A Pharmacy-Based Observational Study of Digest-8 Dietary Supplement in a Consumer Healthcare Context

Background Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), a frequent cause of gastrointestinal (GI) symptomology, impact 40%–69% of the United States population. People who suffer from FGIDs often self-manage their symptoms using consumer healthcare products such as dietary supplements. Objective To investigate use of Digest-8 dietary supplement by people who purchased the product from pharmacies for their FGID symptoms. Methods This pharmacy-based observational study included a convenience sample recruited by flyers at 2 pharmacies upon purchase of Digest-8 dietary supplement to assess symptoms, satisfaction, tolerability, and side-effects through 7 weekly voluntary surveys completed by consenting participants. Results Twenty-two participants completed an initial survey and a collective total of 59 follow-up surveys. Analysis of follow-up surveys compared to baseline provided pilot data on symptom improvement, satisfaction, tolerability, and low side effect profile. Conclusion Preliminary findings of the study warrant a follow-up prospective randomized clinical trial to address the study limitations.