Best Bromelain for Digestion
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Last reviewed May 2026
Clinical dose: 500–2400 gdu
Why Bromelain for Digestion
Bromelain plays a supporting role in digestion. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme from pineapple stem used for digestive support and anti-inflammatory effects. RCTs support use for osteoarthritis (Walker 2002 at 200 mg/day showed knee OA benefit; Klein 2006 found 400 mg/day equivalent to diclofenac 100 mg), post-surgical inflammation, and sinusitis. In clinical studies, bromelain supports protein digestion.
What dose to look for
Clinical studies typically use 500–2400 gdu of bromelain. 500–2,400 GDU/day. Anchored to: Walker 2002 OA RCT (200 mg/day ≈ 480 GDU @ 2,400 GDU/g, measurable benefit); Brien 2004 OA review (RCT range 540–1,890 mg/day); German Commission E (200–800 FIP × 2–3x daily ≈ 400–2,400 FIP/day). Modal commercial product (NOW/Doctor's Best/Pure 500 mg @ 2,400 GDU/g = 1,200 GDU) lands in therapeutic band. Conversions: 1 GDU ≈ 1.5 MCU; 2,400 GDU/g ≈ 4.8 FIP/mg. Products below this range may not deliver meaningful results.
What the research says
Bromelain has moderate clinical evidence for digestion benefits. Multiple clinical trials for osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, and sinusitis support its use
Clinical research on Bromelain
LOW — Proteolytic enzyme from pineapple; limited human GI-specific data · 500–2,000 GDU/day (200–800 mg, taken between meals for systemic effects)
- •2012 review found bromelain reduced stool transit time and improved digestive symptoms in small clinical studies, but most evidence comes from older, poorly designed trials. PubMed
- •In vitro studies show bromelain degrades secretory IgA on E. coli fimbriae — potentially reducing bacterial adhesion to intestinal epithelium. Clinical relevance is unproven.
- •Better-established evidence exists for bromelain as an anti-inflammatory for sinusitis and post-surgical swelling. Digestive-specific RCTs are few and small.