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Dietary supplement

SpectraZyme Metagest Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Metagenics

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

SpectraZyme Metagest is a dietary supplement by Metagenics with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 36 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Betaine Hydrochloride. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of SpectraZyme Metagest 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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

SpectraZyme Metagest contains two active ingredients: betaine hydrochloride and pepsin. Betaine hydrochloride is a form of hydrochloric acid designed to increase stomach acidity, while pepsin is a digestive enzyme (a type of protease) that helps break down proteins.

The product also contains several inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, silica, magnesium stearate, and others — that serve as tablet binders and fillers.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Support digestive function and stomach acid production.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Indigestion, Hypochlorhydria, Bloating.
  • The closest evidence on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold does not establish how well betaine hydrochloride works for any condition. It has been studied for indigestion (dyspepsia), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, and hay fever (allergic rhinitis), but the data we have rates the evidence insufficient to determine whether it actually works for these uses.

No effectiveness ratings are on file for pepsin in this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Betaine hydrochloride may irritate your stomach and is not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux — the extra acid it produces could make those conditions worse or delay healing. It may also cause heartburn.

The safety data advises against betaine hydrochloride during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pepsin is generally well tolerated by most adults, though it may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some people.

Safety has not been established during pregnancy, so it's best avoided unless prescribed. During breastfeeding, there is little safety data, so medical advice is needed before use.

In occupational settings, inhaled pepsin has rarely caused allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or asthma in exposed workers.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 36 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 any medication to lower stomach acid — including H2-blockers (like famotidine or ranitidine), proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole or pantoprazole), or antacids — check your exact medications with the tool on this page before taking SpectraZyme Metagest. The betaine hydrochloride in it may reduce how well those drugs work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

SpectraZyme Metagest is a digestive supplement aimed at people looking to increase stomach acid and enzyme activity. If you take any medication to reduce stomach acid — whether an H2-blocker, PPI, or antacid — you need to check with your pharmacist before starting this product.

Avoid it if you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should talk with their doctor before use.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2023.

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 Metagest, straight from the product label.

Brand Metagenics
Barcode (UPC) 755571939654
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2023
DSLD ID 295862
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 SpectraZyme Metagest 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
45
UPC/BARCODE
755571939654
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride1.3 Gram(s)--
Pepsin90 mg--

Other ingredients: silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Hypromellose, Medium Chain Triglyceride, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

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.
Formula

SpectraZyme Metagest features betaine HCI combined with pepsin-a proteolytic enzyme - to complement the natural production of digestive agents in the stomach.

Features betanine HCI & pepsin

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

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

Formulation

This product is a non-GMO and gluten-free.

Certified gluten free GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)

Stomach acid support

Precautions

Caution: If stomach discomfort occurs after administration, discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner. Do not use if there is a prior history of or a current peptic or duodenal ulcer.

Consult your healthcare practitioner if pregnant or nursing, or if taking other nutritional supplements or medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.

Seals/Symbols

Certified gluten free GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Practitioner exclusive

See for yourself

SpectraZyme Metagest by Metagenics label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in SpectraZyme Metagest by Metagenics

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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.

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
1.3 Gram(s) 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
90 mg per serving Form: Porcine

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

Pepsin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Hypromellose, Medium Chain Triglyceride, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

SpectraZyme Metagest by Metagenics Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against SpectraZyme Metagest?

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
36Drugs
36 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in SpectraZyme Metagest 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.

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
The maker

Brand information

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

Metagenics

See all Metagenics products
Name
Metagenics
City
Gig Harbor
State
WA
ZipCode
98332
Phone Number
800 692 9400
Web Address
metagenics.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

SpectraZyme Metagest by Metagenics: Common Questions

Does SpectraZyme Metagest by Metagenics interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, SpectraZyme Metagest has a known interaction with 36 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
SpectraZyme Metagest contains 2 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.
What does betaine hydrochloride do?
Betaine hydrochloride is a source of hydrochloric acid that increases stomach acidity. It's included in digestive supplements to support the stomach's natural acid production.
What is pepsin for?
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in food. It works alongside stomach acid to help with protein digestion.
Can I take this if I have acid reflux?
No. Betaine hydrochloride is not safe for people with true acid reflux — it increases stomach acid, which could make reflux worse. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether this product is right for you.
Is it safe to take during pregnancy?
No. The safety data advises against betaine hydrochloride during pregnancy. Pepsin safety in pregnancy has not been established either. You should not take this product while pregnant without guidance from your doctor.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
Breastfeeding safety has not been established for either ingredient. You should avoid this product or seek medical advice before using it while breastfeeding.
Does this product contain fillers or binders?
Yes. The product contains several inactive ingredients, including microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica, and others that act as binders and fillers to form the tablet.

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

Not sure if SpectraZyme Metagest is safe with your meds?

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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 Metagest label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

SpectraZyme Metagest'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 5 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.

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 →

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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