title: 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).
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Cecilia H Y
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Sam
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D019342:Acetic Acid; D000328:Adult; D000863:Antacids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002638:Chewing Gum; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006035:Glycyrrhiza; D006356:Heartburn / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D027845:Malus / Q000737:chemistry; D062407:Meals; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010206:Papain / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010919:Placebos; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000863:Antacids; D002638:Chewing Gum; D010919:Placebos; D010206:Papain; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D019342:Acetic Acid
keywords: GutsyGumtm; acid reflux; chewing gum; gastro esophageal reflux; heartburn