Last update Feb. 22, 2026

Bromelain, bromelin

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

It is a glycoprotein which is extracted from pineapple (Ananas comosus, Ananas sativos) and other fruits with a protease-like property (see specific info) and activity as proteolytic-like enzyme with the ability of protein digestion.
 It is used in the food industry to softening the meat.

 It has few proven uses in medicine. Effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory and digestive-enhancer is dubious. (Kansakar 2024)

At latest update no published data were found on its excretion into breastmilk. 


Because of a high molecular weight, very poor intestinal absorption and a non-significant plasma level concentration (5 micrograms / L) (Castell 1997) the passage into breastmilk is seemingly unlikely.

It has been topically used on local inflammations and burns. 

It has been proposed for oral treatment of breast plethora (Murata 1965), yet there has been an only isolated and very old study which does not constitute an enough evidence to widely recommend it (ABM 2016, Snowden 2007).
The few studies on oral protease utilization to alleviate breast plethora found out discordant results wiht low levels of evidence. (ABM 2016, Mangesi 2016)


See below the information of this related product:

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

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Other names

Bromelain, bromelin is also known as


Bromelain, bromelin in other languages or writings:

Groups

Bromelain, bromelin belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Bromelain, bromelin in its composition:

List of 11 tradenames

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. Baja - Low %
Molecular weight 33.200 daltons
T½ 6 - 9 hours

References

  1. Kansakar U, Trimarco V, Manzi MV, Cervi E, Mone P, Santulli G. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bromelain: Applications, Benefits, and Mechanisms. Nutrients. 2024 Jun 28;16(13). Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. FDA. U.S. Food & Drug Administration Part 184.1- Substances added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). CFR. 2023 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Mangesi L, Zakarija-Grkovic I. Treatments for breast engorgement during lactation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jun 28;(6):CD006946. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  4. Berens P, Brodribb W. ABM Clinical Protocol #20: Engorgement, Revised 2016. Breastfeed Med. 2016 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Protocolo Clínico de la ABM #20, revisión 2016: Congestión Mamaria. Breastfeed Medicine. 2016 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Protocolo Clínico de la ABM #20, revisión 2009: Congestión Mamaria. Breastfeed Med. 2009 Full text (in our servers)
  7. Snowden HM, Renfrew MJ, Woolridge MW. WITHDRAWN: Treatments for breast engorgement during lactation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  8. Castell JV, Friedrich G, Kuhn CS, Poppe GE. Intestinal absorption of undegraded proteins in men: presence of bromelain in plasma after oral intake. Am J Physiol. 1997 Abstract
  9. Murata T, Hanzawa M, Nomura Y. The clinical effects of "protease complex" on postpartum breast engorgement (based on the double blind method). J Jpn Obstet Gynecol Soc. 1965 Abstract

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e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine - 2015 of United States of America

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