Summary
Bromelain, also called ‘pineapple extract,’ is a combination of several compounds, including a large amount of a special protein-digesting enzyme. This enzyme is able to be absorbed and thus affect the blood and body, rather than just the stomach and intestines.
When Bromelain is in the stomach, it will help the body break down and digest protein. Supplementation of bromelain can also reduce nasal inflammation, meaning it acts as a decongestant.
If taken between meals, bromelain can benefit the immune system and protect the body from cancer. Bromelain’s effects on fat cells are also under investigation, with promising preliminary evidence.
Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties are responsible for several of its effects, including its ability to decongest the nasal cavity. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism through which bromelain survives the digestive system.
There are many anecdotes that say bromelain supplementation will cause semen to taste like pineapple, but no studies have tested this claim.
What are other names for Bromelain
- Pineapple extract
Dosage information
The standard dose for bromelain depends on the goal of supplementation. If the goal is to aid digestion, the standard dose is between 200 – 2,000mg, taken with a meal.
If the goal of supplementation is not digestion related, does range from 200 - 800mg.
Bromelain is typically taken between meals to avoid potential degradation in the stomach. The large range for the standard dose is due to the variations in the enzymatic potential of bromelain, which is standardized by milk clotting units (MCU), or gelatin dissolving units (GDU).
Examine Database: Bromelain
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In this randomized controlled trial, supplementation with bromelain improved recovery from surgery to remove the lower wisdom teeth.
Research Breakdown
Examine Database References
- Muscle Soreness - A F Walker, R Bundy, S M Hicks, R W MiddletonBromelain reduces mild acute knee pain and improves well-being in a dose-dependent fashion in an open study of otherwise healthy adultsPhytomedicine.(2002 Dec)
- Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, Middleton R, Prescott P, Bundy RBromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot studyQJM.(2006 Dec)
- Nasal Congestion - J M Braun, B Schneider, H J BeuthTherapeutic use, efficiency and safety of the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain-POS in children with acute sinusitis in GermanyIn Vivo.(Mar-Apr 2005)
- Muscle Soreness - Stone MB, Merrick MA, Ingersoll CD, Edwards JEPreliminary comparison of bromelain and Ibuprofen for delayed onset muscle soreness managementClin J Sport Med.(2002 Nov)
- Type 1 Diabetes Incidence - Kempf K, Manzo G, Hanifi-Moghaddam P, Kappler S, Seissler J, Jaeger C, Boehm B, Roden M, Kolb H, Martin S, Schloot NC; PRODIAB Study GroupEffect of combined oral proteases and flavonoid treatment in subjects at risk of Type 1 diabetesDiabet Med.(2009 Dec)