What Supplements Are Good for LPR? A Guide to Soothing Silent Reflux

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

An estimated 20% of people with reflux have GERD, but LPR is a far more common type of acid reflux that frequently occurs without the typical heartburn symptoms. Discovering what supplements are good for LPR can be a key part of managing this often-misunderstood condition.

Quick Summary

This article explores dietary supplements that can help manage laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). It discusses the benefits of specific ingredients like alginates, DGL, melatonin, and probiotics, which aim to soothe irritation, protect the mucosal lining, and support overall digestive health.

Key Points

Alginate Creates a Barrier: Raft-forming alginates, sourced from seaweed, form a gel that physically blocks stomach acid and pepsin from entering the esophagus and throat.
Zinc-L-Carnosine Promotes Healing: This compound helps repair and strengthen the stomach and esophageal mucosal lining, which is often damaged by LPR.
DGL Soothes Irritation: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice provides a soothing and protective effect on the mucosal tissues without the blood pressure risks of standard licorice.
Melatonin Boosts Sphincter Function: In addition to regulating sleep, melatonin may help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing reflux episodes.
Probiotics Improve Gut Balance: Certain strains of probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, which can improve gastric motility and reduce inflammation associated with LPR.
Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root Coat the Lining: These herbs contain mucilage that forms a protective, soothing barrier over inflamed tissues in the digestive tract.
D-Limonene Blocks Acid Splash: An orange peel extract, D-limonene is lighter than water and floats on stomach acid to protect the esophagus.

Understanding LPR and the Role of Supplements

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), or "silent reflux," involves stomach contents traveling up to the delicate tissues of the throat and voice box. Unlike GERD, LPR often lacks typical heartburn, presenting instead with a persistent cough, hoarseness, throat clearing, and a lump-in-the-throat sensation. While lifestyle changes and diet are foundational to management, many people find relief by incorporating specific supplements to complement their approach. These supplements typically work by protecting the mucosal lining, balancing gut flora, or improving digestive motility.

Key Supplements to Consider for LPR

1. Zinc-L-Carnosine (PepZin GI)

This chelated compound of zinc and L-carnosine is known for its mucosal healing properties. In the context of LPR, Zinc-L-Carnosine helps repair and strengthen the stomach and esophageal lining, which can be damaged by pepsin and acid reflux.

2. Alginate (Raft-Forming Agents)

Derived from seaweed, alginates create a gel-like raft in the stomach that floats on top of stomach contents. This physical barrier helps to prevent reflux from occurring, effectively blocking acid and pepsin from reaching the esophagus and throat. Magnesium alginate has been shown to reduce symptoms like dysphonia and cough.

3. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

Licorice root is known for its soothing properties, and DGL is a safer form that has had the glycyrrhizin compound removed to prevent adverse effects like elevated blood pressure. DGL supplements can help protect the stomach lining and reduce inflammation.

4. Melatonin

While best known as a sleep-aid, melatonin also influences digestive function and has been shown to exert a protective effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa. Studies suggest melatonin may help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and reduce stomach acid secretion.

5. Probiotics

Emerging research points to the connection between gut health and reflux, with probiotics helping to balance the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation. Specific strains, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, may improve gastric motility and strengthen the mucosal barrier.

6. Aloe Vera

With its anti-inflammatory properties, decolorized and purified aloe vera juice is often used to soothe irritation in the digestive tract. It can calm the inflamed esophageal and throat tissues that are common in LPR.

Comparison of Key LPR Supplements


Supplement	Primary Mechanism	Key Benefits for LPR	Dosage Forms	Potential Side Effects
Zinc-L-Carnosine	Mucosal repair and protection	Heals and strengthens epithelial lining damaged by reflux.	Capsules	Rare at normal doses; possible copper imbalance with high doses.
Alginate	Physical raft barrier	Prevents reflux of stomach contents into the throat.	Powder, liquids, chewable tablets	Generally well-tolerated; potential bloating.
DGL Licorice	Mucosal protection	Soothes stomach and esophageal lining; reduces inflammation.	Lozenges, chewable tablets, capsules	Avoid regular licorice due to blood pressure concerns.
Melatonin	Strengthens LES, reduces acid	Helps prevent reflux by improving sphincter function, with added sleep benefits.	Capsules, tablets	Drowsiness, headaches; use smaller doses for sleep.
Probiotics	Gut microbiome balance	Aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the mucosal barrier.	Capsules, powders, fermented foods	Mild gas or bloating when first introduced.
Slippery Elm	Forms soothing gel	Coats and protects the esophagus and stomach lining.	Powder, capsules, lozenges	Can affect medication absorption; take 1-2 hours apart.
Marshmallow Root	Mucilage formation	Creates a protective, gel-like barrier to soothe irritation.	Powder, capsules	Can affect medication absorption; take 1-2 hours apart.
D-Limonene	Creates protective barrier	Floats on gastric juices to block reflux and coat the esophagus.	Capsules	Orange-flavored burps.

Integrating Supplements into a Holistic LPR Plan

To effectively manage LPR, supplements should be considered part of a broader strategy that includes dietary and lifestyle modifications. Reducing trigger foods such as acidic items, caffeine, and alcohol is crucial. Other important changes include elevating the head of the bed, avoiding meals close to bedtime, and weight management. A comprehensive approach that combines these strategies with targeted supplements can yield the best results for symptom relief and long-term healing.

Conclusion

For those seeking relief from the persistent and frustrating symptoms of LPR, a combination of supplements may offer significant benefits. Ingredients like Zinc-L-Carnosine, alginates, DGL, melatonin, probiotics, aloe vera, slippery elm, and D-limonene each provide unique therapeutic mechanisms, from promoting mucosal healing to creating physical barriers against reflux. While supplements can play a valuable role, they are most effective when used in conjunction with a low-acid diet and targeted lifestyle adjustments. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking medications. Prioritizing your digestive health is a journey, and with the right combination of support, lasting relief from LPR is possible. For more information on complementary therapies and treatment insights, see the extensive research available via the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single "best" supplement, as effectiveness depends on the individual and the underlying cause of their LPR. However, many find alginates to be highly effective as a first-line supplement due to their immediate raft-forming action. A combination of supplements, like alginate for immediate relief and Zinc-L-Carnosine for long-term mucosal healing, often yields the best results.

Alginate, derived from brown seaweed, forms a viscous gel when it mixes with stomach acid. This gel creates a floating barrier, or "raft," on top of the stomach's contents, physically blocking acid and pepsin from refluxing up into the throat.

Yes, DGL is preferred for LPR because the glycyrrhizin compound has been removed. Glycyrrhizin, present in regular licorice, can cause side effects like high blood pressure, while DGL retains the herb's gastroprotective benefits.

Yes, melatonin's benefits for LPR are separate from its sleep-regulating function. Studies show it can help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, making it useful for reflux management even if you don't struggle with sleep.

Yes, probiotics can influence LPR by balancing the gut microbiome and reducing inflammation, which can affect digestive motility and barrier function. A healthy gut environment can reduce intra-abdominal pressure and the systemic inflammation that may contribute to reflux.

Slippery elm powder is typically mixed with water to form a gel, which is then consumed. This gel-like substance coats and soothes the irritated lining of the esophagus and stomach. It's crucial to take slippery elm at least one to two hours away from any medications, as it can affect their absorption.

Most supplements mentioned are generally safe. However, some can interfere with medication absorption (e.g., slippery elm, marshmallow root), while melatonin can cause drowsiness. High doses of zinc over extended periods can potentially disrupt the body's copper balance. It's important to consult a healthcare provider and follow dosage instructions carefully.