Digestive enzymes
Bromelain, papain, lipase, amylase
Supplements. Modern nutrition.
Also called Bromelain, Papain, Pancreatin
Pinyin: xiāo huà méi
Spanish: Enzimas digestivas
May add to bleeding riskEnzymes that break down protein, fat and starch, taken by mouth to ease bloating and help digest meals.
Did you know? Papain from papaya is so good at breaking down protein that it is used in meat tenderizers.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Digestion & gut health. Prescription enzymes are proven for people whose pancreas makes too few enzymes. Store-bought blends for general bloating have weak, mixed evidence.Early proof
- Inflammation. Bromelain may reduce swelling and bruising after surgery or injury in small trials. Results vary.Early proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Papaya and pineapple have long been eaten or used as folk remedies for digestion in tropical regions. Most modern supplement blends use plant, fungal or animal enzymes.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Carminative, Nutritive. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Follow the label, since products vary widely. Capsules are usually taken with meals, and prescription doses for pancreas problems are set by a doctor.
Capsule, tablet and powder.
Where to get it
Your pancreas and small intestine make digestive enzymes. Pineapple (bromelain) and papaya (papain) are natural sources, and supplements come as plant, fungal or animal-based capsules.
Be careful
Common problems are mouth irritation, stomach upset and allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to pineapple or papaya. Prescription pancreas enzymes made from pig pancreas have been linked to narrowing of the colon at high doses, especially in children with cystic fibrosis. Do not use high-dose pancreas products without a doctor.
Avoid if: bleeding disorders; pineapple allergy; papaya allergy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Papaya is a natural source of papain, a protein-digesting enzyme.
- Works well together
Pineapple is a natural source of bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme.
- Use cautionBlood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, daily aspirin)
Bromelain may add to bleeding risk with blood thinners.
Adds up with others that may slow blood clotting: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 40 more.
The honest take
Prescription enzymes are a proven medical treatment for pancreas insufficiency (too few enzymes), but store-bought blends for general digestion have little good evidence. Bromelain studies are small and mixed. Eating the fruit is a cheaper source of these enzymes, though it is not a proven fix for bloating.