Do digestive enzymes help with bloating

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

The Role of Digestive Enzymes in Alleviating Bloating

Introduction to Digestive Enzymes and Bloating

Bloating is a common gastrointestinal complaint characterized by a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen. It can be caused by various factors, including poor digestion, food intolerances, and gastrointestinal disorders. Digestive enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of food into absorbable nutrients, have been studied for their potential to alleviate bloating and other digestive symptoms.

Efficacy of Digestive Enzymes in Reducing Bloating

Digestive Enzymes in IBS and IBD Patients

Research has shown that digestive enzymes can significantly reduce bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A study involving IBD patients with IBS symptoms demonstrated that a combination of beta-glucan, inositol, and digestive enzymes led to a notable reduction in bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain after four weeks of treatment . This suggests that digestive enzymes can improve the overall clinical condition of patients suffering from these gastrointestinal disorders.

Combined Therapy with Probiotics

The combination of digestive enzymes with probiotics has also been found to be effective in reducing bloating. In a study on liver cirrhosis patients, the use of compound digestive enzyme tablets along with probiotics significantly improved symptoms of abdominal fullness and bloating . This combined therapy approach highlights the potential synergistic effects of digestive enzymes and probiotics in managing bloating.

General Benefits of Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are essential for the optimal digestion of macronutrients and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. They help improve food tolerance and inhibit the formation of toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and stomach ache . The use of multi-enzyme preparations has been reported to successfully alleviate post-prandial gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, in various clinical trials .

Specific Enzyme Complexes and Bloating

GlutenShield Supplementation

A study on the supplementation of a digestive enzyme complex known as GlutenShield (GS) found that it significantly reduced self-reported bloating in individuals with chronic gastrointestinal distress . This indicates that specific enzyme complexes can be beneficial in managing bloating and other related symptoms.

Curcumin and Boswellia Extracts

In addition to traditional digestive enzymes, certain plant extracts with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, such as Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata, have been shown to reduce bloating in IBS patients with small bowel dysbiosis. A randomized trial demonstrated that supplementation with these extracts, along with a low FODMAP diet, significantly decreased bloating and abdominal pain .

Conclusion

Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in alleviating bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Studies have shown that they are effective in reducing bloating in patients with IBS, IBD, and liver cirrhosis, especially when combined with probiotics or specific plant extracts. The use of multi-enzyme preparations and enzyme complexes like GlutenShield further supports their efficacy in managing bloating. Therefore, incorporating digestive enzymes into the treatment regimen for bloating can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

A mixture of beta-glucan, inositol, and digestive enzymes reduces bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain, improving the overall clinical condition of IBD-IBS patients.

RCT

2017·

21citations

·R. Spagnuolo et al.

Compound digestive enzyme combined with probiotics on the treatment of liver cirrhosis with bloating

Compound digestive enzyme combined with probiotics significantly improves abdominal fullness symptoms in liver cirrhosis patients, with a 97.7% effective rate and minimal side effects.

RCT

2015·

0citations

·L. Son

[Digestive enzymes].

Digestive enzymes improve nutrient absorption and reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating and flatulence.

2020·

0citations

·Z. Placer

Can the supplementation of a digestive enzyme complex offer a solution for common digestive problems?

A full spectrum digestive enzyme complex from non-animal origin may provide a more effective solution for common digestive complaints compared to a gastroprokinetic agent.

Non-RCT

2014·

2citations

·T. Quinten et al.

Enzyme therapy for functional bowel disease‐like post‐prandial distress

Multi-enzyme preparations have generally been successful in treating post-prandial symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, but long-term studies using validated scoring systems and factorial designs are needed to confirm specific symptom responses.

Literature Review

2018·

15citations

·D. Graham et al.

Effect of Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Enzyme Supplementation on Gut Fermentation, Markers of Inflammation and Immune Response in Individuals with GI Symptoms (P20-024-19).

GlutenShield supplementation was well-tolerated and perceived as beneficial for adults with gastrointestinal distress compared to placebo.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2019·

0citations

·Kaitlyn Webb et al.

Beneficial Effects on Abdominal Bloating with an Innovative Food-Grade Formulation of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata Extracts in Subjects with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Small Bowel Dysbiosis

In subjects with IBS and small bowel dysbiosis, abdominal bloating can be successfully reduced with a supplementation of Curcumin Boswellia Phytosome and a Low FODMAP diet.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2022·

12citations

·A. Giacosa et al.

Bloating and Distention in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Role of Gas Production and Visceral Sensation After Lactose Ingestion in a Population With Lactase Deficiency

Gas production and visceral hypersensitivity contribute to digestive symptoms in IBS patients after lactose ingestion, with no correlation between objective abdominal distention and subjective bloating.

Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2013·

118citations

·Yujin Zhu et al.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Evaluation and Management of Belching, Abdominal Bloating, and Distention: Expert Review.

This AGA Clinical Practice Update provides best practice advice for diagnosing and managing belching, bloating, and abdominal distention, highlighting the importance of clinical history, physical examination, and impedance pH monitoring.

Systematic Review

2023·

20citations

·B. Moshiree et al.

Exogenous enzymes supplementation enhances diet digestibility and digestive function and affects intestinal microbiota of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) juveniles fed distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) based diets.

Exogenous enzyme supplementation, such as Synergen® or Natugrain®TS, enhances digestibility and improves gut microbiota richness and diversity in turbot juveniles fed plant-based diets.

RCT

2018·

39citations

·A. F. Diógenes et al.

Try another search

supplements for anxiety

ibuprofen overdose timeline

hemp seed oil benefits

preventative migraine medication

vitamin supplements

how much is too much protein in a day