Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 6 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

HCl + Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Smidge

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

HCl + Enzymes is a dietary supplement by Smidge with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 38 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Betaine Hydrochloride, Protease Peptidase Complex. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of HCl + Enzymes by Smidge

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 2 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Comprehensive Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (494 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This capsule contains seven active ingredients: three digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, and lactase), a fourth enzyme complex (protease peptidase complex, which includes papain), betaine hydrochloride (a form of hydrochloric acid), pepsin (a stomach enzyme), and phytase (which helps break down plant compounds). Together they're meant to support your digestive process across different food types.

The inactive ingredients are cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and water — standard capsule materials.

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: aid protein, fat and carbohydrate digestion.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, Diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, malabsorption.
  • 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: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diarrhea, Dyspepsia.

The effectiveness evidence is thin across the board. Lactase has an "Effective" rating for lactose intolerance — so if you can't digest milk sugar, this ingredient has proven helpful.

For everything else in the product, the evidence we hold is insufficient: betaine hydrochloride, lipase, phytase, pepsin, and papain all lack reliable evidence to support claims about dyspepsia, food allergies, or the other conditions listed. This doesn't mean they don't work; it means large, well-designed trials haven't yet established whether they do.

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 6 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lipase and lactase are generally well tolerated. Lactase has been rated likely safe in pregnancy, though lipase safety in pregnancy is unclear — check with your doctor if you're pregnant.

Betaine hydrochloride is the ingredient with the strongest caution: it may irritate the stomach and is not safe for people with ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux; it's best avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Phytase and pepsin (a protease) can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people, especially occupational exposure to the powder.

Papain may cause allergic reactions like itchy eyes, sneezing, and gastrointestinal symptoms in sensitive individuals; concentrated papain and unripe papaya products should be avoided in pregnancy. At high doses, papain can cause severe gastritis or even esophageal perforation, though this is rare.

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?
  • 2 of the 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Betaine Hydrochloride.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 38 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 warfarin (Coumadin), do not use this product without your doctor's approval — the papain component poses a Moderate interaction risk. Double-check before starting if you take H2-blockers, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for heartburn or reflux, as betaine hydrochloride may reduce their effects.

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 product is a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme blend best suited for people without active ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux — and those not taking blood thinners or acid-reducing medications. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor first; safety data are incomplete for most ingredients.

Check your exact medications with the tool on this page before you start.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2025.

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 HCl + Enzymes, straight from the product label.

Brand Smidge
Barcode (UPC) 850019902013
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2025
DSLD ID 337911
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 HCl + Enzymes by Smidge, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
850019902013
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Lactase0 NP--
Phytase0 NP--
Betaine Hydrochloride400 mg--
Pepsin8 mg--
Comprehensive Enzyme Blend494 mg--
Protease Peptidase Complex0 NP--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Smidge Always start with a Smidge.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Start with 1 capsule daily with food. Then take two capsules together, or as directed by a practitioner.

Formula

Smidge HCl + Enzymes combines a gentle dose of HCl (hydrochloric acid) with pepsin and enzymes in a comprehensive supplement blend to aid protein, fat and carbohydrate digestion.

Gentle Dose of HCl + Pepsin Three Types of Lipase Protease (with DPP-IV)

Formulation

Combined with a healthy diet, Smidge enzymes can help you maintain nutritional balance in the gut and achieve optimal health. Smidge supplements are guaranteed clean and potent.

Free of the following common allergens: milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, gluten, and soybeans. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Small Batch Supplements

Aids Digestion

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Do not use if the safety seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not chew or open capsules. Do not take on an empty stomach.

HCl should not be taken if you have stomach or duodenal ulcers or are taking drugs that may cause ulcers.

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 disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

HCl + Enzymes by Smidge label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in HCl + Enzymes by Smidge

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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

Pepsin

No known
interactions
8 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

Comprehensive Enzyme Blend

494 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

HCl + Enzymes by Smidge Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against HCl + Enzymes?

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
38Drugs
2 Moderate 36 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in HCl + Enzymes 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.

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

Protease Peptidase Complex1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, papain might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for HCl + Enzymes, from the product label.

Smidge

See all Smidge products
Name
Organic 3, Inc.
Street Address
26677 W. 12 Mile Rd.
City
Southfield
State
MI
ZipCode
48034
Phone Number
888-524-6585
Web Address
www.GetSmidge.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

HCl + Enzymes by Smidge: Common Questions

Does HCl + Enzymes by Smidge interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, HCl + Enzymes has a known interaction with 38 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
HCl + Enzymes 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 work for bloating or indigestion?
We don't have reliable evidence that these ingredients improve indigestion or dyspepsia. Lactase does work for lactose intolerance specifically, but the other enzymes lack proven benefit for general digestive complaints. Talk with your pharmacist about whether this is the right fit for your symptoms.
Is it safe if I have acid reflux?
No. Betaine hydrochloride in this product increases stomach acid, which can make reflux worse. It's also not safe if you have ulcers or gastritis. Skip this one if you have any of those conditions.
Can I take it while pregnant?
Not safely without your doctor's approval. Betaine hydrochloride should be avoided in pregnancy, papain is possibly unsafe, and safety data for the other ingredients are incomplete or lacking. Talk with your OB or pharmacist first.
Can I take it while breastfeeding?
Safety data are limited or absent for most of these ingredients during breastfeeding. Betaine hydrochloride should be avoided. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
What are enzymes supposed to do in a supplement?
These enzymes are meant to help break down different components of food — amylase for carbs, lipase for fats, protease for protein, lactase for milk sugar, and phytase for compounds in plants. Whether supplementing them actually helps digestion isn't well established by research.
Is there a risk of an allergic reaction?
Yes, a small number of sensitive people may have allergic reactions to the enzyme proteins — especially papain. Symptoms can range from itchy eyes and sneezing to rash, swelling, or gastrointestinal symptoms. If you have enzyme allergies or are sensitive to papaya, be cautious.

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

Not sure if HCl + Enzymes is safe with your meds?

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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.

HCl + Enzymes label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind HCl + Enzymes’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with 36 drugs

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is limited and mostly based on tradition rat...

Read the full Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

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

Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Lipase

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 monograph

Lactase

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 →
Herb & supplement monograph

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 monograph

Papain

Interacts with 2 drugs

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food and laboratory uses, strong human evidence...

Read the full Papain monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

HCl + Enzymes'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 25 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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Papain 11 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  3. Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.
  4. Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
  5. Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial PubMed
  6. Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
  7. Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
  8. Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
  9. Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
  10. Baur X, König G, Bencze K, Fruhmann G. Clinical symptoms and results of skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test in thirty-three papain workers: Evidence for strong immunogenic potency and clinically relevant proteolytic e?ects of airborne papain. C
  11. Novey HS, Keenan WJ, Fairshter RD, Wells ID, Wilson AF, Culver BD. Pulmonary disease in workers exposed to papain: clinico-physiological and immunological studies. Clin Allergy 1980;10(6):721-31. PubMed

See these in context on the Papain 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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