Fermented Soy for GERD: Game-Changer or Gimmick?

Many swear by fermented soy for gut health, but can it really ease GERD symptoms? We explore whether this trendy supplement is a game-changer or just another overhyped remedy. An assistant professor shares details about an intriguing study.

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT DR TAN CHUNG KEAT Assistant Professor School of Healthy Ageing, Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine UCSI University

Assistant Professor Dr Tan Chung Keat reveals that UCSI University has conducted the first ever independent clinical study in Malaysia to investigate the efficacy of fermented soybean supplements in treating gut health issues, in particular gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

THE BENEFITS OF SOYBEAN

• It’s an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. This antioxidant property may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Fermented soybean can modify the bacterial population in the gut to reduce insulin resistance. This property can be beneficial for the prevention as well as good management of type 2 diabetes.
• Soybeans also has anti-inflammatory property. This anti-inflammatory property helps to reduce overall inflammation in the body, which can be helpful for people living with GERD.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INDEPENDENT CLINICAL TRIAL

110 participants took part in this 12-week study.

These participants are 18 years old or older and have complaints of heartburn, acid reflux, regurgitation, and non-cardiac chest pain.

What the Investigators Found

Participants on daily fermented soybean supplementation showed, after 12 weeks, significant improvements in GERD symptoms and quality of life, in addition to marked reduction in inflammatory levels.

In more detail, these participants experienced the following:

• 47.6% reduction in heartburn
• 40.9% reduction in dyspepsia or indigestion
• 62.9% reduction in regurgitation symptoms
• 19,8% to 43.5% reduction in various inflammation markers
• 13.3% improvement in quality of life in reflux and dyspepsia