Evidence supporting the use of: Malt Diastase
For the health condition: Belching

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Malt diastase is an enzyme derived from malted barley that aids in the digestion of starches by breaking them down into simpler sugars. Its traditional use as a digestive aid dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Europe and the United States. Historically, malt diastase was included in tonics and digestive preparations to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, including bloating and belching, which were thought to be associated with poor carbohydrate digestion. The rationale was that by promoting more complete digestion of starchy foods, malt diastase could reduce the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the gut, thereby decreasing the production of intestinal gas—a common cause of belching.

However, while this traditional use is well documented, contemporary scientific evidence supporting malt diastase specifically for belching is limited. There are no high-quality clinical trials directly evaluating its effectiveness for this symptom. Modern research into digestive enzymes focuses more broadly on conditions like pancreatic insufficiency rather than functional symptoms like belching. Nevertheless, the traditional use persists in some over-the-counter digestive enzyme blends. Overall, while the historical rationale for malt diastase in relieving belching exists, scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence base remains weak.

More about Malt Diastase
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Products containing Malt Diastase

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