Life Extension Specially-Coated Bromelain, Pineapple Extract, Joint Health, Joint Comfort, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, 500 mg, 60 enteric-Coated Tablets

Seriously - where has this been all my life? I have been into holistic health/healing for two decades and have repeatedly tried systemic enzymes for their many benefits. But every time I tried them no matter if it was bromelain, serrapeptase, nattikinase - any of them - they gave me horrible gerd within 24 hours and it usually took days if not weeks to reduce it to at least a more comfortable level. I think this is because I have a bit of silent reflux and definitely dysbiosis but the dysbiosis was one of the reasons I was trying to take the systemic enzymes. They're known to help break down biofilms as well as breakdown a lot of the proteins in arthritic joints that cause stiffness and pain. So I knew they offered great benefits but I just couldn't take them. And then I randomly ran across someone mentioning enteric coated bromelain and found one of my favorite brands selling it on Amazon so I tried it. And immediately, I mean within hours, it's significantly reduced reflux and eased the pain and stiffness I walk around with every day. In fact, it actually made me realize how much stiffer I was these days because once it decreased, I could move around a lot more freely. But the benefits to my digestive system - I am just amazed. I've never been able to follow one of those complete gut healing protocols because everything they said to take to break down the biofilms and kill off the bad bugs gave me such horrible GERD that I couldn't do it. Taking this bromelain three times a day has enabled me to eat all kinds of things that normally would immediately cause heart burn or reflux. Today I ate a grilled cheese sandwich on gluten free bread which I never allow myself to have because it's a major GERD trigger. No issues. Honestly, taking this has given me hope that I may actually be able to overcome the dysbiosis once and for all. Also - because I have less pain and stiffness and overall better circulation, I seem to have more energy from these. I'm a big fan of this brand and routinely by several of their products. They have clean ingredients and I think they're an excellent value.

Very high quality bromelain -works great on an empty stomach. Bromelain is a protein-digesting (proteolytic) enzyme complex found in the fruit and, in higher concentrations, in the stem of the pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is able to hydrolyze or break down a wide variety of protein types in a range of both acid and alkaline environments. Originally isolated in the late 1800s, bromelain can play a key role in digestion, and perhaps more importantly, its properties have prompted many practitioners to use it as an agent in wound healing and the prevention of illness and irritation decades. What Does Bromelain Do? Put simply, bromelain breaks down protein. This has fairly obvious benefits when you consider that many of the foods you eat contain high amounts of protein and they have been thoroughly cooked, destroying most of the naturally occurring enzymes. As a proteolytic enzyme it assists the body’s own digestive mechanisms in reducing very large, complex protein molecules into smaller peptide units or individual amino acids. These smaller components are crucial for your own production of muscle, neurotransmitters, and other protein-based molecules that your body produces. Many of bromelain’s benefits; however, are actually based on absorption of the intact enzyme in the small intestine; it is this absorption makes possible its systemic effects such as reducing redness. The Health Benefits of Bromelain Traditionally societies in South America have used pineapples to reduce digestive upset and reduce irrtation. Here are some of the other amazing health benefits of this enzyme, as well as the studies that support the benefits of bromelain: 1. Swelling and Redness Bromelain was approved in Europe as an effective remedy for swelling after surgery. Research shows that the bromelain enzyme may lower swelling, stop bruising, speed up healing time, and reduce discomfort in individuals following surgical procedures. One double-blind study of over 150 women who received episiotomies (surgical cuts in the perineum) during childbirth, found that women given large servings of oral bromelain over a period of 3 days, beginning 4 hours after delivery, showed a huge decrease in swelling, and discomfort. Ninety percent of women taking the supplement showed excellent recovery compared to 44% of women in the placebo group. 2. Sinus Discomfort Bromelain is one of the most popular supplements in European countries such as Germany, where it is commonly used for sinus discomfort. Some research suggests that bromelain was effective at reducing discomfort and swelling. 3. Topical Applications for Burns Due to its beneficial properties, bromelain is currently being studied for topical applications for burns. Recent lab studies on animals show that bromelain helps slough off dead tissue from third-degree burns. Other studies shows its effective topical use in people with second- and third-degree burns. 4. Insect Bites and Stings Bromelain may be applied topically to lower swelling and reduce discomfort associated with insect bites and stings. 5. Reduced Swelling After Sports Injuries Studies show that bromelain may speed up healing time after a physical or sports injury. Taking it has been linked to reduced swelling related to sprains, strains, bruises, and other minor muscle injuries. 6. Osteoarthritis Bromelain may also help relieve mild discomfort related to osteoarthritis. In fact, it is a common ingredient in most natural supplements for sore joints and muscles. 7. Varicose Veins and Hemorrhoids This enzyme has been used in alternative medicine to promote cardiovascular health and hemorrhoids and other conditions of the veins. 8. Sinusitis There are several studies that suggest bromelain may help reduce coughing and lessen mucus related to sinusitis, as well as reduce the swelling and redness that accompany hay fever. The German Commission E approved the bromelain enzyme for aiding imbalances of the ear, nose and throat that occur after surgery. It is also approved for reducing general sinus infection swelling. 9. Indigestion and Heartburn Because of its protease capacities, this enzyme may reduce indigestion and heartburn. Studies show that it is particularly effective when used in combination with other enzymes like amylase (which digests carbohydrates) and lipase (which digests fat). Other studies show its ability to reduce bloating, gas and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. 10. Helps Balance the Acidity of the Stomach Research shows that Bromelain can help balance the acidity of the stomach, as well as the alkalinity of the small intestine. A recent lab study confirms that this enzyme may help ease harmful organism related diarrhea. Another study suggests that it may be an up-and-coming natural remedy for IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) 11. May Boost Overall Immune Strength Bromelain may boost overall immune strength in the human body. One German clinical study of 16 breast cancer patients found that oral supplementation of bromelain could help stimulate immune function in women. Other studies suggest that it may also boost the amount of certain immune system hormones, called cytokines (made in our white blood cells). Recent studies suggest that bromelain may help relieve some of the standard cancer side effects related to lowered immunity. 12. May Stop Blood Platelets From Clotting Several laboratory and animal studies suggest that bromelain may stop blood platelets from clotting. This is exciting research in the direction of its effects on heart health. 13. Bronchitis, Pneumonia and Urinary Tract Infections Animal studies suggest that bromelain possesses action against harmful organisms, and it may be effective for ailments resulting from their presence. Understanding the Units of Measurement for Bromelain on a supplement label Bromelain is a plant-source Protease whose activity is measured in PU (Papain Units). One FCC-PU (Plant Proteolytic Analytical Method) is defined in the assay as that quantity of enzyme that liberates the equivalent of 1 µg (microgram) of tyrosine per hour under the conditions of the assay. This procedure is also determines the proteolytic activity of ficin and bromelain. It is based on a 60 minute proteolytic hydrolysis of a casein substrate at pH 6.0 and 40°C. Soluble casein is then measured spectrophotometrically at 280nm. The FCC notation stands for Foods Chemical Codex, and is a division of USP (United States Pharmacopeia). It sets standards for ingredients. In the case of enzymes, FCC is a standard assay used to accurately determine the activity of enzymes. The current compendium is FCC VI. Bromelain can be standardized on supplement labels as gelatin digesting units (GDU/gram), milk clotting units (MCU), Rorer units (RU), Bromelain Tyrosine Units (BTU/ gram), Casein Digestion Units (CDU/mg) or FIP units. Example: Bromelain at 1000 GDU/g would be equal to a 15,000,000 FCC PU/g potency.

I bought this after noticing massive improvements in my neck pain when I was given a supplement to take after a surgery that had bromelain as one of the main ingredients. That supplement was Silagen which is amazing but also contains a high amount of arnica, which is not ok to take for long periods of time So I bought this along with the Life Extension Youthful Legs, some Rutin and vitamin C. As I continue to take this combination I am literally feeling my neck musles release and my spine re-align itself. It's incredible. I do think that the bromelain is doing the heaviest lifting, but I would definitely recommend this combination.

Don't really know what to say. I take it. I know it's good for you. It does help with my digestion.

I was having a problem with knee pain and it helped but after taking it twice a day for a couple weeks it seemed to thin my blood enough a couple bruises took more than two weeks to clear which i twice as long as usual. I tried one without the coating and it did not help with the pain nearly a much.

Reduces systemic aches and pains.

I have trigger finger, where the tendons in my hand get swollen and my fingers get "stuck" while bending. It's very painful, and a doctor told me the only way to cure it was to have surgery where he would cut two of the three tendons in my finger. I asked why I had three tendons if only 1 was necessary, and he assured me it was fine. I asked about other natural treatments, and (of course) he said there were none. I didn't believe him and googled trigger finger (aka hammer thumb) natural treatments. I landed on using finger splints at night, taking high quality magnesium, turmeric, p5p (B6 vitamin) and bromelain (on an empty stomach). The empty stomach is necessary for the bromelain to work, so I was interested in this enteric coated bromelain. After trying both this and normal less-expensive bromelain in capsules, I can say there is no difference in the effect as long as you take them on an empty stomach. That makes these bromelain tablets not worth the extra expense, since a bottle of bromelain in capsules costs about $10 at Vitamin Shoppe. The only difference I did notice is that cheap bromelain in capsules works in about 10 minutes, while these tablets take about 30 minutes. You wouldn't think this is possible, but I can FEEL my fingers loosen up in the mornings after I take bromelain before breakfast, and these definitely took longer to work. If you're taking bromelain on an empty stomach for tendon inflammation or back pain, save some money and buy the inexpensive capsules. If you have to take these with food because you can't remember to do it before you eat, I guess these might be good for you, but I'd rather save the money.

A very fair price for top shelf quality supplement, which I think case for many others by this company...I use 4 of their products

Muy buena calidad

Its a good product but a little expensive. Showed good results from day 7 onwards.

Too expensive. Did not see noticable difference with other lower priced supplements.

Does nothing.