A Multi-Digestive Enzyme and Herbal Dietary Supplement Reduces Bloating in a Single Use in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross Over Study

Purpose: Occasional meal-related bloating, gassiness, and discomfort can affect the quality of life of healthy individuals without a diagnosis of gastrointestinal conditions. This study explored the efficacy and tolerability of a digestive enzyme and herbal dietary supplement in alleviating these symptoms. Subjects and Methods: Adults aged 18-45 years (n = 25) with daily post-meal bloating but no pre-existing condition were enrolled. After obtaining informed consent, the fasted participants were randomized to consume either placebo or test product and consume a test meal. Waist circumference was measured at baseline and at 30- and 90-minutes post meal. Participants rated the severity of bloating, distension, gas, and indigestion on a 4-point scale. Following a 1-week washout, the participants repeated the procedure using the alternate product. Results: Participants (n = 20) experienced 58% less abdominal distension at 30 minutes (0.93 cm vs 1.50 cm, P = 0.04) and 68% less at 90 minutes with the test product compared to the placebo (0.94 cm vs 2.12 cm, P = 0.007). Overall, 80% of participants reduced distension with the test product. No significant differences were noted between questions assessing momentary bloating, distended stomach, gas, or indigestion. There was a trend to agree that the test product was effective for overall feelings of bloating, stomach discomfort and distension, and indigestion, with 65% of participants reporting less stomach discomfort and 55% reporting feeling less gassy than normal with the test product. No product-related adverse events or discomfort were reported. Conclusion: Digestive enzymes and herbal dietary supplements effectively reduced post-meal abdominal distension in healthy subjects, without adverse effects. Keywords: digestive enzymes, clinical trial, bloating, gas-related symptoms