Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Digestive Enzymes Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping at high doses
- Fibrosing colonopathy reported with very high-dose pancreatic enzymes in cystic fibrosis patients (rare)
- Allergic reactions possible with porcine-derived enzymes
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Acarbose/miglitol — amylase enzymes may counteract these alpha-glucosidase inhibitor diabetes drugs
- Warfarin — bromelain-containing enzymes may increase bleeding risk
- Iron supplements — some enzymes may affect iron absorption
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: For Rx PERT: 10,000 lipase units/kg/day; OTC enzymes have no formal upper limit
References
- Dominguez-Munoz JE. (2011). Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after gastrointestinal surgery. HPB. DOI PubMed
- Quinten T, Sutter JD, Hänninen AL, et al. (2018). A multi-enzyme preparation reduces bloating and gas-related symptoms in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology. DOI