Is it safe to eat bromelain every day?
1.What is Bromelain?
Bromelain is a type of enzyme called a proteolytic enzyme. It is found in pineapple juice and in the pineapple stem.Bromelain causes the body to make substances that fight pain and swelling. Bromelain also contains chemicals that seem to interfere with tumor cells and slow blood clotting.
People use bromelain for muscle soreness, pain, burns, kidney stones, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse bromelain with other proteolytic enzymes (proteases), such as chymotrypsin, ficin, papain, serrapeptase, or trypsin. These are not the same.
2.Bromelain Benefits
There have been a small number of studies done on bromelain. Here’s what research suggests about the potential benefits so far.
Osteoarthritis symptoms and muscle soreness
It's unclear whether bromelain helps relieve osteoarthritis symptoms, as well as muscle soreness after exercise. A 2022 review published in the journal Rheumatology and Therapy found that a supplement that contained bromelain along with two other substances, trypsin and Rutin, may be as effective as an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. But older studies have found that a bromelain supplement alone isn’t particularly helpful.
Recently, a 2021 study published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that bromelain when combined with Curcumin from the turmeric plant reduced inflammation in cells in synovial fluid, which is the fluid that cushions your knee joint.
Sinus infections
A 2024 review of 54 bromelain studies concluded that the enzyme helped relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. One reason may be its anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease nasal swelling. But the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that there isn't enough high-quality research yet to confirm these findings.
Post-surgery pain and swelling
Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties may mean it can help reduce pain, swelling, and bruising after surgery. Some studies show that it eases pain and swelling and improves jaw range of motion after wisdom teeth surgery. It’s also used routinely in Europe after nasal, sinus, and trauma surgeries. But some research doesn't support its effectiveness, so more high-quality studies are needed.
Burns and wounds
Research shows that bromelain may help heal burns. It removes dead and damaged skin, a process known as debridement. Dressings that contain bromelain are often used in hospitals to treat third-degree burns.
Gut health
Bromelain is often touted as a way to help digestion. It’s thought to help your body digest proteins, as well as stimulate the muscles of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Several different studies suggest it can help treat symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and gastritis (stomach irritation). Since it’s an anti-inflammatory, it may protect your GI tissues from damage.
Anticancer effects
Lab studies show that high doses of bromelain stop the growth of cancer cells. It also appears to stimulate your body’s immune system to fight against cancer. But more studies need to be done in humans to confirm these benefits. Also, it's not a replacement for long-standing cancer treatment protocol. Since it’s considered very safe, some cancer doctors use it to help treat symptoms of cancer or cancer treatment, such as lymphedema.
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3. How to Take It?
Pediatric
DO NOT give bromelain to a child. There are no studies to know if it's safe or not.
Adults
The German Commission E recommends 80 to 320 mg, 2 to 3 times per day. For specific conditions, higher doses may be prescribed.
Precautions
Supplements may have side effects or interact with medications. You should take them only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Bromelain is generally recommended for no longer than 8 to 10 consecutive days.
Side effects from bromelain are generally mild and include:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive menstrual bleeding
People who are allergic to pineapples, Latex, wheat, celery, papain, carrot, fennel, cypress pollen, or grass pollen may also be allergic to bromelain.
Pregnant women and people with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease should not take bromelain.
Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. You should stop taking bromelain at least 2 weeks before surgery.
References
1.Mondal S, Bhattacharya S, Pandey JN, Biswas M. Evaluation of acute anti-inflametry effect of Ananas Comosus leaf extract in Rats. Pharmocologyonline.
2.Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application: an update. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1988;22(2):191–203. doi: 10.1016/0378-8741(88)90127-4.
3.Heinicke RM, Gortner WA. Stem bromelain: a new protease preparation from pineapple plants. Economic Botany.