Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Gastro-Assist Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Factors

Gastro-Assist label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Gastro-Assist against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Gastro-Assist is a dietary supplement by Natural Factors with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for zinc deficiency, immune support, cold symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 1,170 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chamomile extract, Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Zinc L-Carnosine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Gastro-Assist by Natural Factors

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Gastro-Assist by Natural Factors — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gastro-Assist by Natural Factors

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 30, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 6 active ingredients.

Gastro-Assist contains 6 active ingredients. Zinc (as Zinc L-Carnosine) supports immune function and wound healing.

Mastic gum has a long history in traditional medicine for digestive comfort. Chamomile extract provides mild soothing properties.

The two probiotics—Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and Saccharomyces boulardii—are live microorganisms intended to support healthy gut flora. The capsule itself is made from vegetarian cellulose.

The product also contains magnesium stearate and silica as inactive ingredients (standard processing aids).

Does it work?

Moderate 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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: promote intestinal tract and gut health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection, Crohn disease, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Abdominal pain — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Saccharomyces Boulardii is rated "Possibly Effective" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saccharomyces Boulardii is rated "Possibly Effective" for Rotaviral diarrhea, Travelers' diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection.
  • Also on file: Mastic is rated "Possibly Effective" for Dyspepsia.

The evidence for these ingredients is mixed. Zinc is effective for zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease, and possibly effective for acne, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetes.

Mastic gum is possibly effective for dyspepsia (indigestion), but evidence for brittle nails, cancer, and fatty liver disease is insufficient. Chamomile extract shows insufficient evidence for anxiety, hay fever, ADHD, and other conditions listed.

Bifidobacterium longum has insufficient evidence for cognitive decline, hay fever, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, anxiety, and asthma. Saccharomyces boulardii is possibly effective for travelers' diarrhea, rotavirus diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, C. difficile infection, and H. pylori infection.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Mastic German Chamomile Bifidobacterium Longum Saccharomyces Boulardii

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.

At recommended doses, zinc is generally well tolerated, though high doses above 40 mg daily can cause nausea, diarrhea, metallic taste, and abdominal cramps, and may increase the risk of copper deficiency over time. Mastic gum is generally well tolerated in food and traditional amounts, though supplement-strength safety data are limited.

Chamomile extract can cause allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants; rare cases of severe reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported. Bifidobacterium longum and Saccharomyces boulardii are generally safe for healthy adults but should be avoided by critically ill or severely immunocompromised patients—rare cases of infection from these live organisms have occurred in ICU settings.

For pregnancy, zinc is likely safe, but mastic gum and chamomile lack enough safety data and should be avoided in pregnancy unless your doctor approves; limited data exist for breastfeeding with chamomile. Probiotics have insufficient data for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Mastic German Chamomile Bifidobacterium Longum Saccharomyces Boulardii

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?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Saccharomyces Boulardii, German Chamomile, Zinc, Bifidobacterium Longum.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 1,171 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, double-check with your pharmacist or doctor if you take: blood thinners like warfarin (major bleeding risk from chamomile); quinolone, tetracycline, or cephalosporin antibiotics (zinc reduces their effectiveness); antibiotic drugs generally (may reduce probiotic benefit and kill organisms); HIV medications like ritonavir or integrase inhibitors; chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin; oral contraceptives or estrogen therapy; CNS depressants (sedatives, opioids, sleep aids); or drugs metabolized by liver enzymes CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP2C9. Separate antibiotics from this product by at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Gastro-Assist may help with zinc deficiency, indigestion, and diarrhea depending on which conditions apply to you. However, it's not right for you if you're taking certain antibiotics, blood thinners like warfarin, HIV medications, or if you're on many other drugs—the zinc and chamomile content creates real interaction risks.

If you're critically ill or on antibiotics, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. Discuss it with your own healthcare provider before starting, especially if you take any medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2018.

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 Gastro-Assist, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Factors
Barcode (UPC) 068958017563
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsules
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2018
DSLD ID 179381
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, 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 Gastro-Assist by Natural Factors, 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
30
UPC/BARCODE
068958017563
IngredientAmount% DV
Zinc L-Carnosine37.5 mg--
Zinc8 mg73%
Mastic Gum260 mg--
Chamomile extract200 mg--
Bifidobacterium longum BB5360 NP--
Saccharomyces boulardii0 NP--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

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.
Seals/Symbols

isura Non-GMO - Mass spec Documentation Lab tested

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: 2 capsules 2 times per day or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Cautions: As with any supplement, consult your health professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, or if you are taking medication, have a medical condition, or anticipate a surgery.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

General Statements

Gastro-Assist contains key functional ingredients that together promote the health of the intestinal tract, help to encourage a healthy gut flora balance, and support a balanced intestinal inflammatory response to normal internal stressors.

Manufactured by Natural Factors to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA and Health Canada.

Product of Canada Purity & potency guaranteed Recyclable container and label.

Healthy intestinal function

Formulation

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, animal products, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs.

Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

With mastic gum, saccharomyces bouldardii & zinc l-carnosine

Brand IP Statement(s)

BB536 is a registered trademark of Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.

General

R2

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Gastro-Assist by Natural Factors label

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

Gastro-Assist label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Gastro-Assist by Natural Factors

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Zinc L-Carnosine

Interacts with
67 drugs
37.5 mg per serving

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc L-Carnosine monograph & interactions

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
8 mg per serving Form: Zinc L-Carnosine

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

Mastic Gum

No known
interactions
260 mg per serving

Mastic is a resin from the mastic tree that has a long history of use for digestive complaints and oral health. Some small studies suggest it may help...

Mastic Gum monograph & interactions

Chamomile extract

Interacts with
960 drugs
200 mg per serving

German chamomile is a widely used herbal remedy taken mainly as a tea for calming, sleep, and digestive complaints. Early research suggests possible b...

Chamomile extract monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Interacts with
182 drugs
0 NP per serving

Bifidobacterium longum is a 'friendly' bacterium found naturally in the human gut and used as a probiotic. It is generally well tolerated and is most...

Bifidobacterium longum BB536 monograph & interactions

Saccharomyces boulardii

Interacts with
40 drugs
0 NP per serving

Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast used as a probiotic, with the strongest evidence for preventing and treating certain types of diarrhea,...

Saccharomyces boulardii monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Gastro-Assist by Natural Factors Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Gastro-Assist?

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
1,170Drugs
1,099 Moderate 71 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chamomile extract 960
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 182
Zinc L-Carnosine 67
Saccharomyces boulardii 40

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Gastro-Assist interact with 1,170 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 6 ingredients in Gastro-Assist interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Chamomile extract Bifidobacterium longum BB536 Zinc L-Carnosine Saccharomyces boulardii

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Gastro-Assist 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.

Chamomile extract9 drug types · 960 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, German chamomile might have additive effects when used with CNS depressants.
German chamomile has mild sedative effects. Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs with sedative properties can cause additive effects and side effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, large amounts of German chamomile might reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
In vitro, German chamomile has demonstrated antiestrogenic activity. Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of German chamomile might interfere with contraceptive drugs through competition for estrogen receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, German chamomile might inhibit CYP2C9 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
In vitro evidence shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP2C9. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 in patients taking German chamomile.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, German chamomile might inhibit CYP2D6 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
In vitro evidence shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP2D6. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 in patients taking German chamomile.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, German chamomile might inhibit CYP3A4 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
In vitro evidence shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP3A4. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 in patients taking German chamomile.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, large amounts of German chamomile might reduce the effectiveness of estrogens.
In vitro, German chamomile has demonstrated antiestrogenic activity. Theoretically, large amounts of German chamomile might interfere with hormone replacement therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, large amounts of German chamomile might interfere with the activity of tamoxifen.
In vitro, German chamomile has demonstrated antiestrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

German chamomile might increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
In one case, a 70-year-old female taking warfarin developed retroperitoneal hematoma and bilateral recti muscle bleeding along with an INR of 7.9 following ingestion of German chamomile tea 4-5 cups daily and use of a topical chamomile-based lotion applied 4-5 times daily.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, German chamomile might inhibit CYP1A2 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
In vitro and animal research shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP1A2. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 in patients taking German chamomile.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chamomile extract full monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium longum BB5361 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium longum with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. longum.
Since B. longum preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. longum preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 full monograph & interactions

Zinc L-Carnosine10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Zinc L-Carnosine full monograph & interactions

Saccharomyces boulardii1 drug type · 40 drugs

Antifungals

Theoretically, taking antifungals with Saccharomyces boulardii might decrease the effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii.
S. boulardii is a live yeast. Therefore, simultaneously taking antifungals might kill a significant number of the organisms.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Saccharomyces boulardii full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Gastro-Assist, from the product label.

Natural Factors

See all Natural Factors products
Name
Natural Factors Canada
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gastro-Assist by Natural Factors: Common Questions

Does Gastro-Assist by Natural Factors interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Gastro-Assist has a known interaction with 1,170 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Gastro-Assist contains 6 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 stomach problems?
Mastic gum and the probiotics may help with indigestion and certain types of diarrhea. Saccharomyces boulardii is possibly effective for travelers' diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and C. difficile infection. Mastic is possibly effective for dyspepsia. However, the evidence for chamomile in these conditions is insufficient.
Is it safe to take with my antibiotics?
No—not without spacing. Zinc reduces absorption of many antibiotics by 27–40%, making them less effective. Separate this product from quinolone, tetracycline, and cephalosporin antibiotics by at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after. Additionally, antibiotics may kill the live probiotics in this product, so space those too.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Zinc is likely safe in pregnancy, but mastic gum and chamomile lack enough safety data—avoid them in pregnancy unless your doctor approves. Data for breastfeeding are limited for chamomile and the probiotics; check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What are the probiotics in this product for?
Bifidobacterium longum and Saccharomyces boulardii are live beneficial microorganisms meant to support healthy gut flora. Saccharomyces boulardii is possibly effective for diarrhea caused by antibiotics, travel, rotavirus, C. difficile, and H. pylori infection.
What side effects should I watch for?
Zinc can cause nausea, diarrhea, metallic taste, and abdominal cramps—these are dose-related. Chamomile rarely causes allergic reactions and nausea. The probiotics may cause flatulence, abdominal discomfort, or constipation in rare cases. High-dose zinc over time may increase copper deficiency risk.
Is this safe if I'm on blood thinners?
Not without checking first. Chamomile in this product may increase the effects of warfarin and raise your bleeding risk—one case reported serious internal bleeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting if you take any blood thinner.

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

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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.

Gastro-Assist label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Gastro-Assist’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Zinc

Interacts with 67 drugs

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but supplements can help correct or prevent a defici...

Read the full Zinc monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Mastic

Mastic is a resin from the mastic tree that has a long history of use for digestive complaints and oral health. Some small studies suggest it may help with indigestion, stomach ulcers, and d...

Read the full Mastic monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

German Chamomile

Interacts with 960 drugs

German chamomile is a widely used herbal remedy taken mainly as a tea for calming, sleep, and digestive complaints. Early research suggests possible benefits for mild anxiety and some skin o...

Read the full German Chamomile monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bifidobacterium Longum

Interacts with 182 drugs

Bifidobacterium longum is a 'friendly' bacterium found naturally in the human gut and used as a probiotic. It is generally well tolerated and is most studied for digestive issues, though evi...

Read the full Bifidobacterium Longum monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Saccharomyces Boulardii

Interacts with 40 drugs

Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast used as a probiotic, with the strongest evidence for preventing and treating certain types of diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea...

Read the full Saccharomyces Boulardii monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Gastro-Assist'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 155 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.

Zinc 88 references
  1. Barceloux DG. Zinc. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:279-92.
  2. Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1984;25:20-4. DOI
  3. Smith DS, Helzner EC, Nuttall CE Jr, et al. Failure of zinc gluconate in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:646-8. PubMed
  4. Blondeau JM. Expanded activity and utility of the new fluoroquinolones: a review. Clin Ther 1999;21:3-40. PubMed
  5. Reyes AJ, Olhaberry JV, Leary WP, et al. Urinary zinc excretion, diuretics, zinc deficiency and some side-effects of diuretics. S Afr Med J 1983;64:936-41.
  6. Kugelmas M. Preliminary observation: oral zinc sulfate replacement is effective in treating muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:13-5. PubMed
  7. Hebel SK, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 52nd ed. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
  8. Chan S, Gerson B, Subramaniam S. The role of copper, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc in nutrition and health. Clin Lab Med 1998;18:673-85. DOI
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  19. Romanio MR, Coraine LA, Maielo VP, Abramczyc ML, Souza RL, Oliveira NF. Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungemia in a pediatric patient after treatment with probiotics. Rev Paul Pediatr 2017;35(3):361-4.
  20. Roy U, Jessani LG, Rudramurthy SM, et al. Seven cases of Saccharomyces fungaemia related to use of probiotics. Mycoses 2017;60(6):375-380.
  21. Romanio MR, Coraine LA, Maielo VP, Abramczyc ML, Souza RL, Oliveira NF. Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungemia in a pediatric patient after treatment with probiotics. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2017 Jul-Sep;35(3):361-364. doi: 10.1590/1984-0462/;2017;35;3;00014.
  22. Flatley EA, Wilde AM, Nailor MD. Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention of hospital onset Clostridium difficile infection. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2015;24(1):21-4. PubMed
  23. Ventoulis I, Sarmourli T, Amoiridou P, et al. Bloodstream infection by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in two COVID-19 patients after receiving supplementation of Saccharomyces in the ICU. J Fungi (Basel). 2020;6(3):98. PubMed
  24. Wombwell E, Bransteitter B, Gillen LR. Incidence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungemia in hospitalised patients administered Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic. Mycoses 2021;64(12):1521-1526.
  25. Rannikko J, Holmberg V, Karppelin M, et al. Fungemia and Other Fungal Infections Associated with Use of Saccharomyces boulardii Probiotic Supplements. Emerg Infect Dis 2021;27(8):2090-6.
  26. Awoyemi A, Mayerhofer C, Felix AS, et al. Rifaximin or Saccharomyces boulardii in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Results from the randomized GutHeart trial. EBioMedicine 2021;70:103511. PubMed

See these in context on the Saccharomyces Boulardii 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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