Pepsin at a glance

Category
Enzyme
Also called
Commonly found in
Cheese, Certain digestive supplements
Diets reviewed
26 diets

What is Pepsin?

Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme found in the gastric juices of animals, including humans, where it aids in the digestion of proteins by breaking them into peptides. Commercially, pepsin is often derived from the stomach linings of pigs, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Also known as:

Diet Compatibility

VeganAvoid

Pepsin is a stomach enzyme that usually comes from pigs.

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PescatarianAvoid

Pepsin is a stomach enzyme that usually comes from pigs.

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VegetarianAvoid

Pepsin is a stomach enzyme that usually comes from pigs.

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Alpha-Gal FriendlyCaution

Pepsin is a stomach enzyme that usually comes from pigs and may contain-alpha gal.

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Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

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Corn FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Corn Free diet.

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Dairy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Dairy Free diet.

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Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

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Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

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Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

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GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

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Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

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Lactose FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lactose Free diet.

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Low FODMAPSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fodmap diet.

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Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

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Milk FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Milk Free diet.

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Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

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Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

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Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

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Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

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Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

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Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

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Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

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Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

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Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

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Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

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Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Pepsin

People avoid pepsin primarily for dietary and ethical reasons. As it is typically derived from pigs, it is not suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, individuals who adhere to Halal or Kosher dietary laws may avoid pepsin unless it is specifically certified as such due to its porcine origin.

Potential Reactions

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Pepsin

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Related to Pepsin

Other ingredients people often check alongside Pepsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

  • Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
  • Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
  • Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
  • Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

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