Staying Healthy

Gut reaction: A limited role for digestive enzyme supplements

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There's little evidence to support their use for common digestive distress like heartburn.

Digestive enzyme supplements promise to fix everything from bloating and flatulence to heartburn and gut health. The supplements are so popular that global sales are expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2025, according to recent marketing research. But don't be too quick to reach for them. Some of them are clearly beneficial, in certain situations. But enzyme supplements also are often used in situations where there is little evidence that they do any good.

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