Nutri-Essence Gas Ease Enzymes For Beans And Vegetables

Our assessment

The evidence shows that the active ingredient in this product, Calcium, is a well-studied mineral, but it is not primarily designed for gas relief from beans and vegetables. Our assessment: This product is unlikely to address your specific digestive concern of gas from beans and vegetables. The data provided does not support its use for this purpose.

How it works

Calcium works in the body through two key mechanisms: bone mineralization, which supports bone density and mineral deposition, and neuromuscular relaxation, which supports muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. These functions are unrelated to digesting complex carbohydrates found in beans and vegetables, which typically cause gas. For gas relief, you would need an enzyme like alpha-galactosidase, which is not listed in the ingredients provided.

Safety profile

Regarding safety, high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels of calcium in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are data not available [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Our recommendation: Do not use this product for gas from beans and vegetables. The data does not support its effectiveness for that specific purpose. If you are looking for a supplement to help with gas, seek a product containing alpha-galactosidase. For general calcium needs, the data supports its role in bone health, but you should discuss dosage and potential interactions with your healthcare provider, especially if you take any of the listed medications [NIH ODS].

Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:

• Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
• Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
• % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
• Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
• Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.

Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide