Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 11 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

SpectraZyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Metagenics

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

SpectraZyme is a dietary supplement by Metagenics with 11 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support, bloating and gas, fat digestion.Based on those ingredients, 208 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Amla. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of SpectraZyme by Metagenics

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

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 8 of its 11 active ingredients.

SpectraZyme is a blend of 11 digestive enzymes: amylase, lipase, lactase, cellulase, peptidase, invertase, maltase, and three types of protease. These enzymes are meant to help break down different parts of food — carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber, and milk sugar — so your gut can absorb them more easily.

The product also contains amla (Indian gooseberry), a fruit extract, plus inactive ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate as binders and fillers.

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: Broad spectrum digestive support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Bloating — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactase is rated "Effective" for Lactose intolerance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Indian Gooseberry is rated "Possibly Effective" for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Dyspepsia.

The evidence for most of these enzymes in supplement form isn't well established in our data. Lactase is the exception — it's effective for lactose intolerance if you have trouble digesting milk sugar.

For lipase and the other digestive enzymes, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether they work for dyspepsia (indigestion) or inflammatory bowel disease. Amla shows some promise for acid reflux (GERD) and high cholesterol, though the evidence is still limited.

If you're thinking about this product for a specific digestive condition, chat with your pharmacist about what the science actually supports for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lipase Lactase Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Indian Gooseberry

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.

Lactase is generally well tolerated and likely safe in pregnancy. The digestive enzymes are mostly well tolerated in adults, though a small number of trial participants reported mild digestive upset, fatigue, or muscle pain with amla.

Protease enzymes can rarely trigger allergic reactions like rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma in people exposed to them occupationally, but allergies from the supplement itself are uncommon. For pregnancy, amla should be avoided — not enough safety data.

Lipase and the proteases also lack solid safety data during pregnancy, so check with your doctor first. During breastfeeding, lactase is probably okay, but lipase, the proteases, and amla need medical clearance.

If you have a serious digestive condition like inflammatory bowel disease, use lipase only under your doctor's supervision.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lipase Lactase Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Indian Gooseberry

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?
  • 1 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Indian Gooseberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 208 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 you take SpectraZyme, double-check with your pharmacist if you're on blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin or apixaban), antiplatelet drugs, aspirin, or clopidogrel (Plavix) — amla may increase bleeding risk. Also check if you take diabetes medications, because amla might lower your blood sugar further.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

SpectraZyme is mainly for people with lactose intolerance or those seeking general digestive support, though the evidence for most enzymes isn't strong. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or aspirin, you need to check with your pharmacist first because of the amla ingredient.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your doctor before starting.

Always run your medications through our checker on this page.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 11 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 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 SpectraZyme, straight from the product label.

Brand Metagenics
Barcode (UPC) 755571910226
Net contents 180 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 25, 2013
DSLD ID 27867
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
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 SpectraZyme by Metagenics, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
755571910226
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase20000 DU--
Lipase2000 LU--
Lactase400 LACU--
Cellulase2000 CU--
Peptidase600 Unit(s)--
Invertase400 Sumner--
Maltase600 DP--
Protease I0 NP--
Protease II0 NP--
Amla40 mg--
Protease III0 NP--

Other ingredients: Enzyme blend, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Formulation

Formulated to Exclude: Nuts, tree nuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, colors, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.

General Statements

Genetic Potential Through Nutriton

Broad Spectrum Digestive Support

LSP01G1

0510025 5/12

PROD. SP002180

Formula

Contains: milk, wheat, and soy.

Precautions

Contains: milk, wheat, and soy.

This product may not be suitable for individuals with severe milk, wheat, or soy allergies.

Keep out of the reach of children.

CAUTION: Do not use if you have a history of or a current peptic or duodenal ulcer.

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.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: Take two tablets with each meal or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

SpectraZyme(R) provides digestive support with a broad spectrum of non-animal derived enzymes including acid stable lipase and three proteases that function in different pH ranges. This comprehensive formula supplies a variety of enzymes that split proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, fats, cellulose, maltose, lactose, and sucrose.

See for yourself

SpectraZyme by Metagenics label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in SpectraZyme by Metagenics

These are the 11 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 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.

Amylase

20000 DU per serving

Lipase

No known
interactions
2000 LU per serving

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy fo...

Lipase monograph & interactions

Lactase

No known
interactions
400 LACU per serving

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 red...

Lactase monograph & interactions

Cellulase

2000 CU per serving

Peptidase

600 Unit(s) per serving

Invertase

400 Sumner per serving

Maltase

600 DP per serving

Protease I

No known
interactions
0 NP per serving

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

Protease I monograph & interactions

Protease II

No known
interactions
0 NP per serving

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

Protease II monograph & interactions

Amla

Interacts with
208 drugs
40 mg per serving

Indian gooseberry (amla) is a vitamin C-rich fruit used in Ayurvedic medicine for many purposes, from antioxidant support to cholesterol and digestion...

Amla monograph & interactions

Protease III

No known
interactions
0 NP per serving

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

Protease III monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Enzyme blend, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

SpectraZyme by Metagenics Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against SpectraZyme?

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
208Drugs
208 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Amla 208

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in SpectraZyme with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Amla4 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, Indian gooseberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; however, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg as a single dose or twice daily for 10 days reduces platelet aggregation by about 24% to 36%, increases bleeding time by about 3.8-5.9 seconds, and increases clotting time by about 9.8-12.7 seconds when compared to baseline. However, taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg along with clopidogrel 75 mg or ecosprin 75 mg, as a single dose or for 10 days, does not significantly reduce platelet aggregation or increase bleeding time or clotting time when compared with clopidogrel 75 mg or ecosprin 75 mg alone. Until more is known, use caution when taking Indian gooseberry in combination with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking Indian gooseberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry fruit or fruit extract alone or in conjunction with antidiabetes medications can lower blood glucose levels. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, Indian gooseberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with aspirin; however, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg as a single dose or twice daily for 10 days reduces platelet aggregation by about 24% to 36%, increases bleeding time by about 3.8-5.9 seconds, and increases clotting time by about 9.8-12.7 seconds when compared to baseline. However, taking a single dose of Indian gooseberry 500 mg along with ecosprin 75 mg, or taking a combination of Indian gooseberry 500 mg twice daily plus ecosprin 75 mg once daily for 10 days, does not significantly reduce platelet aggregation or increase bleeding time or clotting time when compared with ecosprin 75 mg alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, Indian gooseberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with clopidogrel; however, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg as a single dose or twice daily for 10 days reduces platelet aggregation by about 24% to 36%, increases bleeding time by about 3.8-5.9 seconds, and increases clotting time by about 9.8-12.7 seconds when compared to baseline. However, taking a single dose of Indian gooseberry 500 mg along with clopidogrel 75 mg, or taking a combination of Indian gooseberry 500 mg twice daily plus clopidogrel 75 mg once daily for 10 days, does not significantly reduce platelet aggregation or increase bleeding time or clotting time when compared with clopidogrel 75 mg alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for SpectraZyme, from the product label.

Metagenics

See all Metagenics products
Name
METAGENICS, INC. Makers of Professional Quality Supplements
Street Address
100 Ave. La Pata
City
San Clemente
State
CA
ZipCode
92673
Web Address
www.metagenics.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

SpectraZyme by Metagenics: Common Questions

Does SpectraZyme by Metagenics interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, SpectraZyme has a known interaction with 208 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
SpectraZyme contains 11 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.
Is lactase in this product safe during pregnancy?
Yes — lactase is rated likely safe in pregnancy. The other enzymes and amla in the product lack solid pregnancy safety data, so talk with your doctor before using it during pregnancy to make sure it's right for your situation.
Can I take this if I have a milk allergy?
Lactase breaks down milk sugar, not milk protein, so it won't help a milk allergy. But there is a rare report of someone developing an allergy to lactase powder itself through occupational exposure. If you've never reacted to lactase before, you're very unlikely to have a problem, but if you're concerned, ask your pharmacist.
Will this help my acid reflux?
The amla in this product shows some promise for acid reflux, but the evidence is limited. Most of the enzymes don't have enough reliable evidence behind them for reflux. Your pharmacist can talk you through what might actually work for your reflux.
What's amla, and why is it in here?
Amla is Indian gooseberry, a fruit extract that may help with acid reflux and cholesterol, though evidence is modest. It's also the ingredient in this product that can interact with blood thinners and diabetes drugs, so it's worth knowing about if you take those.
Can I breastfeed while taking SpectraZyme?
Lactase is probably okay, but lipase, the proteases, and amla don't have enough safety data during breastfeeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first to be safe.
Are there any fillers in this?
Yes — the product contains inactive ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica as binders and fillers to hold the tablet together.

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

Not sure if SpectraZyme is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

SpectraZyme label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

SpectraZyme'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 11 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 →

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 →

Indian Gooseberry 6 references
  1. Sabu, M. C. and Kuttan, R. Anti-diabetic activity of medicinal plants and its relationship with their antioxidant property. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;81(2):155-160. PubMed
  2. Fatima N, Pingali U, Muralidhar N. Study of pharmacodynamic interaction of Phyllanthus emblica extract with clopidogrel and ecosprin in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine. 2014;21(5):579-85. PubMed
  3. Shanmugarajan D, Girish C, Harivenkatesh N, Chanaveerappa B, Prasanna Lakshmi NC. Antihypertensive and pleiotropic effects of Phyllanthus emblica extract as an add-on therapy in patients with essential hypertension-A randomized double-blind placebo-contro
  4. Akhtar MS, Ramzan A, Ali A, Ahmad M. Effect of amla fruit (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) on blood glucose and lipid profile of normal subjects and type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2011;62(6):609-16.
  5. Usharani P, Fatima N, Muralidhar N. Effects of Phyllanthus emblica extract on endothelial dysfunction and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 20 PubMed
  6. Majeed M, Mundkur L, Paulose S, Nagabhushanam K. Novel Emblica officinalis extract containing ß-glucogallin vs. metformin: a randomized, open-label, comparative efficacy study in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with dyslipidemia. Food Fu

See these in context on the Indian Gooseberry 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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