Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment Digestive Enzymes Help for IBS? Meager Research Findings on Digestive Enzyme Supplements By Barbara Bolen, PhD Barbara Bolen, PhD Twitter Barbara Bolen, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and health coach. She has written multiple books focused on living with irritable bowel syndrome. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 24, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Jay Yepuri, MD, MS, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and a practicing partner at Digestive Health Associates of Texas (DHAT). Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Read through any online IBS discussion forum and you will be sure to quickly come across a recommendation for the use of digestive enzyme supplements. As with many things IBS-related, research is quite limited. In fact, a review of the literature only turned up two studies. Find out more about what is known and the evidence so you can weigh the strength of any claims made before you buy an expensive supplement. Astronaut Images / Caiaimage / Getty Images Pancreatic Enzymes The first study assessed the effectiveness of prescribing the pancreatic enzyme lipase to patients who suffer from the symptoms of diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D) following meals (postprandial). Lipase is an enzyme that assists with the digestion of fat. The study used a pancrelipase formulation known as PEZ. The study design required participants to identify their own trigger foods and to take either PEZ or a placebo prior to eating meals that contain those triggers. After a brief break in treatment, administration of the PEZ vs. placebo was switched. At the end of both treatment phases, participants were asked as to decide which of the two treatments they preferred. 61 percent of participants chose PEZ over placebo. Comparison of PEZ vs. placebo identified that the PEZ was significantly more effective in reducing bloating, borborygmi (stomach rumbling), cramping, pain, and urgency, as well as decreasing the number of bowel movements and increasing the firmness of stool. The study was limited by the small sample size and a high drop-out rate. Multi-Ingredient Formulation The second study involved a multi-ingredient formulation named Biointol. This supplement contains digestive enzymes along with beta-glucan and inositol. In this small study, 50 IBS patients received the supplement. Their symptoms were compared with a 40 IBS patient no-therapy control group. The results indicated that the supplement reduced abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence. Unfortunately, without a placebo control, there is no way to conclude that the supplement itself was the causative agent for these symptom reductions. A Word From Verywell Clearly, well-designed research studies are sorely needed before any conclusions can be made about the helpfulness of digestive enzyme supplements in ameliorating the symptoms of IBS. On the other hand, digestive enzymes do not seem to carry any significant risk when taken in recommended dosages and therefore are not likely to do much harm, although they can be costly. Before trying any supplements containing digestive enzymes, it is best to consult with your physician to ensure that the enzymes will not interact negatively with any other medication you may be taking or any other health issues you may be dealing with. When you read online testimonials about specific supplement products, keep in mind that the user reviews may not be entirely independent. Manufacturers may solicit testimonials in return for free or discounted products, or even pay websites and "influencers" to promote their products. Protect your health and your wallet by discussing any supplements with your healthcare provider before you buy them. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! One of the most challenging aspects of having IBS is trying to figure out what's safe to eat. Our recipe guide makes it easier. Sign up and get yours now! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Money ME, Walkowiak J, Virgilio C, Talley NJ. Pilot study: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial of pancrealipase for the treatment of postprandial irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhoea. Frontline Gastroenterol. 2011;2(1):48-56. doi:10.1136/fg.2010.002253 Levine ME, Koch SY, Koch KL. Lipase Supplementation before a High-Fat Meal Reduces Perceptions of Fullness in Healthy Subjects. Gut Liver. 2015;9(4):464–469. doi:10.5009/gnl14005 Ciacci C, Franceschi F, Purchiaroni F, et al.Effect of beta-Glucan, Inositol and digestive enzymes in GI symptoms of patients with IBS. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2011; 15 (6): 637-643. Additional Reading Money, M. et.al. "Pilot study: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial of pancrealipase for the treatment of postprandial irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhoea" Frontline Gastroenterology 2011 2:48-56. Ciacci, C. et.al. "Effect of beta-Glucan, Inositol and digestive enzymes in GI symptoms of patients with IBS" European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2011 15:637-643. Roxas, M. "The Role of Enzyme Supplementation in Digestive Disorders" Alternative Medicine Review 2008 13:307-313.