This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or making changes to your medication regimen.
DGL vs Tums: Which Is Better for Acid Reflux?
If heartburn shows up, Tums and DGL answer two different questions. Tums is an antacid designed to neutralize stomach acid for short-term symptom relief. DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, is a botanical supplement studied for digestive symptoms and traditionally used to support the protective lining of the upper digestive tract [1][2].
Neither option is automatically right for everyone. Tums may make sense for an occasional episode, while some people are more interested in a daily, non-antacid approach. The evidence for DGL is narrower than the evidence for standard reflux medicines, and a persistent or worsening pattern deserves medical evaluation rather than self-treatment.
TL;DR
Tums may be better suited to occasional, fast relief because calcium carbonate neutralizes acid already in the stomach. DGL may be a better fit for someone exploring a chewable supplement that supports the stomach's protective barrier, but research has not established it as a replacement for antacids or prescribed treatment. Ask a healthcare professional which approach fits your symptoms, medicines, and health history.
What Is DGL?
DGL is licorice root extract processed to remove most glycyrrhizin, the licorice compound associated with blood-pressure and potassium concerns at higher exposures [3]. The remaining extract has been studied in digestive-health research, including a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a standardized extract in adults with functional dyspepsia [1]. Research suggests DGL may help some digestive symptoms, but that finding should not be generalized to every reflux symptom or product.
DGL does not work like an antacid. Instead of neutralizing stomach acid, it is proposed to support the mucus layer and other protective mechanisms in the upper digestive tract. The clinical research is limited and does not prove that every DGL product, format, or dose has the same effect. Older research also used chewable preparations, so the product label and format matter when comparing products [2].
DGL is sold as chewable tablets, wafers, capsules, powders, and gummies. Because supplements vary in extract standardization and added ingredients, it is important to read the label rather than assume that two products are interchangeable.
What Is Tums?
Tums is a brand of antacid whose active ingredient is usually calcium carbonate. Antacids work by chemically neutralizing some acid in the stomach. That can reduce the burning sensation of an occasional episode, but it does not address every possible cause of reflux, and it does not prevent stomach contents from moving upward.
Antacids are generally intended for occasional symptoms. The appropriate amount depends on the exact product, age, health conditions, and other medicines. Calcium-containing antacids can interact with some medicines or be unsuitable for people with certain kidney or calcium-related conditions, so the package directions and a clinician's advice matter.
How DGL and Tums Compare
| Criteria | DGL | Tums |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A deglycyrrhizinated licorice supplement | A calcium carbonate antacid |
| Primary action | May support the digestive tract's protective lining [1][2] | Neutralizes some stomach acid |
| Speed | Not established as a fast-acting antacid in direct head-to-head trials | Designed for short-term, as-needed symptom relief |
| Evidence | Small clinical studies in selected digestive conditions [1][2] | Longstanding use as an over-the-counter antacid |
| Common considerations | Product quality, extract amount, interactions, and individual tolerance | Calcium load, interactions, kidney health, and using it more often than directed |
| Cost | Varies by brand, extract amount, and format | Varies by package size and product type |
| Best fit to discuss with a clinician | Someone seeking a supplement-based option for recurring digestive discomfort | Someone with occasional heartburn who needs short-term relief |
The biggest difference is mechanism. Tums changes the acidity of stomach contents already present. DGL is intended to support a protective response rather than directly change acid levels. Research on licorice preparations is not the same as proof that a particular DGL gummy treats reflux, and research on antacids does not mean frequent heartburn should be managed indefinitely without a diagnosis.
Speed of Relief
Tums is formulated for occasional, short-term relief, so it is the more straightforward choice when the immediate goal is to neutralize acid after symptoms begin. Relief from an antacid can still vary with the person, the meal, and the reason for the discomfort.
DGL should not be judged by the same expectation. The available DGL studies have generally evaluated symptoms over days or weeks, not a direct comparison with calcium carbonate for immediate heartburn relief [1][2]. If symptoms are severe, frequent, or associated with trouble swallowing, chest pain, vomiting, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss, seek prompt medical care instead of trying to choose between supplements and antacids.
Long-Term Safety and Side Effects
Short-term use of an antacid according to its label is different from relying on it repeatedly for ongoing symptoms. Frequent need for an over-the-counter antacid can signal that the underlying problem needs evaluation. Calcium carbonate may contribute to constipation, and calcium-containing products can affect the absorption of some medicines. A pharmacist or clinician can check the exact product against your medication list.
DGL is not the same as whole licorice. Removing glycyrrhizin reduces one important licorice-related concern, but it does not make every supplement risk-free. The amount removed can vary by product, and a review of licorice research describes cardiovascular effects associated with licorice exposure [3]. People who are pregnant, have high blood pressure, kidney or heart disease, low potassium, or take prescription medicines should ask a healthcare professional before using DGL.
More research is needed to determine which DGL preparations are most useful for reflux specifically. A randomized trial found benefit for functional dyspepsia symptoms with a standardized extract, but that condition is not identical to gastroesophageal reflux disease [1]. That distinction is important when setting expectations.
Who Might Consider DGL?
DGL may be worth discussing with a clinician if you have recurring upper-digestive discomfort and prefer a chewable supplement approach. Some people also find a format they enjoy easier to take consistently. For example, Belly Beans is a Morea Labs DGL gummy product, and its product page is available here. That is a product option, not a promise that it will work for every person.
Talk to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before taking DGL. Ask about the ingredient list, the amount of extract, your other medicines, and whether your symptoms need a different evaluation. Do not use a supplement as a reason to stop, reduce, or replace a prescribed treatment without medical guidance.
Who Might Consider Tums?
Tums may be reasonable to discuss for occasional, mild heartburn when the goal is short-term acid neutralization. Follow the package directions and pay attention to how often you need it. If you are reaching for it regularly, symptoms are waking you at night, or relief is incomplete, make an appointment rather than simply increasing use.
Tums is also not a universal solution. Symptoms that feel like heartburn can have several causes, and chest discomfort can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition. New, severe, or unusual chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, needs emergency evaluation.
Can You Take DGL and Tums Together?
There is not enough direct research to say that combining a specific DGL product with Tums is appropriate for everyone. Supplements can have their own interactions, and antacids can change the absorption of some medicines. If you are considering both, consult your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take prescriptions, have kidney disease, are pregnant, or need antacids frequently.
Keep a simple record of the product names, amounts, timing, and symptoms. That information can help a healthcare professional identify patterns and decide whether you need testing or a different treatment plan.
The Bottom Line
DGL and Tums are not two versions of the same remedy. Tums is an antacid for occasional, short-term acid neutralization. DGL is a supplement with a different proposed mechanism and a smaller, more condition-specific research base. Tums may be the more practical fit for an isolated episode; DGL may appeal to someone exploring a chewable supplement for recurring digestive discomfort, but it should not be presented as a substitute for medical care.
If heartburn is frequent, difficult to control, or accompanied by warning signs, start with a healthcare professional rather than a product comparison. The best choice depends on the cause of your symptoms, your health history, and the medicines you already take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DGL better than Tums for acid reflux?
There is no good direct head-to-head evidence showing that DGL is better than Tums for acid reflux. Tums is designed to neutralize acid for short-term relief, while DGL is a supplement studied in selected digestive conditions. The right option depends on symptom frequency, cause, health history, and other medicines.
Does DGL neutralize stomach acid?
No. DGL is not an antacid and is not intended to neutralize stomach acid in the way calcium carbonate does. It is proposed to support protective mechanisms in the digestive tract, but evidence for a particular DGL product and for reflux specifically remains limited.
Can Tums make acid reflux worse?
Tums can provide short-term relief, but recurring symptoms that require frequent doses should be evaluated. The issue may not be that one dose makes reflux worse. Rather, an antacid may be masking a pattern that needs a diagnosis or a longer-term treatment plan. Follow the label and ask a clinician if you need it often.
Is DGL safe to take every day?
Safety depends on the product, the amount, the length of use, and your health history. DGL is different from whole licorice, but it is still wise to ask a healthcare professional first if you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, low potassium, are pregnant, or take prescription medicines.
When should I see a doctor about heartburn?
Arrange medical advice for frequent or worsening heartburn, symptoms that disrupt sleep, trouble swallowing, persistent vomiting, bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that do not respond as expected. Seek emergency help for new or severe chest pain, especially when it occurs with shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or pain in the arm or jaw.
References
- Raveendra KR, Jayachandra, Srinivasa V, et al. An Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:216970. PubMed PMID: 21747893
- Turpie AG, Runcie J, Thomson TJ. Clinical trial of deglycyrrhizinized liquorice in gastric ulcer. Gut. 1969;10(4):299-302. PubMed PMID: 4889526
- Deutch MR, Grimm D, Wehland M, et al. Bioactive Candy: Effects of Licorice on the Cardiovascular System. Foods. 2019;8(10):495. PubMed PMID: 31615045
- Puram S, Suh HC, Kim SU, et al. Effect of GutGard in the Management of Helicobacter pylori: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:263805. PubMed PMID: 23606875
- Ahuja A, Ahuja NK. Popular Remedies for Esophageal Symptoms: A Critical Appraisal. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2019;21(8):39. PubMed PMID: 31289950
- Vengrus CS, Delfino VD, Bignardi PR. Proton pump inhibitors use and risk of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Minerva Urol Nephrol. 2021;73(4):462-470. PubMed PMID: 33769018
Reviewed by Morea Labs Team
Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results may vary. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.