Bromelain Extract: Overview, Research & Enzyme Activity (GDU Explained)

Bromelain Extract is a group of naturally occurring proteolytic enzymes extracted primarily from the stem of the pineapple (Ananas comosus). It has been widely studied and used as a digestive and enzyme-based supplement ingredient across global markets.

This guide explains:

• What Bromelain is
• What GDU/g means
• What modern research has studied
• Why high-activity extracts (3000 GDU/g) matter

This content is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice.

What Is Bromelain?

Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes that break down proteins. It is naturally found in pineapple, especially in the pineapple stem, which is the most common source for commercial bromelain extracts.

Bromelain is commonly supplied as:

• Standardized enzyme powders
• Capsules or tablets
• Bulk enzyme ingredients for formulations

Understanding GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units)

GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units) is a standard measurement of bromelain’s enzymatic activity.

• 3000 GDU/g means 1 gram of bromelain can digest 3000 units of gelatin under controlled laboratory conditions
• Higher GDU = higher enzymatic activity
• GDU measures activity, not weight or concentration

This makes GDU a critical quality indicator for bromelain products.

Use of Bromelain in Supplement Formulations

In nutritional and supplement contexts, bromelain is commonly included in:

• Enzyme-based formulations
• Digestive-support supplement blends
• Protein-digesting enzyme complexes
• General wellness formulations

Its enzyme activity and compatibility make bromelain suitable for powder and capsule formats.

What Modern Research Has Studied

Bromelain has been extensively researched in biochemical and nutritional contexts.

Enzyme & Biochemical Research

A review in Biotechnology Research International examined bromelain’s enzymatic properties and activity measurement.
Source: Pavan et al. (2012). Biotechnol Res Int.

Nutritional & Enzyme Studies

Research in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine discussed bromelain in controlled nutritional studies.
Source: Maurer (2001). eCAM.

Enzyme Stability Research

A review in Food Chemistry explored enzyme stability and activity retention of bromelain powders.
Source: Ketnawa et al. (2012). Food Chemistry.

These studies were conducted under controlled conditions and do not evaluate retail dietary supplements.

Why Enzyme Activity Standardization Matters

Unlike herbal extracts, bromelain quality is defined by enzyme activity, not extract ratios.

Standardization ensures:

• Consistent enzymatic performance
• Reliable formulation outcomes
• Clear differentiation between low- and high-activity products
• 👉 View Bromelain Extract Powder
• 👉 View Bromelain Extract Capsules

Important Reminder

Scientific research studies bromelain under controlled laboratory conditions.
Retail dietary supplements are not evaluated in the same way.

Final Thoughts

Bromelain remains one of the most widely used plant-derived enzymes in modern nutraceutical formulations. High-activity extracts such as 3000 GDU/g represent premium-grade enzyme ingredients valued for consistency and reliability.

Compliance Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only.
It does not provide medical advice.
Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.