Natural Factors Bromelain capsules contain 500 mg of this proteolytic enzyme isolated form the stem of the pineapple plant. Bromelain aids digestion by breaking down protein, and improves nutrient absorption. Bromelain is a good substitute for the enzymes pepsin and trypsin. Bromelain's other health benefits include aiding weight loss and improving blood vessel and joint inflammation. "But digestive enzymes can do more than aid digestion. Because they are so efficient at breaking down protein, carbohydrates, and fats, they are able to stimulate the good bacteria in the gut, detoxify and cleanse the colon, and therefore improve a number of digestion-related conditions, including food and other allergies. They help to mobilize and expel harmful products from the body. This process occurs at the cellular level, in organs, and in various systems of the body." GDU and MCU are two standard ways to measure enzyme activity. The measurement of activity is based on how much one gram of the enzyme will digest. Usually the two measurements are in a 2:3 ratio. The higher the number of GDU's and MCU's, the greater the enzyme activity of the product.  Bromelain can be purchased in strengths ranging from 80 GDU/120 MCU to 1000 GDU/1500 MCU. A product with only 80 GDU/120 MCU is twelve time less potent that a product with 1000GDU/1500 MCU. Natural Factors only uses extra-strength Bromelain, 1000 GDU ( gelatin digesting units) and 1500 MCU ( milk clotting units) of enzyme activity per gram, one of the most potent and effective strengths available.