AfterMeals
Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
AfterMeals
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(651 ratings)
Bromelain 80 mg
Ginger
Calcium 220 mg
Papain 50 mg
Score 45.0
Advanced Nutrition by Zahler's AfterMeals primarily functions as a basic digestive aid, containing papain, bromelain, and papaya, along with a modest amount of calcium. While affordable, the extremely low doses of ingredients like ginger, fennel, and licorice, combined with the lack of potent compounds for most of its ambitious goals (e.g., heart, fitness, mood, testosterone support), significantly limit its effectiveness beyond aiding general digestion. Online reviews generally praise its digestive benefits but rarely touch upon its broader claims, reflecting its narrow actual utility.
Quantity: 100 Tablet(s)Servings size: 2 Tablet(s) (50 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Joint Health
Digestive Health
Immunity
Anti-Inflammatory Support
General Health
leaderboard Score 45.0
Advanced Nutrition by Zahler's AfterMeals primarily functions as a basic digestive aid, containing papain, bromelain, and papaya, along with a modest amount of calcium. While affordable, the extremely low doses of ingredients like ginger, fennel, and licorice, combined with the lack of potent compounds for most of its ambitious goals (e.g., heart, fitness, mood, testosterone support), significantly limit its effectiveness beyond aiding general digestion. Online reviews generally praise its digestive benefits but rarely touch upon its broader claims, reflecting its narrow actual utility.
insights Analysis
AfterMeals by Zahler is presented as a multi-purpose supplement aiming to support everything from bone and joint health to immunity, mood, and metabolism. However, a closer look at the ingredients reveals a primary emphasis on digestive enzymes like Papain (50mg) and Bromelain (80mg), along with Papaya powder (130mg). While these are beneficial for digestion, other listed herbal ingredients such as Ginger (1mg), Fennel (4mg), and Licorice (5mg) are present in extremely low, likely ineffective, dosages for their purported benefits like anti-inflammatory support or immunity. The inclusion of 220mg of Calcium Carbonate contributes to bone health, but it's an incomplete solution without co-factors like Vitamin D. Online reviews often highlight its effectiveness for occasional digestive relief, aligning with its stronger ingredient focus, but seldom confirm its broader, unsupported claims. The low price per serving makes it accessible, but the compromises in potency across its vast array of stated goals reduce its overall value as a comprehensive supplement.
- Contains a blend of digestive enzymes (Papain, Bromelain) and traditional digestive herbs.
- Affordable per serving, making it an accessible option for general digestive support.
- Many stated goals are not adequately supported by the ingredients or their quantities, rendering them largely unachievable (e.g., Joint Health, Heart Health, Fitness, Mood Support, Testosterone Support, Metabolism Boost).
- Extremely low doses of certain beneficial ingredients like Ginger, Fennel, and Licorice, limiting their potential impact.
- Calcium inclusion at 220mg is a partial solution for bone health, but is not comprehensive on its own and lacks crucial co-factors.
- Individuals with specific health conditions or on medications should consult a healthcare professional due to the presence of enzymes and herbs like licorice, which could interact with certain conditions or drugs.
$11.67($0.23 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 11.67 | |
 Vitacost | $ 12.39 | |
 Amazon | $ 15.22 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Papain and bromelain are proteolytic enzymes that help break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. This process can aid in the digestion and absorption of dietary proteins, potentially supporting digestive comfort after meals. Their activity is often measured in enzyme units.
Ginger, fennel, and licorice have a long history of traditional use for various digestive issues. Ginger is known for its carminative properties, while fennel may help relax intestinal muscles and reduce gas. Licorice is often included for its potential to soothe the digestive tract, and together these herbs may contribute to overall digestive well-being.
Calcium carbonate acts as an antacid, helping to neutralize excess stomach acid. This can provide temporary relief from occasional indigestion or heartburn. While primarily known for its acid-neutralizing effects, calcium is also an essential mineral for many bodily functions.
Papain and bromelain are both cysteine proteases, meaning they break down proteins. While they have similar functions, their optimal pH ranges and specific substrate preferences can differ slightly. When combined, they may offer a broader spectrum of proteolytic activity, potentially enhancing protein digestion across various conditions in the digestive tract.
Combining traditional herbal powders with digestive enzymes can offer a multi-faceted approach to digestive support. The enzymes like papain and bromelain directly assist in breaking down food components, while the herbs can contribute to soothing the digestive tract and reducing discomfort. This combination aims to address both the breakdown of food and the comfort of the digestive system.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Digestive enzymes like papain and bromelain are generally most effective when taken with or immediately after meals. This timing allows them to assist directly with the breakdown of food as it enters the digestive system. Taking them with food helps ensure they are present when needed for nutrient absorption.
Yes, calcium carbonate can interfere with the absorption of some medications, including certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones) and thyroid hormones. It is generally advised to take these medications a few hours apart from calcium supplements. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for specific guidance.
Licorice root, especially in larger amounts or with prolonged use, can potentially increase blood pressure and lower potassium levels. Individuals with high blood pressure or those taking blood pressure medications should consult a healthcare professional before using supplements containing licorice. This is important to monitor for potential adverse effects.
For digestive support, ingredients like ginger and fennel powder are typically most effective when taken with or shortly after meals. This timing helps them directly assist with the digestive process and alleviate post-meal discomfort. Taking them with food can also reduce the chance of stomach upset in some individuals.
For general digestive support, many individuals use such supplements daily for extended periods. However, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, especially for long-term use, to ensure continued suitability. They can help determine if ongoing supplementation is appropriate for your needs.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Licorice root, particularly the compound glycyrrhizin, can potentially increase blood pressure and affect potassium levels. Individuals with pre-existing high blood pressure or those taking related medications should consult a healthcare professional before consuming licorice-containing supplements. Some products use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to mitigate these specific effects.
Both bromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya) are enzymes that may exhibit mild anti-platelet activity. Combining these enzymes with anticoagulant or anti-platelet medications could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding. It is advisable to discuss this potential interaction with a healthcare provider if you are taking such medications.
Calcium carbonate can interfere with the absorption of certain medications by binding to them, reducing their effectiveness. This interaction is known to occur with some antibiotics (like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones) and thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine). It is generally recommended to take calcium supplements at a different time of day from these specific medications.
Individuals with known allergies to pineapple or papaya should exercise caution with supplements containing bromelain or papain, respectively. There is also a reported cross-reactivity with latex allergies for these enzymes. Allergic reactions could manifest as skin rashes, itching, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea, from ingredients like ginger, fennel, or the digestive enzymes. Non-deglycyrrhizinated licorice can potentially contribute to elevated blood pressure. Adhering to recommended dosages is important to minimize side effects.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calcium | 220 mg |
Papaya powder | 130 mg |
Bromelain Complex | 80 mg |
Papain Complex | 50 mg |
Licorice powder | 5 mg |
Fennel powder | 4 mg |
Ginger powder | 1 mg |
Categories
Papain 60.0
With 50mg of Papain Complex, this product offers a reasonable dose of a proteolytic enzyme derived from papaya, which can effectively aid in the digestion of proteins and reduce post-meal discomfort.
Bromelain 60.0
The 80mg of Bromelain Complex provides a moderate dose of this pineapple-derived enzyme, known for its proteolytic and mild anti-inflammatory properties, contributing effectively to digestive support and potentially some systemic benefits.
Calcium 40.0
Provides 220mg of calcium carbonate, which contributes to daily calcium intake, but it is a relatively low dose for primary bone health support and lacks essential co-factors like Vitamin D or K for optimal absorption and utilization.
Goals
Digestive Health 65.0
This is the product's strongest area, featuring digestive enzymes Papain and Bromelain (50mg and 80mg respectively) which aid in protein digestion. The inclusion of Papaya powder further supports digestive enzyme activity, making it a decent choice for general post-meal digestive support, although ginger, fennel, and licorice are in very minimal quantities.
Bone Health 40.0
It provides 220mg of Calcium Carbonate, a fundamental mineral for bone structure. However, this dosage is modest and lacks crucial co-factors like Vitamin D and K, or magnesium, which are essential for calcium absorption and proper bone mineralization, making it an incomplete solution for comprehensive bone health.
Bromelain (80mg) is recognized for its systemic anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to reducing inflammation throughout the body. However, the 1mg dose of ginger powder is too low to provide any meaningful anti-inflammatory effect.