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Bromelain — Frequently Asked Questions

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does GDU mean and how do I compare products?

GDU (Gelatin Dissolving Units) measures bromelain's enzymatic activity, which is more important than weight (mg). A 500mg capsule could contain anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 GDU depending on enzyme concentration. Always compare products by GDU per serving, not milligrams.

Should I take bromelain with or without food?

It depends on your goal. For systemic anti-inflammatory effects (swelling, pain), take on an empty stomach so the enzymes are absorbed into the bloodstream. For digestive support (protein digestion), take with meals. Most anti-inflammatory studies use between-meal dosing.

How quickly does bromelain work for swelling?

For post-surgical swelling, most clinical studies report noticeable improvement within 2-3 days, with peak benefit at 5-7 days. For chronic inflammatory conditions like OA, allow 2-4 weeks of daily use to assess effectiveness.

Full Bromelain Guide

References

  1. (). Bromelain as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical studies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DOI
  2. (). Therapeutic use, efficiency and safety of the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain-POS in children with acute sinusitis in Germany. In Vivo.
  3. (). Oral enzyme combination versus diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Clinical Rheumatology. DOI