your specific medications before starting.

If you have a history of stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or gastritis, talk to your pharmacist about whether betaine hydrochloride is right for you. Pregnant or breastfeeding?

Discuss this formula with your doctor first.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2024.

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 Gallbladder Formula, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Berg
Barcode (UPC) 013964699623
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2024
DSLD ID 316064
Product type Other Combinations
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 Gallbladder Formula by Dr. Berg, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
013964699623
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride400 mg--
Choline40 mg--
Pepsin60 mg--
Ox Bile extract200 mg--
Pancreatin 4X200 mg--
Slippery Elm40 mg--
Stone Root100 mg--
Bile Salts, Conjugated100 mg--

Other ingredients: Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Vegetable Capsule

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules per day with a meal.

Precautions

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with known medical conditions should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with known medical conditions should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, with a lid.

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.

General Statements

To reorder: shop.drberg.com (800) 816-8184

Formulation

Extra Strength

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Dr. Berg The knowledge doc

See for yourself

Gallbladder Formula by Dr. Berg label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Gallbladder Formula by Dr. Berg

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 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.

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
400 mg per serving

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...

Betaine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Choline

Interacts with
16 drugs
40 mg per serving Form: Choline Bitartrate

Choline is an essential nutrient your body needs for liver function, brain health, and nerve signaling, and many people get enough from foods like egg...

Choline monograph & interactions

Pepsin

No known
interactions
60 mg per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Pepsin monograph & interactions

Ox Bile extract

200 mg per serving

Pancreatin 4X

200 mg per serving

Slippery Elm

Interacts with
2,022 drugs
40 mg per serving Form: Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm is a traditional herbal remedy made from the inner bark of a North American elm tree, used mainly to soothe sore throats and irritated di...

Slippery Elm monograph & interactions

Stone Root

No known
interactions
100 mg per serving

Stone root is a North American herb traditionally used for hemorrhoids, urinary complaints, and digestive issues. There is very little modern scientif...

Stone Root monograph & interactions

Bile Salts, Conjugated

100 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

Gallbladder Formula by Dr. Berg Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Gallbladder Formula?

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
2,026Drugs
2,022 Moderate 4 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Slippery Elm 2,022
Choline 16

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Gallbladder Formula 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.

Slippery Elm1 drug type · 2,022 drugs

Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.
Slippery elm inner bark contains mucilage, which may interfere with the absorption of orally administered drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Betaine Hydrochloride3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Choline1 drug type · 16 drugs

Atropine

Theoretically, choline might decrease the effects of atropine in the brain.
Animal research shows that administering choline one hour before administering atropine can attenuate atropine-induced decreases in brain levels of acetylcholine. Theoretically, concomitant use of choline and atropine may decrease the effects of atropine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Gallbladder Formula, from the product label.

Dr. Berg

Name
Dr. Berg Nutritionals
Street Address
4501 Ford Avenue
City
Alexandria
State
VA
ZipCode
22302
Phone Number
800-816-8184
Web Address
shop.drberg.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gallbladder Formula by Dr. Berg: Common Questions

Does Gallbladder Formula by Dr. Berg interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Gallbladder Formula has a known interaction with 2,026 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Gallbladder Formula contains 8 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 work for my gallbladder?
The evidence we hold doesn't show that these ingredients are proven effective for gallbladder issues or the other conditions they're traditionally used for. Talk to your doctor about what science supports for your specific situation.
Can I take this if I have acid reflux or an ulcer?
No — betaine hydrochloride, one of the main ingredients, increases stomach acid and can irritate or worsen ulcers and gastritis. It's not safe for you. Your pharmacist can suggest alternatives.
Is it safe to take while I'm pregnant?
Most ingredients in this formula should be avoided in pregnancy because safety data aren't established. Choline is important during pregnancy, but you should use only prenatal vitamins or doses your doctor recommends. Talk to your doctor before starting this formula.
What's the fishy smell I've heard about with this product?
That's a reported side effect of choline, one of the ingredients. At high doses it can cause a fishy body odor due to how your gut breaks it down — though the amount in this formula may be too low to cause it.
Will this interfere with my other medications?
Possibly. Slippery elm may slow how your body absorbs oral drugs, and betaine hydrochloride may weaken acid-reducing medications. Use the medication checker on this page to look up your exact drugs before you start.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Safety data are limited or unavailable for most ingredients in this formula while breastfeeding. Choline needs are actually higher while breastfeeding, but you should use supplements only under your doctor's guidance. Talk to your doctor before starting.

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

Not sure if Gallbladder Formula 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.

Gallbladder Formula label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Gallbladder Formula’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Gallbladder Formula'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 23 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.

Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
  2. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →

Choline 14 references
  1. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  2. Cho E, Willett WC, Colditz GA, et al. Dietary choline and betaine and the risk of distal colorectal adenoma in women. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007;99:1224-31. PubMed
  3. Schmidt, C., Abicht, A., Krampfl, K., Voss, W., Stucka, R., Mildner, G., Petrova, S., Schara, U., Mortier, W., Bufler, J., Huebner, A., and Lochmuller, H. Congenital myasthenic syndrome due to a novel missense mutation in the gene encoding choline acetyl
  4. Tamminga, C., Smith, R. C., Chang, S., Haraszti, J. S., and Davis, J. M. Depression associated with oral choline. Lancet 10-23-1976;2(7991):905. PubMed
  5. Wood, J. L. and Allison, R. G. Effects of consumption of choline and lecithin on neurological and cardiovascular systems. Fed.Proc. 1982;41(14):3015-3021.
  6. Growdon, J. H. and Gelenberg, A. J. Choline and lecithin administration to patients with tardive dyskinesia. Trans.Am.Neurol.Assoc. 1978;103:95-99.
  7. Smith, C. M., Swash, M., Exton-Smith, A. N., Phillips, M. J., Overstall, P. W., Piper, M. E., and Bailey, M. R. Choline therapy in Alzheimer's disease. Lancet 8-5-1978;2(8084):318. PubMed
  8. Morrison, L. M. and W. F. Gonzales. Choline in coronary atherosclerosis. Amer.Heart J. 1950;39:729.
  9. Christie, J. G. Blackburn 1. M. Glen A. I. M. Zeisel S. Shering A. & Yates C. M. Effects of choline and lecithin on CSF choline levels and on cognitive functioning in patients with presenile dementia of the Alzheimer type. Nutrition and the brain 1979;5
  10. Sidhu N, Davies S, Nadarajah A, et al. Oral choline supplementation for postoperative pain. Br J Anaesth 2013;111(2):249-55. PubMed
  11. Wozniak JR, Fuglestad AJ, Eckerle JK, et al. Choline supplementation in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders has high feasibility and tolerability. Nutr Res. 2013;33(11):897-904. PubMed
  12. Wozniak JR, Fuglestad AJ, Eckerle JK, et al. Choline supplementation in children with fetal alcohol disorders: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(5): 1113-25.
  13. Ross RG, Hunter SK, McCarthy L, et al. Perinatal choline effects on neonatal pathophysiology related to later schizophrenia risk. Am J Psychiatry. 2013;170(3):290-8. PubMed
  14. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Choline. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press; 1998:390-422.

See these in context on the Choline 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 →

Slippery Elm 3 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Czarnecki D, Nixon R, Bekhor P, and et al. Delayed prolonged contact urticaria from the elm tree. Contact Dermatitis 1993;28:196-197. PubMed

See these in context on the Slippery Elm monograph →

Stone Root 1 reference
  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

See these in context on the Stone Root 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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