Our Members Asked:
Which supplements or OTC medications help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse?

Answer:
Flatulence, commonly referred to as "passing gas" or "farting," is a normal biological process the body uses to help get rid of small amounts of air that are swallowed or that build up during digestion. Conditions such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and others can cause excessive flatulence. Certain diet and lifestyle changes, including eating smaller meals, drinking and eating more slowly, avoiding certain foods, and exercising regularly may help reduce excessive flatulence.
Some supplements can help reduce gas by breaking down gas-producing carbohydrates, and some OTC medication may help relieve bloating and discomfort due to excess gas by making it easier to be removed from the GI tract. But there are also several supplements that can cause gas.
Sign in as a member to learn whether the following supplements or OTCs can help reduce gas, and which supplements may cause it: activated charcoal, alpha-galactosidase (Beano), berberine, digestive enzymes, krill oil, lactase enzymes, myo-inositol, medium chain triglyceride oil, nutrition bars, probiotics, protein powder and drinks, psyllium, saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol, and simethicone (Gas-X). Also, find out which common foods are likely to cause gas.
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Kate
January 19, 2025I'm finding two different certified brands of enzymes from the top picks here cause a lot of gas in me and sometimes soft stools. I do get less bloat but I assume that's the gas being released.
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LYNN19198
April 04, 2024I need lots of psyllium plus 1/2 dose of Miralax daily to avoid constipation. I've needed more and more fiber as I age 40 - 76. This produced constant passing a lot of gas in the evenings and night in the last 2 years. My doctor recently recommended digestive enzymes. Taking 2 with breakfast and main meal has helped, almost eliminating the problem.
Cathy20839
October 11, 2024Miralax is a big cause of gas and bloating. Apologies if you already know all this , but pelvic floor physical therapy may be very helpful. Squatty Potty can also make a big difference.
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indeterminacy@msn.com
September 24, 2023is it true that activated charcoal reduces the effectiveness of vitamins and minerals
We've added information about this potential concern to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/supplements-that-reduce-or-that-may-worsen-flatulence/supplements-for-flatulence/#activated-charcoal-side-effect
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Wallace16037
January 29, 2022Going through a period of Crohn's "upset" and bleeding; on liquid diet and supplements are a key to my survival. MCT oil is an important part of my diet, in part in my effort to control sugar, which is common in shakes and nutritional puddings.
Please see our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review for tests of related products https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/coconut-and-mct-oils/coconut-mct-oil/.
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