Abstract

To investigate the effect of a gastric protective formula on relieving early gastric discomfort and improving the quality of life. 99 participants diagnosed with early gastric discomfort were recruited in a single arm trial for one week. 2g/sachet product was consumed once or twice a day during the trial. Quality of life and severity of symptoms were monitored by questionnaires based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), SF-36 health survey, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and self-rating scale for gastric discomfort. Early gastric discomfort imposed a direct impact on mental state, emotional anxiety, sleep disorders, memory and thinking, accounting for 62%, 48%, 40% and 25% of participants, respectively. Results demonstrated the relief on stomach bloating, acid reflux, belching, acute gastric pain, and heartburn after intervention, representing improvement of 72% (P<0.01), 65% (P<0.01), 64% (P<0.05), 50% (P<0.05), respectively. 83% of subjects with positive results responded that symptoms could be relieved within 60 minutes. Quality of life could be improved in different levels which is varied with each individual. This stomach-protecting formula had a rapid improvement on symptoms and quality of life. Hence, it could be considered as a good alternative choice for the patients with early gastric discomfort.

Keywords: Early gastric discomfort; Self-rating scale; Stomach protecting formula; Quality of life