Can Gas X (Simethicone) Help with IBS? A Dietitian Explains

We are always being asked whether ‘Gas X’ (a simethicone) product is useful when you have IBS.

In this article, we will explain what Gas X is and break down how Gas X works, as well as what it can and cannot do for IBS.

Please note that this article is not an advert for this brand, and we are in no way associated with them. We just thought it was useful to cover, as we get asked about this product so much!

For those wanting to manage their gas, we have also provided simple yet effective tips on how to instantly improve flatulence and bloating towards the end of the page.

What is Gas X?

Gas X is an over-the-counter medication with the active ingredient simethicone. Gas X is just one brand, but there are similar simethicone brands out there such as Flatuna and Gasstop.

There are other ingredients in Gas X, but these don’t impact the gut. Instead, they are added for taste, texture, and stability. Gas X comes in two forms: chewable tablets and softgels (1).

The product line includes six different options, which differ by the amount of simethicone they contain (ranging from 125 mg to 500 mg per dose) (1).

One option, Gas X Total Relief Chews, also contains calcium carbonate, which helps with heartburn in addition to gas.

So, if you struggle with excess gas and heartburn, Total Relief Chews would be your go-to product, but if your main issue is just gas, softgels are usually the most practical.

How does it work?

Gas X works because of its active ingredient simethicone.

Simethicone causes tiny gas bubbles in the digestive tract to merge into larger ones. This makes it easier for trapped air to move through the gut and be eliminated as belching or flatulence (2, 3).

Simethicone is also known as an antifoaming agent because it collapses gas bubbles in the GI tract. This prevents foam from obscuring the view and helps doctors see the intestinal lining more clearly during procedures (3, 4).

Can Gas X help IBS symptoms?

Studies looking at simethicone in IBS have used it alongside other things like probiotics and antispasmodics. This means we can not predict how Gas X (which only contains simethicone) will impact someone who has IBS symptoms.

A 2014 study on IBS patients showed a significant reduction in bloating and discomfort in the group that received the combination of simethicone and a probiotic containing Bacillus coagulans (5).

In another trial, IBS patients received either a combination of simethicone and an antispasmodic or a placebo (6).

Those on the combination treatment experienced significantly reduced abdominal pain and bloating. The greatest improvements in stool type were observed among patients with IBS-C and IBS-M.

But these findings may indicate that either simethicone doesn’t have any benefits or that it needs to be combined with antispasmodics. Either way, simethicone alone does not seem to be of benefit.

So overall, it looks unlikely that Gas X would be of benefit to those with flatulence or gas-related symptoms in IBS. You can check all IBS symptoms in our other post: What are symptoms and causes of IBS?

How to take Gas X for IBS

Gas X is available in different forms—chewable tablets and softgels—so choose the one that best suits your personal preference. 

Gas X should be used only when symptoms are present, not as a prevention, as it does not stop gas from forming. It simply helps break up gas bubbles that have already formed.

Chewable tablets must be thoroughly chewed before swallowing, while softgels should be taken whole with water.

Adults can take 1–2 tablets or capsules after meals and at bedtime. The maximum daily dose depends on the specific product.

Does Gas X have any side effects?

Gas X is generally safe, without any side effects (7).

However, it can cause allergic reactions in people with simethicone allergy, but that is rare (7).

How to improve IBS bloating without Gas X or Simethicone

There are many ways to improve IBS bloating; some offer immediate relief, while others might take more time for you to feel improvement.

1. Open your bowels – with opening your bowels, you will also pass trapped gas, which will give you instant relief.
2. Gentle movement after a meal (such as a walk or yoga) will stimulate the GI tract and also help to release trapped gas.
3. A heating pad or abdominal massage can help to relax muscles and improve bloating and abdominal pain.
4. Avoid your personal food intolerances, which you can identify by the FODMAP diet.

Get more ideas on how to instantly improve bloating here: 5 instant relief from bloating methods (scientifically proven)

Summary

Gas X is an over-the-counter medication with simethicone, which combines smaller gas bubbles in the intestines into bigger ones, allowing trapped air to be expelled more easily. 

The active ingredient from Gas X – simeticone may help relieve certain IBS symptoms, mostly bloating. However, its effect is short-term, and it does not improve the condition in the long run. 

Therefore, it is more beneficial to build a foundation for gut health – identifying dietary triggers, supporting good sleep, managing stress, and everyday movement. 

Gas X can be helpful during flare-ups, but working on the basics of gut health remains key.

There are also other ways that can help you with flatulence and bloating, such as opening your bowels, gentle movement, and abdominal massage.

Written by Barbara Lešnik, RD, MSc, reviewed by Kirsten Jackson, Consultant Dietitian BSc Hons, RD, PG Cert