Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes Review
Thorne's Advanced Digestive Enzymes is presented as a digestive enzyme blend that supports individuals who have indigestion or bloating. The product page states that it promotes the digestion and absorption of proteins, fats, and carbs with a combination of HCl, pepsin, pancreatic enzymes, and ox bile. The summary describes it as a comprehensive blend that provides support for occasional indigestion, helps minimize occasional gas and bloating, helps maintain bowel regularity, and supports absorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Directions state to take 1-2 capsules with each meal. The page lists a serving size of 2 capsules with 90 servings per container, and the price shown is $56 for 180 capsules. A subscription option shows $50.40 with a 10% discount, with delivery intervals from every 2 weeks up to every 4 months and free shipping within the contiguous United States. The page also notes HSA/FSA eligibility. The ingredient amounts listed per serving are Betaine Hydrochloride 480mg, L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride 480mg, Ox Bile 80mg, Pancreatin 140mg, and Pepsin 70mg. Other ingredients are Leucine, Calcium Laurate, and a hypromellose capsule. The page highlights that the formula contains undiluted pepsin and pancreatin, includes ox bile, and does not contain lactose, which is often used to dilute pepsin and pancreatin. The details section explains that digestive enzymes can be beneficial when less than optimal amounts are produced in the body, such as during the natural aging process. Listed benefits include support for food sensitivities, optimized absorption of vitamins and minerals, and HCl support for absorption of nutrients including folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, and various forms of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. The page also says pancreatic enzymes and ox bile promote absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, CoQ10, and omega-3 fatty acids. Suggested times to use include after a meal heavy in fat or red meat, for occasional overindulgence, and when eating foods that commonly cause gas and bloating. The warnings section states the product is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients, and advises consulting a health-care practitioner if pregnant. It should not be used concurrently with H2-blocking drugs and meds, and it is contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcers. The page also advises against removing the powder from the capsule to take orally, as it can be irritating to the oral mucosa. The page states the product is third-party tested and certified to verify that what is in the package matches the label and to confirm it contains no unsafe levels of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only11 human studies · 7 improved
Pancreatin, the pancreas enzyme mix in this product, has the most support, and two capsules a day reach the amount used in studies. In a trial of 323 older adults with discomfort after meals, an enzyme and pancreatin tablet taken three times daily for 2 weeks helped 68.8% of people, compared with 55.2% on a standard stomach drug alone, with no serious side effects [1]. In 18 healthy volunteers eating a high-fat meal, pancreatic enzymes reduced bloating, gas and fullness compared with a dummy pill [2]. A real-world study of 175 older adults found pancreatin worked about as well as a standard stomach drug [3]. Not all results agree. A study of 37 people with indigestion found no short-term benefit [4], and a review of people after stomach removal found no change in symptom scores [5]. For pepsin, the only evidence comes from weak studies without a dummy pill [6]. Glutamic acid hydrochloride itself has not been tested for comfort after meals [7]. Ox bile has not been tested either; a study of a single purified bile acid helped at one month only [8]. No studies were found for betaine hydrochloride. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 11 studies →Hide the studies
- A review of 4 small, low-quality studies of people after stomach removal for cancer found pancreatic enzymes gave minor improvement in stool consistency and fatty stools but no differences in individual symptom scores.Systematic Review of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency after Gastrectomy for Cancer.
- In 323 older adults with post-meal distress, taking 244 mg of enzyme and pancreatin tablets three times daily for 2 weeks gave a 68.8% efficacy rate, higher than mosapride alone (55.2%), with fewer relapses and no serious side effects.[Treatment of postprandial discomfort syndrome in the elderly: a multi-centered prospective randomized controlled clinic…
- In 60 people with digestive symptoms after gastric bypass, 2 weeks of a digestive enzyme blend with pancreatin improved quality-of-life scores, including bloating and abdominal pain, similar to probiotics, with no placebo group.Effect of probiotics on postoperative quality of gastric bypass surgeries: a prospective randomized trial.
- In 18 healthy volunteers eating a high-fat meal, three pancreatic enzyme capsules reduced bloating over the whole day and reduced gas and fullness from dinner to bedtime compared with placebo.Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal.
- In 203 people who had their gallbladder removed, 500 mg a day of a purified bile acid (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) eased indigestion symptoms more than no treatment at one month, but there was no difference at two or three months.[Rationale for the use of bile salts after cholecystectomy: results of a controlled clinical study using tauroursodeoxyc…
- In 37 people with non-ulcer indigestion, alternating pancreatic enzymes and placebo over 24 days showed no short-term symptom benefit from the enzymes.Effect of pancreatic enzymes in non-ulcer dyspepsia. A pilot study.
- In seven healthy adults in a crossover study, a synthesized broth of three amino acids (including glutamate) and salt eaten with rice sped up stomach emptying compared with hot water with rice, though glutamic acid hydrochloride itself was not tested and no comfort symptoms were measured.Effects of three major amino acids found in Japanese broth on glucose metabolism and gastric emptying.
- In a multicenter real-world study of 175 adults aged 60 and older with postprandial distress, pancreatin capsules over 2 weeks relieved symptoms about as well as itopride, with no treatment-related side effects reported.Real-world study on efficacy and safety of pancreatin enteric-coated capsules in treatment of postprandial distress synd…
- In an observational study of 97 people with functional dyspepsia taking pepsin with amino acid hydrochloride tablets three times daily for 6 weeks, the overall symptom score fell from 11.6 to 7.4, and 30.8% of the 70 people with Rome III criteria had at least a 50% symptom reduction by week 6.A non-interventional, observational study of a fixed combination of pepsin and amino acid hydrochloride in patients with…
- In a survey of 201 family doctors, 85% rated the combination of pepsin and amino acids as good or very good for functional dyspepsia, usually given over 3 to 6 weeks, with patients reported as very content.[Peptic enzymes for irritable stomache syndrome: a new, old therapeutic option? Results of a survey among family doctors…
- In rats and dogs, an oral form of arginine glutamate, a salt that contains glutamate but is not glutamic acid hydrochloride, sped up stomach emptying and helped the stomach relax; this was not tested in people.L-Arginine L-Glutamate Enhances Gastric Motor Function in Rats and Dogs and Improves Delayed Gastric Emptying in Dogs.
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only5,428 reviews · 90% positive
Buyers of Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes capsules are mostly positive, with about 2,176 ratings across the stores. The strongest praise comes from people without a gallbladder and from people who eat heavy meals. A few found little or no benefit. Reviews of other forms of the product were left out. **What buyers say it did for them:** Many describe easier digestion and less bloating. One person says, "I can now eat and go out without fear of digestive issues." Another says, "it's a night and day instant difference" after gallbladder removal. Some take it only with big or fatty meals, such as "all you can eat restaurants". Others use it daily. One reviewer says it makes them feel fuller. A bodybuilder uses it in a morning routine and says it helps with their diet changes. The store summaries add that some people mention IBS, firmer stools, and taking one capsule at the start of each main meal. **What they complain about:** Complaints are few. One reviewer says, "I have not experienced any relief of symptoms," and another with a middling rating says the product lacks carbohydrate and protein enzymes, so it doesn't live up to the "advanced" name. A third had to stop because an ingredient "did not work at all with another medication." One buyer found that two capsules gave them acid reflux, so one per meal was enough. Another says it helped, but their digestive problems continue, and they wonder whether Thorne's product made for people without a gallbladder would work better. **Taste, smell, pill size or form:** None of the reviews or store summaries raise any problem with taste, smell, or capsule size. **Value for money:** Price is not discussed in the reviews or store summaries. The closest is one person who switched to ordering directly from Thorne. Some reviewers speak of quality, saying it is "far more effective than other brands I'd tried," and another calls it "the absolute best" after trying several brands. One reviewer calls it "Definitely Worth It." **Who it seems to suit and who it did not:** It seems to suit people who have had their gallbladder removed. One reviewer says it helps them absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and urges others, "Don't wait to take this formula." It also suits people who want help with large or high-fat meals, and those who have tried other brands and want something stronger. It suited less well: - people who want a full range of carbohydrate and protein enzymes; - people taking medication that may not mix with an ingredient; - people whose symptoms stayed the same; - people who may do better with a product designed for life without a gallbladder. Roughly three in four star-rated reviews give four or five stars. The store pages show mostly five-star ratings, with a small number of lower ones.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only8 of 10 recommend it
Only one panelist spoke about pancreatin, the main ingredient, and his latest view is neutral: he describes it as a blend of enzymes that helps break down fats into the smallest particles for absorption, especially for people with blood sugar issues or diabetes. Beyond that, the panel gives little guidance on this ingredient, so there is no group view on doses, forms, or who stopped. Betaine is a smaller ingredient in this product, and several of the panel recommend it, mostly as stomach acid support with meals or as a methylation and fat burning aid, with doses of 1 to 3 grams a day mentioned for creatine non-responders. Ox bile is also a smaller ingredient in this product, and the panelists who mentioned it take or recommend it for fat digestion, especially after gallbladder removal.
See all 8 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Dr. Eric Berg · Pancreatin · neutral
- Notes that Pancreatin, a blend of enzymes for the pancreas in the Gallbladder Formula, helps break down fats to the smallest particle for assimilation, especially for those with blood sugar issues or diabetes.
- Recommends taking ox bile after eating as a solution for those who have had their gallbladder removed.
- States he added 500 mg of betaine to his creatine product because it helps the body make more creatine.
- Recommends betaine hydrochloride for constant bloating and gas, especially if it's due to low stomach acid.
- Recommends taking betaine hydrochloride if an antacid was taken.
- Recommends betaine hydrochloride for heartburn or indigestion, stating it increases stomach acidification and can be taken in multiple pills before a meal.
- States that Betaine hydrochloride can help to restore stomach acid, but warns it should be avoided if one has a stomach ulcer.
- Betaine hydrochloride is an amino acid found naturally in foods, including beets, spinach, beef, and shrimp. It's an excellent natural remedy for increasing stomach acid. Dr. Eric Berg recommends consuming either betaine hydrochloride or apple cider vinegar before each meal.
- Recommends taking 200 mg of ox bile after a meal if one is deficient in bile.
- Recommends Betaine hydrochloride for heartburn and indigestion, stating it helps acidify the stomach and keep the valve at the top of the stomach closed.
- Recommends taking one or two capsules of ox bile after eating to replace deficient bile, which can help with constipation, light-colored stool, high cholesterol, and deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.
- Suggests that increasing stomach acid with things like betaine hydrochloride could be a solution for acid reflux.
- States that Betaine hydrochloride can help to restore stomach acid, but warns it should be avoided if one has a stomach ulcer.
- Notes that ox bile is alkaline and can dilute stomach acid, suggesting that sometimes a bile salt with betaine hydrochloride is needed to counter this, and advises against taking it if it makes one feel worse until stomach acid is fixed.
Dave Asprey · Ox Bile · uses
- Takes ox bile, especially with protein, and notes that it is essential for those who have had their gallbladder removed, as it helps with bile flow for longevity, weight loss, and overall well-being.
- Recommends taking betaine HCL (stomach acid) with meals to improve protein absorption, as stomach acid decreases with age.
- Takes stomach acid, betaine HCL, and enzymes to help digest food, which he says speeds healing and resilience.
- States that if you take Pepsid, you have to take betaine and enzymes to counteract the digestion-ruining effects, and also suggests taking a little betaine with a meal to help with nutrient absorption.
- Recommends always taking Betaine HCL, which is stomach acid, with food when taking Pepcid AC for long COVID protocols, as it's necessary for the Pepcid to work effectively.
- Recommends taking betaine HCL religiously with every meal during protocols that block histamine response to prevent gut problems from lack of stomach acid.
- Suggests that individuals with certain genetics, chronic fatigue syndrome, or toxic mold exposure should take more Ox bile to increase bile flow and excrete more fat-soluble toxins, pesticides, microplastics, BPA, and synthetic estrogen.
- Increased his Betaine HCL intake to address low stomach acid, which he believes is necessary when eating a lot of steak.
- Recommends taking Betaine HCL to increase stomach acid if on a med, to help with delayed gastric emptying.
- Advises taking Betaine HCl because Pepcid, which he recommends, blocks stomach acid.
- Recommends taking betaine HCl with every meal when using Pepcid to artificially suppress stomach acid, to ensure food is still at the correct pH for digestion.
- Notes that betaine HCl, which increases stomach acid, is not suitable for everyone, especially younger individuals, and can sometimes make issues worse if neurogenic switching is caused by pathogens or toxicity.
Thomas DeLauer · Betaine · recommends
- Would start taking trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine, due to increasing evidence of its benefits for insulin resistance and its ability to increase fat oxidation.
- Recommends TMG (trimethylglycine or betaine) for improving body composition and insulin sensitivity, and for supporting methylation pathways that keep the endothelium healthy, complementing the shear stress benefits of walking.
- Recommends TMG, also known as betaine, to aid the liver's ability to clear excess cortisol from the system.
- Highlights trimethylglycine (betaine) from beets as a powerful methyl donor that helps the liver break down homocysteine, takes the load off the liver, and is required for carnitine creation, which is crucial for fat burning and addressing fatty liver.
- Highly recommends TMG (trimethlycine or betaine), found in beets or as a supplement, because it's a methyl donor that aids in methylation in the liver, which is required for bile acid synthesis and phase 2 detoxification.
- Cycles TMG (trimethylglycine or betaine) on and off, doing four weeks on and four weeks off, because it helps lower the toxic load on the body, aids in methylation, improves insulin signaling, mitochondrial function, brain function, and has been shown to reduce hepatic triglycerides, liver fat, and increase muscle mass while decreasing fat mass.
- Recommends two to four grams of trimethylglycine (TMG or betaine) to help take a lot of stress off the liver.
- Recommends 3-4 grams of trimethylglycine (betaine) to help regulate homocysteine, which allows the body to deal with insulin resistance better.
- Recommends TMG (trimethylglycine or betaine) as a compound that works well with walking at a cellular level to detoxify the system, amplify energy production and fat loss, and course correct insulin resistance. He suggests a dose of 1.5 to 6 grams per day.
- Recommends TMG (trimethylglycine or betaine) for fat loss and muscle growth, citing studies that show it can prevent the formation of white adipose tissue, increase mitochondrial biogenesis, improve insulin resistance, and reduce total fat mass while increasing or maintaining lean body mass. He suggests taking it pre-workout to induce more fat burning and prevent fat accumulation later in the day.
- Is unfamiliar with ox bile but notes it is supposed to help break down fats more effectively, and he plans to research it further.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Betaine · uses
- Uses Betaine HCl to provide stomach acid, which helps digest food and reduce SIBO.
- Suggests that betaine hydrochloride can be used to acidify the digestive system, helping to relieve digestive problems associated with chronic pancreatic insufficiency.
- Recommends betaine, found in beets, quinoa, spinach, and regeneratively raised beef and turkey, for supporting methylation.
- Recommends Betaine HCL to increase stomach acid and help with food digestion.
- Recommends replacing digestive enzymes or things like betaine HCl to help the body digest food and break down proteins, especially when the gut is inflamed, though they may not be needed once the gut has healed.
- Uses betaine HCl to support stomach acid in patients.
- Uses betaine in their clinic to address issues with protein digestion, particularly for individuals with a lack of stomach acid, after measuring their acid levels.
- Explains that methylation is regulated by important molecules like B6, B12, folate, betaine, and methionine, which are found in our diet.
- Uses Betaine HCl to increase stomach acid and help the body digest food more effectively.
- Recommends Betaine HCl to increase stomach acid, which helps the body digest food and makes it easier to absorb nutrients, reducing the likelihood of feeding dysbiotic bacteria.
- The transcript lists Ox Bile 125 mg as a product available for purchase.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Betaine · neutral
- Mentions betaine or trimethylglycine as something that may improve power output during exercise.
Ben Greenfield · Betaine · recommends
- Recommends taking trimethylglycine, also known as betaine, beforehand with NAD IVs to stave off gastric distress and sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
- Recommends betaine hydrochloride, three a day, one per meal, to help with digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Notes that combining blood flow restriction with a blood flow precursor like betaine results in significantly greater training benefits.
- Recommends Thorne ResveraCel as a good source of resveratrol, noting it combines resveratrol with nicotinamide riboside, quercetin, and betaine to support cellular function and methylation, which are affected by EMF.
- Recommends consuming digestive enzymes with ox bile to jumpstart the body's own production of bile for fat digestion.
- Recommends Thorne ResveraCel, which contains Resveratrol, quercetin, and betaine, for anti-aging and to combat free radicals that cause eye damage or glaucoma.
- Lists Betaine HCl digestive enzyme as a resource from the episode.
- Recommends supplementing with Betaine HCl with a protein-based meal to help break down protein, especially if one has an underactive stomach and is not producing enough stomach acid. He personally takes 8 capsules before heavy protein meals.
- Mentions Ox bile extract as another ingredient found in digestive enzymes that can assist with digestion.
- Ben discusses Betaine HCL in the context of a listener experiencing insomnia, anxiety, and joint pain from it, and considers if it could be related to suppression of potassium and magnesium.
- Lists Betaine Hydrochloride supplements as a resource for healing the gut.
- Ben mentions Betaine HCL as a resource for caloric needs after an endurance event.
Siim Land · Betaine · recommends
- Recommends getting trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine, from whole foods like beetroot, shrimps, spinach, wheat germ, wheat bran, mushrooms, and various vegetables to support DNA methylation.
- Recommends TMG (trimethylglycine or betaine) for longevity and DNA methylation, especially for poor methylators who might need up to 2000-3000 milligrams per day, while those with good methylation genes might not need to supplement if they eat TMG-rich foods.
- States that betaine, or trimethylglycine, has been shown to decrease plasma homocysteine levels, with supplementation of at least 4 grams a day for a minimum of six weeks being effective.
- Recommends ox bile tablets, particularly for those on a ketogenic diet struggling to get into ketosis, as it helps digest fats and can significantly improve hormone balance.
Andrew Huberman · Betaine · neutral
- Discusses betaine as a potential alternative for creatine non-responders, taken at 1 to 3 grams per day, which helps with amino acid synthesis and energy shunting.
- Mentions that there is some evidence that betaine, also called trimethylglycine, can improve lean mass and power output.
- Notes that many people who have difficulty adjusting their gut pH and microbiota have benefited from taking betaine HCL pepsin tablets or capsules during meals, starting with one or two and experimenting to find a comfortable level.
- Andrew Huberman recommends betaine for creatine non-responders, suggesting a dose of one to three grams per day to help with amino acid synthesis and shunting of energy.
- Huberman discusses betaine as a potential supplement for creatine non-responders or if homocysteine is persistently elevated, with a typical dosage of 1 to 3 grams per day.
- Huberman notes that HCl supplements are often combined with pepsin, and many people with difficulty adjusting gut pH and microbiota have benefited from taking these tablets during meals.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 2 for After-Meal Comfort: Fast Relief
Human trials of pancreatin show improvement in discomfort after meals, including a 323-person trial with a 68.8% success rate [1] and a placebo-controlled study showing less bloating and fullness [2]. Over 5,000 reviews are 90% positive.
Take 2 servings a day to match the dose that worked in the studies.
Where the evidence disagrees: 2 of the 11 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Digestive system
Combine with: For post-meal digestive comfort, pair this enzyme with a meal-timed approach: a small amount of ginger or peppermint-free digestive bitters before meals to stimulate gastric motility, and a broad-spectrum probiotic to support gut balance. If occasional heartburn is the real concern, add a fast-acting calcium carbonate antacid or an alginate (sodium alginate) formula for quick relief, and consider DGL licorice, zinc-carnosine, or aloe vera for longer-term soothing of the stomach and esophageal lining. Persistent or frequent heartburn should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, since enzymes will not address reflux.
Possible side effects: The studies reported no serious or treatment-related side effects. One buyer got acid reflux from two capsules, and one stopped because an ingredient did not agree with another medicine.
Supplement Facts
Betaine Hydrochloride 480 mg · L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride 480 mg · Pancreatin 140 mg
| Betaine Hydrochloride | 480 mg | † |
| L-Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride | 480 mg | † |
| Pancreatin | 140 mg | † |
| Ox Bile concentrate | 80 mg | † |
| Pepsin | 70 mg | † |
Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Calcium Laurate, Leucine.
Directions: Suggested use: Take 1-2 capsules with each meal or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.
Barcode (UPC) 693749405023 · Label source: NIH label database · Report a label change
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Graded November 6, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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