Osavi Digestive Enzymes + Probiotic

Digestive enzyme blends· evidence: Insufficient

Blends of amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, cellulase and plant enzymes such as papain and bromelain are sold to help break down food. Your pancreas and gut already make these enzymes in large amounts, and there is little good evidence that healthy people benefit from adding more.

The one exception with an authorised claim is lactase for people who have difficulty digesting lactose, and only at a set dose with each lactose-containing meal. Mixed enzyme blends usually do not state enough lactase to meet it.

If you have ongoing bloating, pain or changes in bowel habit, see your GP rather than self-treating.

Typical dose: Varies widely; check the activity units on the label rather than milligrams.

Safety: Avoid if allergic to pineapple, papaya or latex (papain and bromelain). Bromelain and papain may add to the effect of blood thinners. Prescription pancreatic enzymes are a different product and should not be replaced with supplements.

Research we looked at:
EFSA NDA Panel (2009). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to lactase enzyme and breaking down lactose. EFSA Journal 7(9):1236.
Ianiro G et al. (2016). Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases. Current Drug Metabolism 17(2):187-193.

Bromelain· evidence: Limited

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes taken from pineapple stems. Its strength is measured in enzyme activity units (GDU), so two products with the same milligrams can differ a lot.

Studies have looked at bromelain for digestion and for recovery after exercise or minor surgery, but the trials are small and the results are mixed. There are no authorised health claims for bromelain, so we make no claims about what it does.

Most people digest protein perfectly well without enzyme supplements.

Typical dose: Supplements typically provide 200 to 1,000 mg a day; check the GDU activity on the label.

Safety: Avoid if you are allergic to pineapple, latex, wheat or celery (cross-reactions are reported). Bromelain may add to the effect of blood thinners and some antibiotics. Stop taking it before surgery. Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you take regular medication or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Research we looked at:
NCCIH. Bromelain fact sheet. National Institutes of Health.
Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A (2012). Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnology Research International 2012:976203.

Spore-forming cultures (Bacillus)· evidence: Insufficient

Bacillus coagulans (now also called Heyndrickxia or Weizmannia coagulans, sold as LactoSpore and other brands) and Bacillus subtilis form hard spores. That makes them stable in gummies, powders and capsules without refrigeration, which is their main practical advantage.

Human studies on these strains are few, mostly small and often funded by ingredient makers, with mixed results. There are no authorised health claims, so we make no claims about what they do.

Typical dose: Products typically provide 1 to 3 billion spores a day.

Safety: Generally well tolerated. Speak to your doctor first if you have a weakened immune system or are seriously ill.

Research we looked at:
Cutting SM (2011). Bacillus probiotics. Food Microbiology 28(2):214-220.
NCCIH. Probiotics: what you need to know. National Institutes of Health.

Cost per daily dose lets you compare packs of different sizes fairly.Worked out from our current prices.