Evidence supporting the use of: Enzymes blend (proprietary)
For the health condition: Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Enzyme blends are often recommended to support digestion in individuals with a sluggish gall bladder or following gall bladder removal (cholecystectomy). The gall bladder stores and concentrates bile, which emulsifies dietary fats to aid their digestion. After gall bladder removal, bile continuously trickles into the intestine rather than being released in response to meals, often resulting in less efficient fat digestion and symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and fatty stools. Scientific studies have shown that pancreatic enzyme supplements (containing lipase, protease, and amylase) can improve the digestion and absorption of fats and other nutrients in people with compromised biliary or pancreatic function. Some enzyme blends also include ox bile extract or other bile salts, which have been shown in small studies to improve fat absorption and reduce digestive symptoms in people after gall bladder removal.

While there is good clinical evidence for the use of prescription-strength pancreatic enzymes in specific conditions (like pancreatic insufficiency), the evidence for over-the-counter multi-enzyme blends is less robust and mostly consists of small clinical studies, case reports, and mechanistic rationale. Overall, enzyme blends are justified by a combination of scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence, especially in the context of fat maldigestion following gall bladder removal. However, not all proprietary blends are equivalent, and the quality and composition of supplements can vary widely. More large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to fully validate their efficacy and optimal formulation for these indications.

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