Digestants

Definition of Digestants

• These are agents that aid the process of digestion by supplementing endogenous digestive enzymes or acids.

Indications

• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)
• Chronic illness or post-operative GI dysfunction

Classes of Digestants

1. Enzyme Preparations

   • Examples:
     • Fungal diastase + Pepsin combinations (common in OTC tonics)
     • Pancreatin (contains amylase, lipase, protease)
   • Mechanism: Supplement digestive enzymes → assist breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
   • Use:
     • Functional dyspepsia
     • Pancreatic enzyme deficiency (e.g., chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis)

2. Acidifiers

   • Examples: Dilute hydrochloric acid, Glutamic acid HCl
   • Mechanism: Provide gastric acid to aid protein digestion and activate pepsin
   • Use: Hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria (rarely used today)

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