If there is a regular discomfort after a meal and instead of satisfaction there is a burning or painfully heavy sensation, then mostly quick relief is sought. But here is the question: do you need a tablet for gas relief or a digestive enzyme?

Though both might imply digestive relief, but they function in completely different ways. Knowledge of science behind each can help you select optimal remedy for better Digestive Relief and Gut Health.

Functionality of Digestion

After every meal, digestive enzymes help in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates so they can be absorbed. Enzymes such as proteases, lipases, and amylases function at different points in our digestive tract (@). The gastric acid in stomach is critical in helping activate some enzymes and break down nutrient structure. (@). Small intestine and pancreas also supply enzymes that support digestion. (@) .

Hence, the enzymes catalyse or speed up chemical reactions that aids in digestive process and in turn support absorption and incorporation of nutrients in body’s tissues and fluids for energy production, growth and repair.

Functionality of Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are proteins produced by the body to break down meals into nutrients that can be absorb in the body. Few examples of digestive enzymes are amylase, lipase, and protease. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates, Lipase breaks down Fats, and Protease breaks down Protein (@).

While most of these enzymes are generated through pancreas and small intestines, but some also exist in saliva and stomach (@). When this enzyme activity is low reduced whether due to age, illness or poor diet, it might affect digestion on is impacted. That is when will show gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, heaviness and bloating appear (#).

However, in such cases, supplementing with digestive enzymes, under proper guidance, shall help improve and support meal breakdown, and assist reduce fermentation in the gut, and promote smoother digestion. Some clinical studies suggest that enzyme supplementation shall help manage mild indigestion and bloating in otherwise healthy individuals ($). Basically, digestive enzymes help digest meal & nutrients efficiently and contribute to for better digestive relief.

Basic Functionality of Antacids

Antacids are solutions that help neutralise excess stomach acid, often used to relieve burning sensation, heartburn, or sourness (%). They typically contain compounds such as Magnesium Hydroxide, Calcium Carbonate or Aluminium Hydroxide, which bind hydrogen ions, thus and reducing acidity in the stomach. (%).

By raising increasing stomach’s pH levels (above 3.5), antacids shall help provide digestive relief from acid-induced irritation. (%) They are often taken as tablets to relax stomach lining and esophagus. However, because antacids reduce acidity, it’s frequent or excessive consumption isn’t recommended. (%) For instance, when the stomach becomes too alkaline, pepsin (a protein-digesting enzyme) becomes less active. (^) Also, raising gastric pH too much can hamper breakdown of proteins breakdown, thus implying accumulation of protein downstream.

Digestive Enzymes vs Antacids: How to Select?

In simple terms:

• Digestive enzymes = aid meal/nutrient digestion.
• Antacids = calm excess acid.

They are complementary but have distinct functionalities in relieving gastric discomfort symptoms related to function indigestion. Hence, both have importance basis symptoms occurrence. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional and as per diagnosis seek guidance on solution needed for improving Gut Health.

Ref:  
@ Patricia JJ, Dhamoon AS. Physiology, Digestion. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544242/ 
#https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements (as access on date:________) 
$ Ullah H, Di Minno A, Piccinocchi R, Buccato DG, De Lellis LF, Baldi A, El-Seedi HR, Khalifa SA, Piccinocchi G, Xiao X, Sacchi R. Efficacy of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2023 Dec 31;169:115858.  
% Salisbury BH, Terrell JM. Antacids. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from:  
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526049/  
^ Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R. Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management. J Int Med Res. 2022 Mar;50(3):3000605221086457. doi: 10.1177/03000605221086457. PMID: 35343261; PMCID: PMC8966100.