Spirulina, Whey Immunoglobulins, Bromelain, and Papain: What the Research Says About the Ingredients in CHF #88 Revive

By Jenn Resendiz

CHF #88 Revive amino acid complex bottle with the Country Health logo

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and your body uses them for everything from muscle to enzymes. CHF #88 Revive 120 Capsules is an amino acid complex drawn from two protein-rich sources, organic spirulina and whey, with two natural protein-digesting enzymes. Here is what research shows about each ingredient.

Full ingredient list (per 2 capsules): proprietary blend 1 g of amino acids (from USA organic spirulina and Idaho whey immunoglobulins), bromelain (pineapple enzyme), and papain (papaya enzyme). Other ingredients: gelatin (capsule). The label suggests two capsules morning and evening, for a daily total of 4 capsules and 2 g of blend.

What is spirulina, and what does research show?

Spirulina is a freshwater blue-green alga that has become one of the most popular whole-food supplements. The NIH LactMed database describes it as containing protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and iron.

Research on spirulina has focused especially on heart health markers. A 2023 meta-analysis of 20 randomized trials with 1,076 participants found that spirulina supplementation lowered total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides and raised HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Those trials used spirulina itself at the doses studied.

Spirulina also has a strong safety profile. A United States Pharmacopeia expert committee reviewed human trials, animal studies, and adverse event reports and gave spirulina a Class A safety rating. LactMed notes that spirulina grown under controlled conditions is generally well tolerated.

What are whey immunoglobulins?

Whey is one of the two main proteins in milk, and immunoglobulins are antibody proteins naturally found in whey. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), whey is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids, and it has more leucine than casein or soy protein. ODS notes that leucine and the other branched-chain amino acids might help stimulate protein synthesis in exercised muscle.

That makes whey one of the most valued protein sources among active adults, and it gives CHF #88 a high-quality dairy source of amino acids to pair with plant-based spirulina.

How do amino acids support muscle?

Your muscles are constantly being broken down and rebuilt, and amino acids from protein supply the raw material. A 2018 meta-analysis of 49 randomized trials with 1,863 participants found that protein supplementation, when combined with resistance training, increased muscle strength and muscle size compared with training alone. The added benefit leveled off at around 1.6 g of total protein per kilogram of body weight a day.

ODS notes that the protein RDA for healthy adults is 0.8 g per kilogram a day and that athletes may benefit from 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg. CHF #88 provides a compact 2 g daily blend of amino acids that complements the protein you get from meals, and pairing it with regular strength exercise follows what the research supports.

What do bromelain and papain add?

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from the stem and fruit of the pineapple, and papain is a similar enzyme from papaya. In a protein formula, they complement the amino acids by adding natural protein-breaking activity. Pineapple has a long history of traditional medicinal use in South and Central America, according to NCCIH, and some studies suggest oral bromelain may help reduce some symptoms after wisdom tooth surgery. NCCIH describes oral bromelain as generally well tolerated.

How do these ingredients work together?

CHF #88 combines amino acids from a plant source (spirulina, which also brings B vitamins, beta-carotene, and iron) and a dairy source (whey, rich in leucine), with bromelain and papain to add protein-digesting enzymes. Taken morning and evening, it offers a simple way to add a little extra high-quality amino acid support to your day.

Who might enjoy it: active adults and older adults who want a capsule-form amino acid supplement to go along with a protein-rich diet and regular strength training.

Who should check with a clinician first?

Each ingredient has a good safety record, but please check with your clinician first if you:

  • Have a milk allergy (whey) or a pineapple or papaya allergy (bromelain, papain).
  • Take blood thinners or other prescription medicines. NCCIH recommends talking with a provider about possible interactions with bromelain.
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the label advises. LactMed notes there are no data on spirulina in nursing mothers.

LactMed also notes that algae grown in uncontrolled conditions can be contaminated with heavy metals or algal toxins, so choose spirulina products from a controlled, reputable source.

Frequently asked questions

What is in CHF #88 Revive?

An amino acid complex from USA organic spirulina and Idaho whey immunoglobulins, plus the enzymes bromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya).

How do I take CHF #88?

The label suggests two capsules in the morning and two in the evening.

Is spirulina safe?

A USP expert committee gave spirulina a Class A safety rating, and LactMed says spirulina grown under controlled conditions is generally well tolerated.

Does CHF #88 contain dairy?

Yes. It contains amino acids from whey immunoglobulins, which come from milk.

Add CHF #88 Revive to your cart or view the full product page and label.

Sources

  1. Spirulina. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), NICHD
  2. Rahnama I, et al. The effect of Spirulina supplementation on lipid profile: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res. 2023
  3. Marles RJ, et al. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011
  4. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
  5. Morton RW, et al. Protein supplementation and resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength: systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018
  6. NCCIH. Bromelain

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education only. It is not medical advice, and neither this article nor the product it discusses is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or another qualified health professional before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription or over-the-counter medicines, or have a medical condition.

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