iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Oral bromelain supplements have not been shown to improve digestion. Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple, but studies of oral use for digestion and absorption are lacking. If you are considering a supplement, focus on the limited evidence, medicine interactions, and what the label does—and does not—tell you.
What is bromelain?
Bromelain is a group of enzymes that break down proteins. It occurs in pineapple stem and fruit. Supplements are taken by mouth, but evidence about one possible use should not be confused with evidence for another: research on oral bromelain does not establish that it improves digestion. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) summarizes what is known about its uses and safety.
Does bromelain help with digestion?
That benefit is not established. Although people sometimes take oral bromelain to aid digestion or absorption, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center says studies of those uses are lacking. It is not proven to relieve bloating, improve nutrient absorption, or treat a digestive disorder. MSK’s bromelain overview discusses the evidence and potential interactions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What does research on oral bromelain show?
Human research is limited and does not support treating bromelain as a proven general-purpose remedy. NCCIH says only a small number of studies have examined oral bromelain for sinus symptoms or pain and swelling after wisdom-tooth extraction. Some studies suggest it might help with certain symptoms after wisdom-tooth surgery, but NCCIH says there is not enough high-quality research to recommend it for sinusitis. For other conditions, evidence is very limited or comes from products containing multiple ingredients, so bromelain’s independent effect is unclear.
#1 Best Overall
- NATURAL PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME*/2400 GDU/g - 500 mg: Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from the stem of the pineapple plant that has protein-digesting properties.* When taken with food, bromelain can help to support healthy digestion; when taken between meals, it may help to support joint comfort and may help to relieve temporary soreness that is associated with muscle overuse.*
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION*/JOINT COMFORT*: Bromelain is designed by nature to support proper gastrointestinal function and may also help to promote the comfort of muscles and joints.* Take 1 capsule with or between meals.
- CLASSIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Soy Free, Vegan/Vegetarian, Nut Free, Made without Gluten, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Keto Friendly
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation).
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968
A separate medical use should not be mistaken for evidence about supplements: in 2022, the FDA approved a topical bromelain-containing drug to remove damaged tissue in adults with severe burns. That prescription treatment is applied to the skin; it does not show that oral bromelain treats burns or improves digestion.
What should I look for in a bromelain supplement?
There is no evidence-based “best” product for digestion. A label can help you understand what a product claims to contain, but it cannot establish that the supplement works or that its contents match the label.
Rank #2
- BROMELAIN: Digestive enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of the Pineapple Plant
- FROM PINEAPPLE: Features 1,700 mg of Bromelain per serving in convenient quick release capsules
- ROOTED IN WELLNESS: Carlyle provides premium, honest supplements in your pursuit to healthy living
- CARLYLE MANUFACTURERS: Laboratory Tested, Trusted Ingredients, Superior Quality, 100% Guaranteed!
- NATURALLY FREE OF: Gluten, Wheat, Yeast, Milk, Lactose, Artificial Flavor, Preservatives & Non-GMO
For example, an NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database record shows a bromelain-only label listing 500 mg per capsule and enzyme activity of 2400 GDU/g. These are values from one label record—not a recommended dose, a proven effectiveness threshold, or an endorsement. GDU/g is an enzyme-activity measure; it is not interchangeable with the mass listed in milligrams.
- Amount and activity: Check both the stated amount and any enzyme-activity units. Do not assume a larger number means a better digestion result.
- Ingredients: See whether bromelain is the only active ingredient or part of a blend, and review other ingredients for allergens or substances you need to avoid.
- Directions and cautions: Read the serving directions and warnings, but do not interpret them as proof that the product is effective or suitable for you.
- Quality information: Look for clear ingredient labeling and credible manufacturing or quality information. Marketing claims or a database listing alone do not independently verify product quality.
In the United States, dietary supplements are not FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. Manufacturers and distributors are responsible for evaluating safety and meeting labeling requirements, and NCCIH cautions that the contents of store-bought or online products may not always match their labels or products used in studies. See NCCIH’s overview of dietary and herbal supplements and its advice on using supplements wisely.
Rank #3
- Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from the stem of the pineapple plant that has protein-digesting properties*
- When taken with food, bromelain can help to support healthy digestion; when taken between meals, it may help to support joint comfort and may help to relieve temporary soreness that is associated with muscle overuse*
- Bromelain is designed by nature to support proper gastrointestinal function and may also help to promote the comfort of muscles and joints*
- Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily, with or between meals
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968.
What are the risks and interactions?
NCCIH says oral bromelain appears to be generally well tolerated, with stomach upset and diarrhea among the most commonly reported side effects. Allergic reactions have also been reported. Little is known about bromelain use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Check with a health care provider or pharmacist before taking bromelain if you use medicine. NCCIH advises discussing supplements with a provider when taking any medication. MSK flags possible concerns with blood thinners: preclinical evidence suggests a possible increased bleeding risk, but the clinical relevance is uncertain. Bromelain may also increase blood and urine levels of tetracycline antibiotics. These are reasons to get individualized advice, not predictions that an interaction will occur for every person.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION*: NOW Super Enzymes is a comprehensive blend of enzymes that supports healthy digestion.* Take one capsule with a meal
- BREAKS DOWN FATS, CARBS, AND PROTEINS*/OPTIMIZES NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY*: Formulated with bromelain, ox bile, pancreatin and papain, Super Enzymes helps to optimize the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and protein*
- CERTIFICATIONS/CLASSIFICATIONS: Soy Free, Made without Gluten, Keto Friendly
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation)
- Founded in 1968 by Elwood Richard, NOW is one of the largest independent, family- and employee-owned manufacturers of natural products
Rank #4
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION*: NOW Super Enzymes is a comprehensive blend of enzymes that supports healthy digestion.* Take one capsule with a meal
- BREAKS DOWN FATS, CARBS, AND PROTEINS*/OPTIMIZES NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY*: Formulated with bromelain, ox bile, pancreatin and papain, Super Enzymes helps to optimize the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and protein*
- CERTIFICATIONS/CLASSIFICATIONS: Soy Free, Made without Gluten, Keto Friendly
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation)
- Founded in 1968 by Elwood Richard, NOW is one of the largest independent, family- and employee-owned manufacturers of natural products
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
