A Study Evaluating the Impact of Regular FODMAP-targeting Digestive Enzyme Blend Use on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Individuals With Self-Reported Bloating

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-individual crossover trial designed to assess the impact of regular use of a consumer-grade FODMAP-targeting digestive enzyme blend (FODZYME®) on gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with self-reported bloating.1 The study's rationale is based on the fact that fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) are often poorly absorbed and can trigger symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain. While a Low FODMAP Diet (LFD) is clinically validated for symptom relief, it is restrictive. The enzyme blend is intended to offer a more flexible, enzyme-based solution by targeting and breaking down FODMAPs, such as fructan, GOS, and lactose, before they ferment in the colon. The primary objective is to evaluate the product's impact on bloating symptoms, measured by the mean PROMIS scale Gastrointestinal Gas and Bloating score. Secondary and exploratory objectives include assessing the impact on overall gastrointestinal symptom severity (IBS-SSS), abdominal pain (PROMIS Belly Pain score), food-related quality of life (FR-QoL-29), and anxiety (GAD-7 scores). The study also aims to evaluate these effects across various Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) subgroups (IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M). The trial is a consumer-driven, decentralized research study utilizing validated patient-reported outcome measures that can be completed in a home setting.