A specially-coated bromelain formulation has been well studied for its ability to soothe minor injuries such as sprains¹ and for speeding recovery time after surgery.² Approved in Germany since 1993 for treating sinus and nasal inflammation after surgery, bromelain is a concentrated extract derived from pineapple stems, which contains natural enzymes that help with joint inflammation and destruction.

Now, sufferers of joint inflammation can benefit from recent exciting evidence that specially coated bromelain-based formulations may significantly help inflammatory reactions in the joints.

A number of head-to-head trials have been conducted in people with knee inflammation. Results demonstrated that enteric-coated bromelain formulations were at least as effective as other approaches at relieving joint tenderness and swelling and were better tolerated.^3-5 One study even found that bromelain is more effective than conventional methods for maintaining joint function at rest (41% for bromelain versus 23% for conventional methods).⁵

Another study showed that specially-coated bromelain yielded an overall improvement in general well-being, along with improvement in stiffness and physical function.

The reason that bromelain is enteric-coated is that it would otherwise be used as a digestive enzyme if activated in the stomach. Enteric-coated bromelain tablets pass into the small intestine where they are absorbed into the bloodstream to provide systemic benefits.

References
1. Br J Sports Med. 2004 Aug;38(4):431-5.
2. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech. 2001;68(1):45-9.
3. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2004 Dec;1(3):251-7.
4. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006 Jan-Feb;24(1):25-30.
5. Clin Rheumatol. 2004 Oct;23(5):410-5.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 enteric coated tablet Servings Per Container 60 Amount Per Serving Bromelain proteolytic enzyme extract from pineapple (Ananas comosus) (stem) [2400 GDU per gram/5200 FIP per gram activity]*** 500 mg Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, silica, magnesium stearate, enteric coating (methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion NF, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, propylene glycol). Contains soybeans. Contains corn. This product contains NO milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp), tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, or rice. Contains NO sugar, and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives. ***The bromelain powder used in this product has the strength of 2400 GDU (gelatin digestive units) per gram/5200 FIP (International Pharmaceutical Federation) units per gram. FIP value is verified by independent analysis with European reference standard.

Dosage and Use

Take one enteric coated tablet 2 times daily on an empty stomach, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Caution

Those on anticoagulant or antithrombotic agents should exercise caution in the use of bromelain. Bromelain may increase the bioavailability of tetracycline antibiotics.

Warnings