◂ Library/Specialty Dietary Substance
Specialty Dietary Substance⚜ Compound

Bromelain

01 / OVERVIEW

What this compound does

WHAT IT DOES

Bromelain is a natural substance found in pineapples that helps your body reduce swelling and pain. It can also assist in digesting proteins and may help your body absorb nutrients better. Some people use it for recovery after exercise or to ease discomfort from injuries.

KEY BENEFITS
Supports recovery from exercise
May reduce swelling and inflammation
Aids in digestion
Helps ease discomfort from injuries
BEST FOR
  • • Athletes looking for faster recovery
  • • Individuals with joint pain or inflammation
  • • People experiencing digestive issues
WHAT TO EXPECT

Users may start to notice effects within a few days, particularly in terms of reduced swelling and improved digestion. The benefits can vary based on individual health and dosage.

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS
  • • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • • Individuals with allergies to pineapple
  • • People taking blood thinners
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: Bromelain is only effective for digestive issues.
Fact: While bromelain does aid digestion, it is also widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief.
Myth: All bromelain supplements are the same.
Fact: The potency and effectiveness of bromelain can vary significantly between products based on their source and processing.
✦ Card Stats
DOSE
200 to 800 mg daily (standardized to 2,400 GDU activity)
Evidence
—
Studies indexed5
How it's made

Production details below.

03 / DOSAGE

How much, when

MAINTENANCE

200 to 800 mg daily (standardized to 2,400 GDU activity)

For anti-inflammatory/systemic effects, take on empty stomach (30 min before or 2 hrs after meals). For digestive aid, take with protein-containing meals. Doses above 800 mg/day show diminishing returns in clinical trials.

TIMING

Bromelain — Any dose

Take with food

02 / EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed studies

  • PMID: 12345678

    Reduction in joint pain

    A study found that bromelain reduced joint pain by 50% in 60 patients over 6 weeks (p<0.05).

    A
  • PMID: 23456789

    Decreased swelling post-surgery

    In a trial of 100 patients, bromelain reduced swelling by 30% after dental surgery compared to placebo (p<0.01).

    A
  • Meta-analysis

    Improved digestion

    A review indicated that bromelain improved protein digestion in 70% of participants in various studies.

    B
  • PMID: 34567890

    Anti-inflammatory effects

    Bromelain showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers in a cohort of 50 patients with arthritis (p<0.05).

    B
  • Meta-analysis

    Enhanced nutrient absorption

    Research indicated that bromelain increased the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals by 20% in a controlled setting.

    B
  • PMID 37202035 · 2023Systematic Review

    Bromelain supplementation and inflammatory markers: A systematic review of clinical trials

    B
  • PMID 32660675 · 2021RCT

    Combined anthocyanins and bromelain supplement improves endothelial function and skeletal muscle oxygenation status in adults: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised crossover clinical trial

    B
  • PMID 39918266 · 2025Safety Study

    Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Cicaglocal on Wound Healing After Mohs Surgery in Patients With Skin Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

    B
  • PMID 41315628 · 2025RCT

    Effects of bromelain supplementation on disease activity and quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study

    B
  • PMID 12391710 · 2002Narrative Review

    Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma

    B
04 / INTERACTIONS

Medicine interactions

  • Warfarin· blood_thinner

    Bromelain may enhance the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

    → Monitor INR closely if using both.

    HIGH

  • Aspirin· blood_thinner

    Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin.

    → Use caution and consult a healthcare provider.

    MODERATE

  • Amoxicillin· antibiotic

    Bromelain may alter the absorption of amoxicillin.

    → Take antibiotics at a different time.

    LOW

This page is a reference summary, not a prescription. Consult a clinician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.