Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Porphyra-Zyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Biotics Research Corporation

Porphyra-Zyme label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical With Nutrients
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 Porphyra-Zyme 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

Porphyra-Zyme is a dietary supplement by Biotics Research Corporation with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 1,015 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Beet Leaf Powder, Vitamin C, Spinach Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Porphyra-Zyme by Biotics Research Corporation

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Porphyra-Zyme by Biotics Research Corporation — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Porphyra-Zyme by Biotics Research Corporation

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 11, 2026

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 1 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (210 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Porphyra-Zyme contains 5 ingredients: vitamin C, a proprietary blend, beet leaf powder, vegetable culture concentrate, and spinach powder. Vitamin C supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.

Beet leaf powder contains nitrates and pigments that may support athletic performance and exercise recovery. Spinach powder provides vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.

The product is completed with inactive ingredients including stearic acid, magnesium stearate, modified cellulose gum, and food glaze, which serve as binders and flow agents in the tablet.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Vitamin C deficiency — rated "Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hypertension — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hypercholesterolemia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Atrial fibrillation — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Laser skin resurfacing — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).

Evidence for this product's effectiveness is mixed and limited. Vitamin C is effective for vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections.

Beet leaf powder is possibly effective for athletic performance and exercise-induced muscle soreness, though it's possibly ineffective for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has insufficient evidence for dyslipidemia and cognitive function. Spinach powder has insufficient evidence to support claims about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cognitive function, muscle strength, obesity, or polycystic ovary syndrome.

The combined effectiveness of these ingredients together in this formulation is not established in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Beet Spinach Black Mulberry

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal dietary supplement doses but can cause side effects at very high doses — above 2 grams daily you may experience abdominal cramps, heartburn, osmotic diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Kidney stones have been reported in people prone to them.

Beet leaf powder is generally well tolerated short term, though red or black stools may occur (this is harmless), and large amounts theoretically could cause low calcium. Spinach powder is well tolerated as food and is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at normal food amounts.

Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding with vitamin C: normal amounts from food and prenatal vitamins are fine, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise; spinach as a normal food is safe during both pregnancy and lactation. We have no pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data on file for beet leaf powder, vegetable culture concentrate, or mulberry extract.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Beet Spinach Black Mulberry

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 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Beet, Black Mulberry, Spinach, Vitamin C.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,016 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 Porphyra-Zyme, double-check with your pharmacist if you take estrogen-based contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (vitamin C may raise estrogen levels), blood thinners like warfarin (both vitamin C and spinach can interfere), thyroid medication levothyroxine (vitamin C increases absorption), blood sugar medications (spinach may lower glucose further), or drugs processed by your liver's CYP3A4 enzyme — a large group including many statins and blood pressure medications (beet may increase their levels). No interactions are documented for the vegetable culture concentrate or mulberry extract we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Porphyra-Zyme may be worth considering if you're looking for general antioxidant and micronutrient support from whole-food sources. However, if you take oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, warfarin, levothyroxine, blood sugar medications, or drugs metabolized by the liver, you should check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting — the interactions are real and could affect how your drugs work.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before adding this product to your routine.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2013.

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 Porphyra-Zyme, straight from the product label.

Brand Biotics Research Corporation
Net contents 270 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2013
DSLD ID 22549
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Porphyra-Zyme by Biotics Research Corporation, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin C120 mg200%
Proprietary Blend210 mg--
Beet Leaf Powder0 NP--
Vegetable culture concentrate0 NP--
Spinach Powder0 NP--
Mulberry extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, modified Cellulose Gum, Food Glaze

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.
Storage

Store in a cool, dry area.

General Statements

Sealed with an imprinted safety seal for your protection.

General

Rev. 7/07

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Porphyra-Zyme(TM) supplies botanical extracts and concentrates providing naturally occurring chlorophyllin, galactoglycerides, chlorophyll (a & b), phospholipids, carotenoids, sulfolipids, plastoquinones (a, b & c), menadione, cytochrome B6 & F, plastocyanine, ferridoxin, and trace minerals.

(C) Copyright 2007

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

RECOMMENDATION: One (1) tablet one (1) to three (3) times each day as a dietary supplement or as otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

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

See for yourself

Porphyra-Zyme by Biotics Research Corporation label

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

Porphyra-Zyme 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 Porphyra-Zyme by Biotics Research Corporation

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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.

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
120 mg per serving Form: Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

Proprietary Blend

210 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Modified Cellulose Gum, Food Glaze. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Porphyra-Zyme by Biotics Research Corporation Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Porphyra-Zyme?

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
1,015Drugs
778 Moderate 237 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Beet Leaf Powder 861
Vitamin C 207
Spinach Powder 88
Mulberry extract 87

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Porphyra-Zyme interact with 1,015 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in Porphyra-Zyme interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Beet Leaf Powder Vitamin C Spinach Powder Mulberry extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Porphyra-Zyme 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.

Beet Leaf Powder3 drug types · 861 drugs

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, beet might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that betanin, the major pigment in beet, competitively inhibits CYP3A4 in a dose-dependent manner similarly to strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Beet and beetroot contain nitrates, which can cause vasodilation, potentially leading to lower blood pressure. However, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition using concentrated beetroot juice found no significant impact on blood pressure or heart rate in different age groups. Other small clinical studies suggest that while beet consumption might transiently lower blood pressure due to vessel dilation, there's no consistent evidence of a lasting effect. Overall, the theoretical risk of reduced blood pressure due to beet's nitrate content exists, but studies generally indicate a low and temporary impact rather than a sustained decrease.

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

Theoretically, beet might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that beet induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beet Leaf Powder full monograph & interactions

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Vitamin C full monograph & interactions

Spinach Powder2 drug types · 88 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

There are claims that spinach leaves have hypoglycemic effects. Evidence from clinical research suggests that consumption of a spinach-rich meal reduces post-meal blood glucose levels. Theoretically, spinach might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Spinach contains vitamin K, which can interfere with the activity of warfarin.
In human research, although eating spinach with one meal does not result in coagulation test results outside the therapeutic range, daily consumption for one week necessitates dose adjustment of warfarin. Individuals using anticoagulants should consume a consistent daily amount of spinach to maintain the effect of anticoagulant therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Spinach Powder full monograph & interactions

Mulberry extract2 drug types · 87 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, black mulberry leaf might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
One small clinical study shows that black mulberry leaf extract has hypoglycemic effects. This is supported by in vitro research which also suggests that constituents in black mulberry twigs and leaves might have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, black mulberry might inhibit the metabolism of midazolam.
In vitro research shows that black mulberry juice can inhibit midazolam 1'-hydroxylation, a reaction that is catalyzed by cytochrome P450 3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Mulberry extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Porphyra-Zyme, from the product label.

Biotics Research Corporation

See all Biotics Research Corporation products
Name
BIOTICS RESEARCH CORP.
City
Rosenberg
State
Texas
Phone Number
(281) 344-0909
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Porphyra-Zyme by Biotics Research Corporation: Common Questions

Does Porphyra-Zyme by Biotics Research Corporation interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Porphyra-Zyme has a known interaction with 1,015 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Porphyra-Zyme contains 5 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.
Can I take Porphyra-Zyme if I'm on birth control?
Not without checking with your pharmacist first. The vitamin C in this product can increase blood levels of estrogens in oral contraceptives by up to 55%, which could change how well your birth control works or increase estrogen-related side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.
Will this product affect my warfarin?
Yes — both vitamin C and spinach in this product can interfere with warfarin (a blood thinner). Vitamin C can reduce its effectiveness, and spinach's vitamin K content directly opposes warfarin's action. If you take warfarin, do not start this product without speaking to your pharmacist or doctor first.
What's the main benefit of beet leaf powder in here?
Research suggests beet is possibly effective for athletic performance and exercise-induced muscle soreness — the nitrates and pigments it contains may help improve blood flow and recovery. As food, beet is well tolerated; concentrated supplements like this one lack as much safety data, so use as directed.
Is it safe to take this while pregnant?
Normal food amounts of spinach are safe during pregnancy. However, vitamin C at high doses is not advised during pregnancy — normal dietary amounts and prenatal vitamins are fine, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor says it's okay. We don't have pregnancy safety data for beet leaf powder, vegetable culture concentrate, or mulberry extract, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I take this if I have red stools or dark urine?
Red or black stools from beet supplements are normal and harmless — they're just color from the beet pigment passing through your digestive tract. If this concerns you or if it doesn't clear up, mention it to your pharmacist.
What happens if I take too much vitamin C?
Above 2 grams daily, you're more likely to experience stomach cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. People prone to kidney stones should be cautious. High doses over time can theoretically cause kidney problems in rare cases. Stick to the dosage on the label.

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.

Porphyra-Zyme label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Porphyra-Zyme’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin C

Interacts with 207 drugs

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...

Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Beet

Interacts with 861 drugs

Beet, especially beetroot juice, is a nitrate-rich food that may modestly lower blood pressure and slightly improve exercise performance in some people. It is generally safe as a food, but s...

Read the full Beet monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Spinach

Interacts with 88 drugs

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is a healthy part of a balanced diet, providing vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. While it is very safe as a food, concentrated supple...

Read the full Spinach monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Black Mulberry

Interacts with 87 drugs

Black mulberry is a nutritious fruit rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and it is generally safe to enjoy as a food. Some early research on its leaf and fruit extracts hints at benefits for...

Read the full Black Mulberry monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Porphyra-Zyme'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 76 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.

Vitamin C 51 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
  3. Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
  4. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  5. Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
  6. Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
  7. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  8. Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
  9. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
  10. Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
  11. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
  12. Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
  13. Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
  14. Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
  15. Traxer O, Huet B, Poindexter J, et al. Effect of ascorbic acid consumption on urinary stone risk factors. J Urol 2003;170:397-401.. PubMed
  16. Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
  17. Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Corbella J. Influence of some dietary constituents on aluminum absorption and retention in rats. Kidney Int 1991;39:598-601. PubMed
  18. Partridge NA, Regnier FE, White JL, Hem SL. Influence of dietary constituents on intestinal absorption of aluminum. Kidney Int 1989;35:1413-7. PubMed
  19. Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
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See these in context on the Vitamin C monograph →

Beet 14 references
  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Clifford T, Berntzen B, Davison GW, et al. Effects of beetroot juice on recovery of muscle function and performance between bouts of repeated sprint exercise. Nutrients 2016;8. pii: E506. PubMed
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  5. Clifford T, Bell O, West DJ, Howatson G, Stevenson EJ. The effects of beetroot juice supplementation on indices of muscle damage following eccentric exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2016;116(2):353-62. PubMed
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  8. Rasica L, Porcelli S, Marzorati M, et al. Ergogenic effects of beetroot juice supplementation during severe-intensity exercise in obese adolescents. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2018;315(3):R453-R460. PubMed
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  13. Lim SH, Bae S, Lee HS, Han HK, Choi CI. Effect of Betanin, the Major Pigment of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), on the Activity of Recombinant Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023;16(9):1224. PubMed
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See these in context on the Beet monograph →

Spinach 6 references
  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. Karlson, B., Leijd, B., and Hellstrom, K. On the influence of vitamin K-rich vegetables and wine on the effectiveness of warfarin treatment. Acta Med Scand. 1986;220(4):347-350. PubMed
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  4. Schuller, A., Morisset, M., Maadi, F., Kolopp Sarda, M. N., Fremont, S., Parisot, L., Kanny, G., and Moneret-Vautrin, D. A. Occupational asthma due to allergy to spinach powder in a pasta factory. Allergy 2005;60(3):408-409. PubMed
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  6. Schreiber, J., Muller, E., Becker, W. M., Zabel, P., Schlaak, M., and Amthor, M. [Spinach powder-induced exogenous allergic alveolitis]. Pneumologie 1998;52(1):61-65.

See these in context on the Spinach monograph →

Black Mulberry 5 references
  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. Kim, H., Yoon, Y. J., Shon, J. H., Cha, I. J., Shin, J. G., and Liu, K. H. Inhibitory effects of fruit juices on CYP3A activity. Drug Metab Dispos. 2006;34(4):521-523. PubMed
  3. Xu LJ, Yu MH, Huang CY, et al. Isoprenylated flavonoids from Morus nigra and their PPAR ? agonistic activities. Fitoterapia 2018;127:109-14. PubMed
  4. Momeni H, Salehi A, Absalan A, Akbari M. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Morus nigra reduces fasting blood glucose and HbA1c% in diabetic patients, probably via competitive and allosteric interaction with alpha-glucosidase enzyme; a clinical trial and in silic
  5. Navarro-Triviño FJ, Jadczak P, Llamas-Molina JM, Ruiz-Villaverde R. Lichenoid contact dermatitis caused by Morus nigra L. Contact Dermatitis 2021;84(6):484-486.

See these in context on the Black Mulberry monograph →

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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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