Effect of GutsyGum^tm, A Novel Gum, on Subjective Ratings of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Following A Refluxogenic Meal

Abstract

Chewing gum alleviates symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) following a refluxogenic meal. GutsyGum(tm), a chewing gum developed to alleviate the symptoms of GER contains calcium carbonate, with a proprietary blend of licorice extract, papain, and apple cider vinegar (GiGs®). The efficacy of GutsyGum(tm) was determined in alleviating the symptoms of GER after a refluxogenic meal compared to placebo gum. This double-blind, placebo-controlled-crossover trial with a one-week washout between treatments had 24 participants with a history of GER consume a refluxogenic meal and then chew GutsyGum(tm) or placebo gum. Participants completed GER symptom questionnaires, consisting of symptom based 10 cm Visual Analogue Scales, immediately following the meal and then at regular intervals out to four hours postmeal. Adjusted mean ± SEM heartburn score (15-min postmeal to 240 min) was significantly lower in GutsyGum(tm) than in placebo gum treatment (0.81 ± 0.20 vs. 1.45 ± 0.20 cm; p = 0.034). Mean acid reflux score was significantly lower in GutsyGum(tm) than in placebo treatment (0.72 ± 0.19 vs. 1.46 ± 0.19 cm; p = 0.013). There were no significant differences for any of the secondary outcomes. However, pain approached significance with less pain reported in GutsyGum(tm) versus placebo treatment (0.4 ± 0.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2 cm; p = 0.081). Although nausea (p = 0.114) and belching (p = 0.154) were lower following GutsyGum(tm), the difference was not statistically significant. GutsyGum(tm) is more effective than a placebo gum in alleviating primary symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux (Clinical Trial Registration: ACTRN12612000973819).

Effectiveness of Nutritional Ingredients on Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions and Symptoms: A Narrative Review

“…However, these studies were small and yielded heterogenous outcomes. ACV was used in the gum formulation mentioned above, and while subjects found beneficial effects in relief of heartburn and acid reflux, it is challenging to elucidate whether this effect was due to the ACV or the other ingredients [ 44 ].…”

“…Two studies explored the relationship between combinations of various botanical ingredients and their impact on upper GI conditions ( Table 6 ) [ 44 , 73 ]. In addition, we also discuss the recent SR summarizing the effectiveness of peppermint oil and caraway oil (POCO).…”

“…Brown et al conducted a crossover RCT trial in which participants (n = 24) consumed a specific high-fat, reflux inducing meal followed by 30 min of chewing one of the two treatment gums, either the placebo gum or the intervention gum, containing calcium carbonate (500 mg), ACV, licorice, and papain ( Table 6 ) [ 44 ]. The intervention significantly reduced heartburn and mean acid reflux score (measured by a symptom based visual analogue scale (VAS)) in GERD patients (n = 24) as compared to the placebo.…”

Debulking different Corona (SARS-CoV-2 delta, omicron, OC43) and Influenza (H1N1, H3N2) virus strains by plant viral trap proteins in chewing gums to decrease infection and transmission

“…This approach is especially suitable for reducing viral load in saliva or clearing the throat surface, where most viral infections originate. While chewing gums have been used since 1928 [ 55 ] to deliver small molecules like aspirin [ 56 ] caffeine [ 57 ], calcium carbonate [ 58 ], chlorhexidine [ 59 ], nicotine [ 60 , 61 ], and Xylitol [ 62 ], delivering protein via gums pose additional challenges in their stability and release kinetics. For example, insulin in chewing gum tablets was mostly degraded in the gastric juice and was not validated by animal testing [ 63 ] but oral delivery of insulin bioencapsulated in plant cells is feasible [ 64 ].…”