Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 13 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Super Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Natural Brand

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

Super Digestive Enzymes is a dietary supplement by GNC Natural Brand with 13 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support for protein digestion, wound cleaning (debridement of dead tissue), sore throat and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Super Digestive Enzymes by GNC Natural Brand

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 13 active ingredients.
  • “n-zimes Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (291 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “CereCalase Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (10 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Super Digestive Enzymes is a 13-ingredient blend designed to support digestion. The active ingredients are digestive enzymes: amylase and glucoamylase (which break down starches), lipase (which breaks down fats), cellulase, diastase, beta-glucanase, and hemicellulase (which break down plant fibers), protease enzymes in three forms (which break down proteins), papain (from papaya), bromelain (from pineapple), and phytase.

The product also contains inactive ingredients—dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, and gelatin—to bind and fill the capsule.

Does it work?

No specific claim
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
General wellness

This product is marketed for general wellness, not a specific health condition, so there's no single claim to grade against clinical evidence.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“Promotes digestion”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

We hold no effectiveness ratings for the protease enzymes in this product. For the other active ingredients—papain, bromelain, lipase, and phytase—the evidence we have is insufficient to rate them for any condition.

This means the data supporting their use for specific health goals is not yet established in our files. If you're considering this product for a particular digestive concern, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the current evidence actually shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Lipase Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Phytase

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Papain is generally well tolerated when eaten in food, but supplements may irritate your digestive tract or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. High doses can cause serious problems like esophageal perforation or severe inflammation.

Bromelain is generally tolerated short-term but may cause diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache; long-term safety data are sparse. Both enzymes can cause allergic reactions—itching, rash, hives, or respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Lipase is generally well tolerated; no adverse effects in adults have been reported, but data are limited. Phytase safety data in supplements are sparse, though occupational exposure to airborne phytase dust can trigger asthma and other allergic responses.

The protease enzymes are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. In pregnancy, avoid concentrated papain and unripe papaya products due to safety concerns.

Bromelain should be avoided in pregnancy because safety data are inadequate. For lipase, phytase, and the protease enzymes, there isn't enough safety data in pregnancy—talk with your doctor before use.

For breastfeeding, avoid papain and bromelain. Safety data during breastfeeding for lipase, phytase, and the protease enzymes are limited; ask your healthcare provider before use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Lipase Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Phytase

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 141 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take warfarin (Coumadin) or any blood thinner or antiplatelet medication—such as clopidogrel, aspirin, or apixaban—double-check with your pharmacist before using this product. Papain may increase warfarin's effects (Moderate severity), and bromelain may increase bleeding risk with these drugs (Moderate severity).

If you're on a tetracycline antibiotic, bromelain might raise its levels (Minor severity). Check your exact medications with the search tool on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This enzyme blend may help with digestion, but the evidence for specific conditions isn't established in our data. If you take warfarin or any blood thinner or antiplatelet drug, check with your pharmacist before starting—papain and bromelain both raise your bleeding risk.

Avoid it in pregnancy unless your doctor says otherwise, especially if you're taking papain. If you have a serious digestive condition, use it only under medical guidance.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 13 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 22, 2017.

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 Super Digestive Enzymes, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Natural Brand
Barcode (UPC) 048107074159
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2017
DSLD ID 76840
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Sugar 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 Super Digestive Enzymes by GNC Natural Brand, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
048107074159
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Glucoamylase0 NP--
Diastase0 NP--
Beta-Glucanase0 NP--
Phytase0 NP--
Hemicellulase0 NP--
n-zimes Proprietary Blend291 mg--
Protease 4.50 NP--
Protease 30 NP--
Protease 60 NP--
CereCalase Proprietary Blend10 mg--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Gelatin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

n-zimes and CereCalase are trademarks of National Enzyme Company, Inc.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Contains: Milk, soybeans and wheat.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

Premium formulation

Promotes digestion Proven bioavailability

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Features n-zimes

Contains: Milk, soybeans and wheat.

General

CODE 180311 BRG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take two capsules after each meal.

Formulation

No sugar, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, sodium free, yeast free.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

See for yourself

Super Digestive Enzymes by GNC Natural Brand label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Super Digestive Enzymes by GNC Natural Brand

These are the 13 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 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.

N-zimes Proprietary Blend

291 mg per serving

CereCalase Proprietary Blend

10 mg per serving
  • › Beta-Glucanase
  • Phytase
  • › Hemicellulase

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Super Digestive Enzymes by GNC Natural Brand Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Super Digestive Enzymes?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
141Drugs
122 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141
Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Super Digestive Enzymes, from the product label.

GNC Natural Brand

See all GNC Natural Brand products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
www.gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Super Digestive Enzymes by GNC Natural Brand: Common Questions

Does Super Digestive Enzymes by GNC Natural Brand interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Super Digestive Enzymes has a known interaction with 141 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Super Digestive Enzymes contains 13 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does this help with bloating and gas?
The product contains enzymes meant to aid digestion, but we don't have effectiveness data establishing whether it works for bloating or gas. Talk with your pharmacist about whether an enzyme supplement might suit your specific situation.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
No, you should avoid this product in pregnancy. Papain is best avoided due to safety concerns, and bromelain data are insufficient—pregnancy safety hasn't been established. Talk with your doctor before taking it.
What are the most common side effects?
The enzymes in this formula are generally well tolerated, but short-term use may cause diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache. Allergic reactions—such as itching, rash, hives, or respiratory symptoms—can occur in sensitive people. If you notice any of these, stop and talk with your pharmacist.
Is this safe for breastfeeding?
The safety data during breastfeeding are limited for most ingredients in this product. Papain and bromelain should be avoided while breastfeeding. Check with your healthcare provider before use.
What do all these enzymes do?
These are digestive enzymes. Some break down carbohydrates (amylase, glucoamylase), some break down fats (lipase), some break down plant fibers (cellulase, hemicellulase), and some break down proteins (proteases, papain, bromelain). Together, they're meant to support your body's natural digestion.
Can I take this with my tetracycline antibiotic?
Bromelain in this product might raise tetracycline levels, though one study in healthy adults found no change. To be safe, check with your pharmacist—you may need to space them out or choose a different enzyme supplement.

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

Not sure if Super Digestive Enzymes 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.

Super Digestive Enzymes label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Super Digestive Enzymes’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Super Digestive Enzymes's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 41 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.

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

See these in context on the Papain monograph →

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

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 →

Phytase 7 references
  1. Lei XG, Weaver JD, Mullaney E, Ullah AH, Azain MJ. Phytase, a new life for an "old" enzyme. Annu Rev Anim Biosci. 2013;1:283-309. PubMed
  2. Smuts CM, Matsungo TM, Malan L, et al. Effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on growth, psychomotor development, iron status, and morbidity among 6- to 12-mo-old infants in South Africa: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2 PubMed
  3. van Heemst RC, Sander I, Rooyackers J, et al. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by occupational exposure to phytase. Eur Respir J. 2009;33(6):1507-9. PubMed
  4. Baur X, Melching-Kollmuss S, Koops F, Strassburger K, Zober A. IgE-mediated allergy to phytase -- a new animal feed additive. Allergy. 2002;57(10):943-5. PubMed
  5. Doekes G, Kamminga N, Helwegen L, Heederik D. Occupational IgE sensitisation to phytase, a phosphatase derived from Aspergillus niger. Occup Environ Med. 1999;56(7):454-9. PubMed
  6. Brnic M, Hurrell RF, Songré-Ouattara LT, et al. Effect of phytase on zinc absorption from a millet-based porridge fed to young Burkinabe children. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017;71(1):137-141. PubMed
  7. Koshy JC, Sharabi SE, Feldman EM, Hollier LH Jr, Patrinely JR, Soparkar CN. Effect of dietary zinc and phytase supplementation on botulinum toxin treatments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(4):507-12.

See these in context on the Phytase monograph →

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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