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Proprietary Digestive Blend

Also known as: Digestive enzyme supplement, Herbal digestive aid, Proprietary Digestive Blend, Digestive Enzyme Blend

Overview

A digestive enzyme blend is a combination of enzymes and herbal components designed to support digestive health. These blends typically include enzymes such as proteases, lactase, lipase, amylases, and cellulases, which aid in breaking down proteins, lactose, fats, carbohydrates, and fibers, respectively. Herbal components like ginger root, fennel seed, and peppermint leaf are often added for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. These supplements are used to alleviate symptoms like bloating, gas, indigestion, and abdominal distension, and to improve nutrient absorption. Digestive enzymes can be sourced from plants, microorganisms, or produced naturally in the body. Research on these blends is moderate, with clinical trials and systematic reviews indicating potential benefits, though more long-term studies are needed to optimize dosing and understand full effects.

Benefits

A proprietary digestive blend containing 18 digestive enzymes and herbs has demonstrated a significant reduction in abdominal distension. A study reported a 58% reduction in distension at 30 minutes and a 68% reduction at 90 minutes compared to a placebo group. Additionally, 80% of participants reported less distension, 65% reported less stomach discomfort, and 55% felt less gassy. While there was a trend towards reduced bloating, gas, and indigestion, these results were not statistically significant. These benefits were observed in healthy adults aged 18-45 years experiencing daily post-meal bloating. The statistically significant reduction in abdominal distension (P = 0.04 at 30 minutes and P = 0.007 at 90 minutes) suggests a clinically meaningful effect.

How it works

Digestive enzyme blends work by supplementing the body's natural enzymes to break down macronutrients into smaller, more easily absorbed components. Proteases break down proteins into amino acids, lipases break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, amylases break down carbohydrates into simple sugars, and cellulases break down fibers. Herbal components like ginger, fennel, and peppermint may reduce inflammation, relax the digestive tract muscles, and improve gut motility. The enzymes primarily act within the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing digestion and absorption, while herbal components may also interact with the nervous system to alleviate discomfort and bloating.

Side effects

The available research indicates that digestive enzyme blends are generally safe, with no adverse events reported in studies. However, limited data exists on uncommon or rare side effects. Individuals with known allergies to any of the blend's components should avoid its use. While drug interactions are not well-documented, it is always prudent for individuals taking other medications to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a digestive enzyme supplement. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with chronic health conditions should also seek medical advice before use. High doses of certain enzymes, such as proteases, could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.

Dosage

While the exact minimum effective dose is not definitively established, studies have used a single dose of a proprietary blend taken with a meal. Typical dosages for digestive enzymes vary widely depending on the specific enzymes and their activities. No maximum safe dose has been established, but it is advisable to avoid excessive doses that could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. The supplement is best taken with meals to enhance digestion. Capsules or tablets are common forms, and enteric-coated formulations can protect enzymes from stomach acid. Adequate hydration is recommended to support enzyme function.

FAQs

When should I take this supplement?

Take with meals to aid digestion and maximize the digestive benefits of the enzymes and herbs.

How long can I take this supplement?

It can be taken as needed for occasional digestive support or regularly for ongoing digestive health.

Is this supplement safe?

Generally safe, but consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or allergies to any components.

What results can I expect?

You may experience reduced bloating, gas, and indigestion within 30-90 minutes after taking the supplement with a meal.

Are all digestive enzyme supplements the same?

No, efficacy can vary based on the specific enzymes and herbs included. Look for well-researched formulations.

Research Sources

https://www.dovepress.com/a-multi-digestive-enzyme-and-herbal-dietary-supplement-reduces-bloatin-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NDS – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the effects of a multi-digestive enzyme and herbal dietary supplement on bloating in 25 healthy adults. The study found a significant reduction in abdominal distension and subjective reports of less stomach discomfort and gas, suggesting the supplement's effectiveness in alleviating bloating symptoms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31478479/ – This article discusses the challenges in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses on probiotics due to strain-specific effects. It emphasizes the importance of considering individual strain differences and appropriate pooling of studies, which are crucial for ensuring high-quality evidence in probiotic research.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This paper highlights the need for clear nomenclature and appropriate pooling of studies in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of nutrition and digestive health supplements. It underscores the importance of considering individual component differences to improve the quality and consistency of evidence.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336586189_Which_Academic_Search_Systems_are_Suitable_for_Systematic_Reviews_or_Meta-Analyses_Evaluating_Retrieval_Qualities_of_Google_Scholar_PubMed_and_26_other_Resources_OPEN_ACCESS – This study evaluates the retrieval qualities of various academic search systems, including Google Scholar and PubMed, for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It provides insights into the suitability of different resources for conducting comprehensive literature searches in the field of nutrition and digestive health supplements.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2812728 – This article presents general recommendations for conducting and interpreting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous methodology, transparent reporting, and careful consideration of potential biases to ensure the reliability and validity of findings in nutrition and digestive health research.