LymphActiv side effects, interactions and precautions
LymphActiv is generally well tolerated at the recommended 2 capsules a day, but its ingredients can occasionally cause mild digestive upset or allergic reactions. The main precaution is for people on blood thinners, because bromelain, horse chestnut and maritime pine bark extracts are discussed in the literature in this context. Here is what is reported for each ingredient, who should not take LymphActiv according to the label, the possible interactions, and when to stop and seek advice from your GP, a pharmacist or NHS 111.
Is LymphActiv safe to take?
For healthy adults who follow the label, LymphActiv's ingredients are used at moderate amounts with a well documented safety profile. As with any supplement, side effects are possible, and some people should not take it.
The doses in LymphActiv are modest compared with those used in many studies: 20 mg of aescin a day, for instance, against the 100 to 150 mg a day typically used in horse chestnut trials. The vitamins are at 100 % of the NRV, well below the levels considered safe for long term intake. That said, "natural" does not mean free of effects. Plant extracts and enzymes are active substances, which is why the label carries clear warnings and why we list them in full below. The exact amounts are on our ingredients page.
What side effects are reported for each ingredient?
The effects reported in the literature are mostly mild and digestive, plus occasional allergic reactions. They are described for the ingredients in general, not from studies on LymphActiv itself.
| Ingredient (per 2 capsules) | Reported effects | Point of caution |
|---|---|---|
| Horse chestnut seed extract (20 mg aescin) | Occasional stomach upset, nausea, itching, headache or dizziness in trials | Never eat raw conkers or use unprocessed seeds: they are toxic. Discussed with blood thinners. |
| Bromelain (200 mg) | Occasional stomach upset or diarrhoea | Allergy possible in people sensitive to pineapple. Discussed with blood thinners and some antibiotics. |
| Maritime pine bark extract (142.5 mg OPCs) | Occasional stomach upset, headache, dizziness | Discussed with blood thinners. |
| Dandelion leaf extract (300 mg) | Occasional heartburn or digestive discomfort, allergic reactions | Asteraceae family: avoid if allergic. Label warning for biliary obstruction. |
| Red vine leaf extract (360 mg) | Occasional digestive discomfort, headache, skin reactions | Rarely reported problems at usual amounts. |
| Vitamin C (80 mg) and vitamin E (12 mg) | None expected at these amounts | Add up your intake if you also take a multivitamin. |
The Cochrane review of horse chestnut seed extract found that adverse events in trials were usually mild and infrequent. Taking the capsules with a meal is a simple way to limit digestive discomfort; see how to take LymphActiv.
Who should not take LymphActiv?
According to the label, LymphActiv is not recommended for under 18s, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with certain digestive, heart or kidney conditions or a known cross allergy. The full list is below.
- Children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- People with gastric or duodenal ulcers.
- People with biliary obstruction.
- People with oedematous heart or kidney failure.
- People with a known cross allergy, particularly to plants of the Asteraceae family.
- Anyone taking medication or with a medical condition should consult a healthcare professional before use.
LymphActiv is not a medicine and is not a treatment for any condition of the veins or the lymphatic system. If you have been diagnosed with a circulatory condition, follow the advice of your GP or specialist, and read our guide on when to see a GP.
Can LymphActiv interact with medicines?
Yes, possibly, mainly with medicines that affect blood clotting. If you take any regular medication, ask your GP or pharmacist before starting LymphActiv.
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, dabigatran, clopidogrel, daily aspirin): bromelain, horse chestnut and pine bark extracts are discussed in the literature for a possible additive effect on bleeding. This is the most important interaction to check.
- Antibiotics: bromelain has been reported to increase the absorption of some antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and tetracyclines.
- Diabetes medicines: horse chestnut and pine bark extracts have been studied for an effect on blood sugar; if you are treated for diabetes, mention LymphActiv to your GP or diabetes nurse.
- Before surgery or dental work: tell the team that you take a supplement with these ingredients. Stopping it beforehand is often advised.
These interactions are known from the literature on the individual ingredients and do not mean a problem will occur. They are the reason we would rather you checked first. A community pharmacist can do this without an appointment.
Good to know: if you are prescribed a new medicine while taking LymphActiv, mention it to the prescriber or pharmacist. It takes a minute and avoids surprises.
What about allergies?
Dandelion belongs to the Asteraceae family and bromelain comes from pineapple, so people with these allergies should not take LymphActiv without advice. The capsule is plant based and the label states lactose free and gluten free.
The Asteraceae (or daisy) family includes ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies. If you react to any of them, the label advises against LymphActiv. People allergic to pineapple, and sometimes to latex, papaya or certain pollens, may also react to bromelain. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash, itching, swelling of the lips or face, or difficulty breathing.
What should you do if you notice a side effect?
Stop taking LymphActiv and speak to a pharmacist or your GP; for urgent advice, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999. Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, need 999 straight away.
For milder, persistent symptoms such as stomach discomfort, headache or itching, stop the capsules and see whether they settle. Tell your pharmacist or GP which product you took, with the label if possible. If you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, especially while on a blood thinner, seek medical advice promptly. And if one leg becomes painful, hot, red or larger than the other, whether or not you take a supplement, contact your GP or NHS 111 the same day, as this needs checking.
You can also contact Nutrisolution's customer service: the 180 day guarantee lets you return the bottles, even opened, for a full refund. Prices and conditions are on our price page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take LymphActiv with warfarin or apixaban?
Not without advice. Several of its ingredients are discussed for a possible effect on bleeding when combined with blood thinners. Ask your GP, anticoagulation clinic or pharmacist first.
Who do I contact in the UK if I react badly to a supplement?
Your pharmacist or GP for mild symptoms, NHS 111 for urgent advice when your surgery is closed, and 999 for a serious allergic reaction or difficulty breathing.
Does LymphActiv affect blood pressure?
No effect on blood pressure is expected at the label dose. If you are treated for high blood pressure or a heart condition, ask your GP before starting, as the label advises for anyone on medication.
Can I drink alcohol while taking LymphActiv?
No specific interaction with LymphActiv's ingredients is known. As a general rule, the UK Chief Medical Officers' guidance is to drink no more than 14 units a week.
Is LymphActiv safe long term?
There are no long term studies on LymphActiv itself. Its ingredients are used at moderate amounts. If you take it for many months, review your routine with a pharmacist from time to time, especially if your medication changes.
LymphActiv: 7 ingredients, 2 capsules a day
- Red vine leaf (360 mg), dandelion (300 mg), bromelain (200 mg)
- Maritime pine bark (142.5 mg OPC) and horse chestnut (20 mg aescin)
- Vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels, and vitamin E
- 180-day money-back guarantee, only through the official order page
Sources
- Official LymphActiv label (English version): warnings and storage.
- Pittler MH, Ernst E. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, United States), fact sheets on horse chestnut, bromelain, pine bark extract and dandelion.
- NHS, Anaphylaxis; NHS 111; Deep vein thrombosis.
- NHS, Alcohol units and low risk drinking guidelines.