Many digestive complaints are a result of inadequate production of digestive enzymes, especially the pancreatic enzymes for digesting carbs, fats, and proteins. In this double-blind, crossover study, supplemental pancreatic enzymes were given to healthy volunteers after eating a high calorie, high-fat meal.
For the next 15-17 hours, digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, and flatulence were recorded. Pancreatic supplements reduced bloating over the entire recording period, with significant reductions in bloating, gas, and fullness during the dinner to bedtime period.
The authors concluded:
“The finding that pancreatic supplements reduce postprandial symptoms in healthy subjects suggests that these supplements also might be beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome.”
