What is Bromelain?
Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme found in the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). It has been shown to be helpful as a blood thinner and as an anti-inflammatory.
Can't I get Bromelain in my diet?
You could, but you would have to drink a lot of pineapple juice and eat large salads full of pineapple stems, which are not generally considered the best tasting part of the pineapple. It is more convenient and actually less expensive to use a natural supplement for your bromelain needs.
Has Bromelain been clinically proven to help anything?
Clinical studies on bromelain have show promise for its use as an anti-inflammatory, an analgesic, a blood thinner (anticoagulant) and as a possible treatment for asthma and allergies. Other research indicates that bromelain may help skin problems and other medical conditions.
How effective is Bromelain?
Bromelain appears to be very effective for the conditions indicated. Bromelain is generally well-tolerated in humans.
Are any side effects associated with Bromelain?
There have been reports of allergic reactions to bromelain. Other known side effects of this supplement include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and menorrhagia (excessively heavy menstrual flow). Bromelain has been demonstrated to be generally safe when taken in moderate doses. One preliminary report links an increased heart rate with the use of the supplement. People with an inflammation of the stomach lining should not use digestive enzyme supplements such as bromelain. In addition, the safe use of bromelain in pregnant or nursing women, small children, and people with kidney or liver disease has not been established. People who are allergic to pineapple or pineapple juice should not use this product.
How much Bromelain should I be taking?
There is no minimum daily requirement for bromelain. Research indicates an effect dosage of bromelain is 250-750 mg, taken two or three times a day between or before meals. In Germany, where bromelain is used to reduce swelling after surgery, the standard dose given to patients is 80-320 mg daily. Bromelain is most effective when taken on an empty stomach, and its therapeutic effects are also enhanced when taken in higher doses. Studies on heart patients indicates that increasing the dosage of bromelain to 400-1,000 mg per day may reduce the symptoms of angina pectoris (the severe pain and feeling of constriction about the heart that often radiates to the left shoulder and down the left arm).
