Optimal Digestive System Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Optimal Digestive System 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
Optimal Digestive System is a dietary supplement by NOW with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestion and bloating, muscle soreness and exercise recovery, inflammation and swelling.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Optimal Digestive System by NOW
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
This product contains eight active digestive enzymes that work together to break down food in your digestive tract. Protease breaks down proteins, lipase handles fats, and the rest — amylase, glucoamylase, invertase, diastase, and alpha-galactosidase — work on carbohydrates and sugars.
There are also inactive ingredients like rice bran, rice maltodextrin, and silicon dioxide that serve as fillers and flow agents in the capsule.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence on these enzymes is limited. For lipase, the data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence for inflammatory bowel disease, dyspepsia (indigestion), and prematurity.
We don't have effectiveness ratings on file for the other enzymes in this formula, so we can't tell you whether the scientific evidence supports their use.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Protease and lipase are generally well tolerated by most adults, though digestive upset or allergic reactions can occur with protease — and rarely, people exposed to protease in other products have reported allergic symptoms like nasal congestion or asthma. During pregnancy, protease safety hasn't been established and is best avoided unless prescribed by your doctor.
For breastfeeding, both protease and lipase have little safety data, so medical advice is recommended before use. Lipase specifically should only be used in pregnancy if your doctor advises it, and the same applies to breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
No known interactions
No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check. However, we hold no interaction data for amylase, glucoamylase, invertase, diastase, or alpha-galactosidase, so check your exact medications with the search tool on this page or ask your pharmacist.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.
This digestive enzyme blend may appeal to you if you're looking to support digestion, though the scientific evidence for most of these enzymes isn't well established. If you're pregnant, planning to breastfeed, or have a serious digestive condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.
Because we couldn't check several of the enzymes for interactions, run your medications through the tool on this page or confirm with your pharmacist before you take it.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 23, 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
General information
Key facts about Optimal Digestive System, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739029584 |
| Net contents | 90 Veg Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 23, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 313890 |
| 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), Kosher, Dairy 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 Optimal Digestive System by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Amylase | 0 NP | -- |
| Protease | 0 NP | -- |
| Protease | 0 NP | -- |
| Glucoamylase | 0 NP | -- |
| Invertase | 0 NP | -- |
| Diastase | 0 NP | -- |
| Lipase | 0 NP | -- |
| Alpha-Galactosidase | 30 mg | -- |
| BioCore Optimum | 200 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Rice Bran, Hypromellose, Rice Maltodextrin, Silicon Dioxide
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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Usage: Take 2 capsules with or before each meal.
Formula
NOW Optimal Digestive System offers a blend of enzymes that will aid in the digestion of most foods, including beans and cruciferous vegetables.
Full spectrum enzymes BioCore Optimum
Triangle K (Kosher)
Formulation
The vegetarian enzymes in this product have been tested in a controlled laboratory study using a digestive model by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research to demonstrate their activity throughout the entire pH range of the digestive system.
Not manufactured with milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.
Maximum food utilization Also helps bean and cabbage digestion
Vegetarian/Vegan
Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Natural color variation may occur in this product.
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.
Precautions
Not manufactured with milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Caution: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.
Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
Triangle K (Kosher)
GMP Quality Assured
General Statements
Digestive Family owned since 1968.
Brand IP Statement(s)
BioCore Optimum is a trademark of National Emzyme Company.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Optimal Digestive System by NOW 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 Optimal Digestive System by NOW
These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Veg 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.
Alpha-Galactosidase
Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Bran, Hypromellose, Rice Maltodextrin, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Optimal Digestive System by NOW Drug Interactions
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Optimal Digestive System. 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 Optimal Digestive System, from the product label.
NOW
See all NOW products- Name
- NOW FOODS
- Street Address
- 395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
- City
- Bloomingdale
- State
- IL
- ZipCode
- 60108
- Web Address
- nowfoods.com
Optimal Digestive System by NOW: Common Questions
Does Optimal Digestive System by NOW interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is this safe to take while I'm pregnant?
Can I use this while breastfeeding?
What's the difference between all these enzymes?
Can protease cause an allergic reaction?
Is there any evidence these enzymes actually work?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Optimal Digestive System 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 Optimal Digestive System’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
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 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 →Sources & How We Checked
Optimal Digestive System'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 4 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
- 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
- Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
- Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed
See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →
Lipase 1 reference
- 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
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