Gluten Defense Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Nature's Way
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Gluten Defense 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
Gluten Defense is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for improving mineral absorption, breaking down phytic acid (phytate) in grains and legumes, supporting digestion of plant-based foods.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 Gluten Defense by Nature's Way
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.
What’s inside
Low disclosure
Gluten Defense contains seven active digestive enzymes. Amylase helps break down starches, lipase works on fats, and phytase aids mineral absorption.
Lactase breaks down milk sugar (lactose), cellulase digests plant fiber, sucrase handles table sugar, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV targets certain peptides. Together, they're designed to ease digestion of a range of foods.
The capsules also contain inactive ingredients — plant-derived capsule material, cellulose, inulin, calcium laurate, and silica — that help the product hold together and dissolve properly.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
The evidence behind these enzymes is mixed. Lactase is rated effective for lactose intolerance — that one's well established.
For the others, the data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate them: phytase for aging skin, iron or zinc deficiency, and child growth; lipase for inflammatory bowel disease and indigestion; and sucrase, cellulase, and the other enzymes lack established effectiveness ratings in our records.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Lactase is generally well tolerated when used as directed, though one case of allergic contact dermatitis to powdered lactase has been reported. Lipase is generally well tolerated in supplement form, but people with serious digestive conditions should use it only under medical guidance — there's one concern about a special form (recombinant human bile salt-stimulated lipase) causing rare gut problems in premature infants, but that's a specific medical product, not what's in this supplement.
Phytase carries a caution: it's generally considered low-risk in foods, but human supplement data are limited. Occupational exposure to powdered phytase in animal feed has caused allergic reactions and lung inflammation in some workers, though this is a different route than taking a capsule.
For pregnancy, lactase is likely safe but check with your doctor before regular use. Lipase has little safety data in pregnancy — use only if your doctor advises it.
Phytase safety in pregnancy is not established — avoid unless your doctor says otherwise. Breastfeeding data are limited for both lipase and phytase; check with your healthcare provider.
We don't have pregnancy or breastfeeding data on file for amylase, sucrase, cellulase, or dipeptidyl peptidase-IV.
Meds to double-check
No known interactions
No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check — phytase, lipase, and lactase. However, we could not check amylase, sucrase, cellulase, or dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, so mention this product to your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.
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.
Gluten Defense is a multienzyme blend designed to help with digestion. If you have lactose intolerance, lactase is effective and generally well tolerated.
For the other enzymes, the evidence isn't yet established in our data — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your particular digestion concerns. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a serious digestive condition, mention this product to your healthcare provider first.
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 Feb 26, 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
General information
Key facts about Gluten Defense, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Nature's Way |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 033674127193 |
| Net contents | 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Feb 26, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 213831 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free, Sugar Free |
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 Gluten Defense by Nature's Way, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Amylase | 0 NP | -- |
| Phytase | 0 NP | -- |
| Lipase | 0 NP | -- |
| Sucrase | 0 NP | -- |
| Lactase | 0 NP | -- |
| Cellulase | 0 NP | -- |
| Microbial Enzymes | 621 mg | -- |
| Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV | 0 NP | -- |
Other ingredients: plant-derived Capsule, Cellulose, Inulin, Calcium Laurate, Silica
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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
Gluten from grains and casein from dairy.
Contains no sugar, salt, yeast, dairy products, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Vegan
Digestive
Helps digest wheat and dairy
Precautions
Keep out of reach of children.
Safety sealed with printed inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.
Caution: While Gluten Defense will reduce the level of reactive gliadin and gluten proteins in a meal, it is advised that celiac disease sufferers continue with their normal gluten exclusion diet as even small amounts of gliadin can cause adverse reactions in the most sensitized individuals.
If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.
Brand IP Statement(s)
2019 Distributed by Nature’s Way Brands, LLC
Seals/Symbols
Quality Global Sourcing Bottled & Tested In the USA
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
General Statements
Nature’s Way Since 1969
Formula
Targeted Digestive Enzymes
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Recommendation: Take 2 capsules with each meal or as recommended by a healthcare professional.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Gluten Defense by Nature's Way label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Gluten Defense by Nature's Way
These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 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.
Other (inactive) ingredients: Plant-derived Capsule, Cellulose, Inulin, Calcium Laurate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Gluten Defense by Nature's Way Drug Interactions
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Gluten Defense. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Gluten Defense, from the product label.
Nature's Way
See all Nature's Way products- Name
- Nature's Way Brands, LLC
- City
- Green Bay
- State
- WI
- ZipCode
- 54311
- Phone Number
- 1-800-962-8873
- Web Address
- naturesway.com
Gluten Defense by Nature's Way: Common Questions
Does Gluten Defense by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Will this help me digest gluten?
Is lactase safe if I'm pregnant?
What if I'm allergic to dairy — can I still take this?
Can I take this if I have IBS or Crohn's disease?
Are there any fillers in this?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Gluten Defense is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Gluten Defense’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Phytase
Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid (phytate) found in grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, which can free up minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium for absorption. It is widely used...
Read the full Phytase monograph → Herb & supplement monographLipase
Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...
Read the full Lipase monograph → Herb & supplement monographLactase
Lactase is a digestive enzyme supplement that helps people who lack enough natural lactase break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It can reduce gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhe...
Read the full Lactase monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Gluten Defense'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 9 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.
Phytase 7 references
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Lipase 1 reference
- 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
Lactase 1 reference
- 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
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