Reviews and Information for Digestive Enzymes
Digestive Enzymes
Trying to find the best digestive enzyme supplement? We found major differences in their strengths. See our tests, comparisons, and Top Picks. Also learn about pancreatin, proteases including bromelain and papain, lipase, amylase and more. Get the evidence for use for digestive symptoms and other conditions, as well side-effects and cautions.
Digestive Enzymes Review
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CL Answer
Do any supplements help with pancreatitis? Do any cause pancreatitis?
Find out if supplements including digestive enzymes, antioxidants, or medium-chain triglycerides are beneficial for chronic pancreatitis, and learn which supplements might worsen symptoms.
CL Answer
Can heat and humidity destroy whey protein and other sports nutrition supplements (e.g., creatine, BCAAs, digestive enzymes) during shipping or while storing at home?
Find out if heat and humidity can degrade creatine, BCAAs, digestive enzymes, and other muscle enhancing supplements.
CL Answer
Since the COVID-19 drug, Paxlovid, works by blocking a protease enzyme, should I be concerned about taking digestive enzymes that contain proteases?
Find out if taking digestive enzyme supplements that contain proteases might interact with medications that work by blocking a protease enzyme, including the COVID-19 drug Paxlovid.
Product Review
Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review (Including Spirulina and Chlorella)
Avoid Lead in Greens, Problems with Pills, and Don't Give Up Eating Whole Foods.
CL Answer
Which supplements or OTC medications help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse?
Find out which supplements may help reduce flatulence (gas), and learn which supplements or foods may worsen symptoms of flatulence.
CL Answer
Are Hormone Harmony and other Happy Mammoth Supplements Worth Taking?
Are the supplements Hormone Harmony, Hormone Harmony Plus+, Prebiotic Collagen Protein, or Bloat Banisher by Happy Mammoth likely to be beneficial for menopause symptoms or digestive health? Find out.
CL Answer
Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?
Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse.
Clinical Update
6/03/2022
Digestive Enzymes for IBS?
Does taking digestive enzymes reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Find out in our updated Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
11/28/2023
Enzymes for Eye Floaters
Does supplementing with digestive enzymes reduce eye floaters and improve sight? See what a recent study showed in the Eye Floaters section of our Digestive Enzymes Supplements Review.
Also see: Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?
News Release
February 24, 2022
Consumers Returned to Pre-Pandemic Supplement Usage in 2021, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 24, 2022 —A survey of 8,049 people who use dietary supplements shows many supplements that declined in use in 2020 began bouncing back in 2021, such as magnesium (+2.4 percentage points), and CoQ10 (+2.7 pts).
News Release
February 26, 2021
COVID Changed Supplement Popularity in 2020, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2021 — A survey of 9,647 people who use dietary supplements shows that the supplements which experienced the greatest growth in popularity in 2020 were those being promoted to prevent or treat infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
CL Answer
What is Skinny Fiber and does it really work? I see that glucomannan is a key ingredient. What is that?
Learn more about Skinny Fiber, including its key ingredient glucomannan, evidence from clinical studies, dosage info, and safety.
Product Review
Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review
Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests
CL Answer
I take omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, to reduce stomach acid. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?
Supplement interactions with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs like omeprazole (Prilosec) and Nexium.
CL Answer
I take warfarin (Coumadin), an anticoagulant drug. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?
Find out which supplements should be avoided when taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin (Coumadin), including vitamin K, St. John's wort, and curcumin.
Clinical Update
12/15/2018
Enzymes for Indigestion
Will taking digestive enzymes reduce indigestion? Although not all studies have shown a benefit, a recent study suggested improvements with no adverse effects. For details, see the Digestive Discomfort section of the Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review. (Also see our top choices for enzyme supplements).
Clinical Update
12/06/2022
Digestive Enzymes – Prescription vs. Supplements
A CL member with chronic pancreatitis asked about alternatives to costly prescription enzymes. See our Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review for information about prescription enzymes as well as supplements similar to prescription products.
News Release
May 15, 2019
ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Big Differences in Digestive Enzyme Supplements
White Plains, New York, May 15, 2019 — Digestive enzyme supplements can help improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients, and may reduce symptoms of indigestion. But to work, they must provide a certain amount of enzyme activity.
CL Answer
Which supplements are helpful to have when traveling? Any tips on how to best store supplements on trips?
Find out which vitamins & supplements can be helpful when traveling, including melatonin, ginger, and more, and find out how you can carry them with you.
Product Review
Green Tea Review: Tea Bags, Loose Leaf Tea, Matcha Powders, and Supplements
Some green teas provide barely any green tea polyphenols, while some others are high strength. See the Test Results and Our Top Picks for Green Tea.
CL Answer
Which supplements are important after bariatric surgery (i.e., weight loss or stomach-reducing surgery)? Are there any I should avoid?
Find out which supplements may help after weight loss or stomach reducing surgery, including iron and calcium, and which should be avoided.
Product Review
Lactose Intolerance Products Review (Lactase Enzyme Supplements and Lactose-Free Milks)
Choose the Best Lactase Enzyme Supplement and Lactose-Free Milk. Find a CL Approved Lactose Intolerance Product.
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?
Find out which supplements can help lower or control blood sugar. Supplements including turmeric/curcumin, fiber, cinnamon, and ginseng are believed to help lower blood sugar.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of tart cherry juice?
See the evidence for tart cherry juice health benefits from clinical studies. Find out if tart cherry has anti-inflammatory effects, if it can improve sleep, lower high blood pressure, or help for muscle pain and osteoarthritis.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of green tea, and is it safe?
ConsumerLab explains green tea's potential health benefits for everything from fighting cancer to helping your heart.
Product Review
Nattokinase Supplements Review
Choose the Best Nattokinase Supplement. CL Tests Reveal Which Nattokinase Suppplements Provide the Best Quality & Value.
CL Answer
Are there supplements I should avoid when taking apixaban (Eliquis) or similar blood thinner drugs like Xarelto?
Learn about supplement interactions with apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and other blood thinner drugs in the direct factor Xa inhibitors class.
CL Answer
Are enteric coated supplements better than non-enteric coated ones?
Learn about the pros and cons of enterically coated supplements, including ingredient absorption,safety and price.
CL Answer
Do Any Supplements Improve Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) or Make It Worse?
Find out if any supplements, topical formulations (patches, rinses, lozenges, toothpastes, sprays, gels or gums), or lifestyle modifications reduce dry mouths symptoms.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of serrapeptase?
Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme. Learn more about its health effects, including whether evidence supports its use for pain, inflammation, and heart health.
CL Answer
Black Pepper Extract & Turmeric: Is black pepper extract necessary for turmeric to be effective, and is it safe?
Find out the best way to take turmeric and curcumin supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
How can I find out where a vitamin or supplement is made and where its ingredients come from, such as China or the USA?
Learn more about the manufacturing, distribution, and ingredients of a supplement, including FDA regulations.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
IBS supplements may help reduce irritable bowel symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and constipation. Supplements include probiotics, melatonin, and flaxseed.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?
Find out eye floaters (vitreous floaters) be treated with supplements like vitamin C, lutein, ginkgo, milk thistle, collagen or hyaluronic acid, or with products such as VitreousHealth.
CL Answer
Best Supplements to Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss
Discover the top supplements to prevent age-related muscle loss after 60. Learn how protein, fish oil, vitamin D, and more can help maintain muscle strength and combat sarcopenia.
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods help relieve constipation and which can cause constipation?
Find out which supplements can cause constipation, including iron, calcium, protein powders and drinks and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Do any supplements naturally suppress appetite and help with weight loss?
Learn which natural ingredients can suppress appetite and find if these natural appetite suppressants help with weight loss.
CL Answer
I read that famotidine (Pepcid) may help treat COVID-19. Is this true? Might a proton pump inhibitor, like Prilosec, help?
Pepcid (famotidine) was reported to improve outcomes in people with COVID-19 in China. But is there evidence that Pepcid really helps to treat COVID-19?
CL Answer
Which supplements help with arthritis?
Learn more about supplements for joint health, including products such as Wobenzym and Zyflamend and ingredients such as collagen, curcumin, glucosamine and chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), SAMe, and others.
CL Answer
Where to Safely Buy Real Vitamins and Supplements Online, Not Fakes or Counterfeits
ConsumerLab explains how to avoid counterfeit vitamins and supplements when shopping online on Amazon, Walmart.com, and other sites. Learn to identify authorized sites and sellers and avoid fake supplements. Use the brand-by-brand guide to protect yourself from risk.
News Release
February 24, 2017
Vitamin D Supplements Maintain Top Spot in Popularity, as Probiotics Surpass Multivitamins to #4 Behind Fish Oil and CoQ10 in Latest ConsumerLab.com Survey
White Plains, New York, February 24, 2017 — A recent survey of over 9,505 people who use dietary supplements shows the most popular dietary supplement to be vitamin D, followed by fish oil, CoQ10, probiotics, and multivitamins.
News Release
November 06, 2015
Some Surprising Results from Tests of 43 Probiotic Supplements and Kefir Drinks
White Plains, New York, November 6, 2015 — How many beneficial organisms are in probiotic supplements and kefir drinks? Are any contaminated with pathogens, such as E. coli, and do those labeled as "gluten free" or "99% lactose-free" live up to their claims? To find out, ConsumerLab.
News Release
May 05, 2015
ConsumerLab.com's Tests of Digestive Enzyme Supplements Reveal What Labels Don't
White Plains, New York, May 5, 2015 — How do you know if your digestive enzyme supplement is truly active? The only way to know for sure is to test it on fats, carbohydrates, proteins and other parts of food which it is expected to digest. That's exactly what ConsumerLab.
Clinical Update
9/21/2021
Enzyme Supplements for Eye Floaters?
Can enzyme supplements (bromelain, papain and ficin) reduce eye floaters? Find out what a recent study suggests in the What They Do section of our Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review.
Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?
News Release
February 25, 2015
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2015 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,329 responses collected in November, 2014. Respondents gave ratings for 1,709 brands and 891 merchants.
Clinical Update
3/24/2023
Bromelain Supplements on Amazon Fail Tests
Only four of 20 brands of bromelain purchased on Amazon provided the enzyme activity expected from their labels, three of which had no detectable enzyme activity, according to a recent report. For details by brand, see the Quality Concerns section of our Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among digestive enzyme products.
CL Answer
What is lumbrokinase, does it have heart benefits, is it safe, and what should you look for, or avoid, in a lumbrokinase supplement?
Lumbrokinase is marketed as promoting healthy circulation and supporting heart health. Find out how and if lumbrokinase supplements actually work, possible safety concerns, and what to consider when choosing a lumbrokinase supplement.
News Release
February 12, 2014
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2014 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,326 responses collected in November, 2013. Respondents gave ratings for 1,639 brands and 788 merchants.
Recalls & Warnings
January 20, 2021
Seller of Omega-3 Warned for Making Claims to Treat Focus, Mood
On December 9, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bodyhealth.com, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Healthy-Thin Energize, Body Detox (Oral Spray), and Omega 3 Health to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
January 12, 2021
Seller of Cholesterol, Weight Loss Products, and More Warned for Claims
On November 17, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bonagens following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Anti-Aging Supports, Cholesterol & Diabetes Control, Gout Control, Hypertension Control, Liver Supports, Lungs ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 12, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Joint and Hair Loss Products
On December 22, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Speedwinds Nutrition, Inc. following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Synotrex and Sephren to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
January 12, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Glucosamine, and More
On December 18, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Reddy Naturals following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Glycostasis, Glucosamine Curcumin, Turmeric 50, Turmeric Curcumin, Cetyl Curcumin, Ashwagandha, Huruli, ...
Recalls & Warnings
December 15, 2020
FDA Warns Seller of Evening Primrose Oil and Beta Glucan
On December 2, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Smoky Mountain Naturals, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Evening Primrose Oil and Beta Glucan to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
November 10, 2020
FDA Warns Seller of Digestive Enzymes, Nattokinase, and More
On October 27, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to World Nutrition, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
January 18, 2002
Recall of Pepsin-containing Digestive Supplements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the following Class I recall information in its January 16, 2002 Enforcement Report.
News Release
November 25, 2013
Many Probiotic Supplements Fall Short on Listed Amounts of Helpful Organisms
White Plains, New York, November 25, 2013 — Probiotic supplements and foods containing "friendly" bacteria or yeast have become popular among people hoping to improve bowel function, immunity, and even mood.
Clinical Update
1/14/2017
Enzymes for Muscle Soreness
A blend of enzymes reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness after exercise in healthy men. For details, see the "What They Do" section of the Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
9/29/2023
Supplements for Pancreatitis?
Can digestive enzyme supplements work as well as prescription enzymes for chronic pancreatitis, and can any other supplements help? Find out, plus, learn if any supplements can cause pancreatitis, in our new article about supplements and pancreatitis.
News Release
January 31, 2013
Use of CoQ10, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics and B Vitamins on the Rise According to ConsumerLab.com Survey
White Plains, New York — February 1, 2013 — A recent survey of over 10,000 people who take supplements shows that CoQ10, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and B vitamins are the four categories experiencing the most growth over the prior year.
Recalls & Warnings
April 23, 2013
Seller of Digestion, Thyroid and Vitamin D Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On November 5, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to The Women's Health Institute at Texas following a review of the company's various websites which found statements made about Digest + SEB, Iodine Plus 2, and D5000 Vitamin D dietary supplements to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
October 12, 2013
Metagenics Enzyme Supplement Recalled Due To Drug Risk
On October 11, 2013, Metagenics Canada issued a voluntary recall of digestive enzyme supplement Spectrazyme, due to potential contamination with the prescription antibiotic chloramphenicol.
News Release
October 31, 2011
Supplements for lactose intolerance vary in strength and cost, and some offer no benefit, according to ConsumerLab.com
White Plains, New York — October 31, 2011 — Can lactose-free milks and lactase enzyme supplements provide help to the millions of Americans with lactose intolerance.
Recalls & Warnings
January 24, 2013
Food for Health Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims on Supplements
On October 5, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Food for Health International, LLC following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Activz brand Vitamin D, Potassium Iodine, Organic Vitamin C, Whole 9 (a fruit and vegetable meal replacement shake) Control and VMA ...
Recalls & Warnings
October 11, 2013
Prebiotic and Digestive Enzyme Supplement Recalled Due To Drug Risk
On October 10, 2013, Adeeva Nutritionals Inc. issued a voluntary recall of digestive supplement Flora Essentials due to potential contamination with the prescription antibiotic chloramphenicol.
Recalls & Warnings
February 18, 2020
Seller of CoQ10, Resveratrol and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On February 5, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to R-Garden LLC, which found the company's Vitamin O, Gamma-Zyme, L.
Recalls & Warnings
February 04, 2020
Seller of Digestion Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On January 10, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Marco Pharma International LLC, which found the company's Absinthium Herbal Liquid Extract 100 ml (Absinthium), promoted for "digestive support", and other products, including S21 Multi Somaplex 100 ml (Multi Somaplex), ...
Recalls & Warnings
September 25, 2018
FDA Warns Seller of Digestive Enzyme Supplements
On March 6, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Uckele Health & Nutrition, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
February 28, 2017
Multivitamin Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On February 14, 2017, Licata Enterprises issued a recall of all lots of its Supreme One and Theravits 100 multiple vitamins because they contain fish liver oil but is labeled as containing "no common allergens.
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2012
Maker of Blood Pressure, Probiotic, Resveratrol and Hormonal Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On November 2, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Atrium, Inc. following a facility inspection which found a number of the company's dietary supplements to be adulterated or promoted as drugs.
Recalls & Warnings
September 10, 2012
Maker of Concussion Recovery Supplement Warned For Making Drug Claims
On August 28, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Trinity Sports Group, Inc. after a review of the company's websites found statements about Neuro Impact Concussion Response Formula constituted drug claims not permitted on supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
September 05, 2014
Seller of "Nerve", "Cleanse" and Probiotic Supplements Warned for Drug Claims
On July 30, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Plexus Worldwide, Inc., following a review of the company's website and product labels, which found statements made about Fast Relief, BioCleanse and ProBio5 to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
November 01, 2013
Protein Shakes Containing Prescription Drug Pose Serious Health Risk
On November 1, 2013, Health Canada warned consumers that Vega One Vanilla Chai (sizes 437g and 874g) and Vega Sport Performance Chocolate nutritional shakes, by Sequel Naturals Ltd., have been found to contain the prescription antibiotic chloramphenicol.
Recalls & Warnings
February 01, 2013
Lactase Enzyme Supplement Recalled
On November 13, 2012, Cardinal Health issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of Dairy Aid Lactase Enzyme Supplement 3,000 FCC Unit caplets because they are incorrectly labeled as 9,000 FCC Unit caplets.
