Alinamin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "the Company") conducted a "Survey on the Actual Condition of Summer Diet and Stomach Discomfort" targeting approximately 1,000 working men and women nationwide aged 20 to 60 who have experienced stomach discomfort (such as indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, etc.).

The survey revealed that 85% of people tend to feel stomach discomfort after eating greasy foods such as barbecue and yakiniku. Furthermore, many of those who started feeling such discomfort were in their late twenties to thirties, indicating that changes in the stomach are being felt from a relatively young generation.

On the other hand, only 17% answered that they "know well" that stomach acid is related to stomach discomfort symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain. Many people who feel stomach discomfort in the summer cite aging and summer fatigue as the causes, revealing that the connection between stomach acid and stomach discomfort is not fully understood.

In 2025, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which strongly suppress stomach acid secretion, became available as switch OTC drugs*, allowing them to be purchased without a prescription at drugstores after receiving an explanation from a pharmacist. However, this survey showed that 64% of people were unaware that PPIs could be purchased without a prescription, indicating that the options for self-care for stomach acid-related troubles with over-the-counter drugs are not sufficiently recognized.

*Switch OTC drug: A prescription drug (drug requiring a prescription) that is repurposed (switched) to an over-the-counter drug (OTC drug) due to its low side effects and high safety.

Our "Takepro S (Category 1 OTC Drug)" is a switch OTC drug proton pump inhibitor (PPI) containing "lansoprazole," the same ingredient as the medical-use drug. We will support increased understanding of stomach acid troubles so that individuals can choose appropriate self-care for stomach discomfort related to stomach acid, such as indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain.

Survey Overview

Survey Period: June 3 (Wed) - June 4 (Thu), 2026

Survey Method: Internet Survey

Content: Survey on the actual condition of summer diet and stomach discomfort

Target Audience: 1,028 working men and women nationwide aged 20-60 who have experienced stomach discomfort (indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, etc.) (48.8% male, 51.2% female)

Survey Organization: Mynavi News

Survey Summary (TOPICS)

TOPIC 1: Stomach discomfort in summer may not be due to "summer fatigue"? "Summer diet" may cause stomach acid troubles

◇ The No. 1 item that people eat more often or in larger quantities in summer compared to other seasons is "cold drinks such as iced coffee" (61.4%). No. 2 is "cold foods such as shaved ice, ice cream, and somen" (54.1%).

◇ One in five people (20.4%) answered that they eat more "greasy foods such as yakiniku and fried chicken."

◇ Consumption of greasy foods, irritants, and alcohol, which increase in summer, affects stomach acid secretion. Furthermore, if the stomach is hypersensitive due to stress, cold drinks and stomach acid can become irritants and cause stomach discomfort.

TOPIC 2: The number of people who start to feel stomach discomfort increases from their "late twenties." Are the late twenties to thirties the "turning point for the stomach"?

◇ The age at which people began to feel stomach discomfort after eating greasy foods in summer was most frequently "late twenties" at 15.9%.

◇ This was followed by early thirties at 14.7% and late thirties at 14.2%, indicating an increase in people who become aware of stomach discomfort from their late twenties onwards.

◇ The late twenties to thirties may be a "turning point for stomach health" where people start to become aware of stomach discomfort such as indigestion and heartburn.

TOPIC 3: "Stomach acid," often overlooked as a cause of indigestion. Approximately half suffer from "relapses" even after improvement with medication.

◇ Only 17.0% "knew well" that "stomach acid" is related to indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain.

◇ Nearly half (49.4%) have experienced recurrence of symptoms after taking over-the-counter stomach medicine and experiencing symptom improvement.

TOPIC 4: Blind spot in choosing stomach medicine. "Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)," which approach differently from H2 blockers, are known by about one in three people as over-the-counter drugs.

◇ Only about one in three people (35.8%) know that there are over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

TOPIC 1: Stomach discomfort in summer may not be due to "summer fatigue"? "Summer diet" may cause stomach acid troubles

This survey, targeting people who have experienced "stomach discomfort (indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, etc.)," first asked about "items that people eat more often or in larger quantities in summer."

The results showed that only less than 10% (9.2%) answered "nothing in particular increases," while 61.4% chose "cold drinks such as iced coffee," 54.1% chose "cold foods such as shaved ice, ice cream, and somen," and 24.6% chose "alcohol (drinks) such as beer and highballs," with a majority answering that their intake of cold food and drinks and alcohol increases [Graph 1].

[Graph 1]

On the other hand, responses also indicated an increase in the frequency and quantity of consumption of "greasy foods such as yakiniku and fried chicken" (20.4%) and "spicy foods (irritants) such as curry and mapo tofu" (18.6%).

Generally, greasy foods, irritants, and alcohol are known to affect stomach acid secretion. Additionally, when the stomach is more sensitive to stimuli due to stress, cold food and drinks can easily stimulate the internal organs and cause stomach discomfort. The results of this survey suggest that the unique summer diet, including cold food and drinks to beat the heat and stamina-boosting foods eaten as a remedy for summer fatigue, may be related to stomach discomfort.

Interestingly, as many as 76.1% answered that the stomach discomfort (indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, etc.) after eating greasy foods like yakiniku and fried chicken, which are staples at summer events and leisure activities, "increased with age" [Graph 2]. When adding those who answered "tend to feel it regardless of age," the proportion reached a remarkable 85.0%.

[Graph 2]

In summer, "summer fatigue" tends to be the focus due to decreased appetite and lethargy caused by the heat. However, the results of this survey suggest that "unique summer dietary habits" may also be related to stomach discomfort such as indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain. Furthermore, while indigestion is often attributed to aging or overeating, stomach acid can actually be involved. The fact that 85.0% of people experience stomach discomfort after eating greasy foods suggests that it is necessary to consider the relationship with stomach acid when thinking about stomach discomfort in the summer.

TOPIC 2: The number of people who start to feel stomach discomfort in summer increases from their "late twenties." Are the late twenties to thirties the "turning point for the stomach"?

When asked about the age at which they started to feel stomach discomfort after eating greasy foods in summer, the most frequent answer was "late twenties" at 15.9%, followed by early thirties at 14.7% and late thirties at 14.2% [Graph 3]. There is a trend of increasing awareness of stomach discomfort from the late twenties onwards, suggesting that the late twenties to thirties may be a "turning point for the stomach" where people begin to notice stomach discomfort such as indigestion and heartburn.

[Graph 3]

TOPIC 3: "Stomach acid," often overlooked as a cause of indigestion. Approximately half suffer from "relapses" even after improvement with medication.

Next, when asked about the stomach discomfort commonly experienced in summer, the most frequent symptom was "indigestion" (58.2%), followed by "heartburn" (31.8%), and then "stomach pain" (20.1%), with "no particular stomach discomfort" (23.2%) in between [Graph 4]. These are all representative symptoms that can occur when "stomach acid" is involved.

[Graph 4]

However, only 17.0% answered that they "knew well" the relationship between stomach discomfort and stomach acid, with 53.1% answering "somewhat knew," 22.7% "didn't know much," and 7.2% "didn't know at all." This suggests that the fact that stomach acid can be one of the causes of indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain is not yet fully recognized.

Furthermore, when asked if they had experienced "temporary improvement followed by recurrence of symptoms" after taking over-the-counter stomach medicine, nearly half (49.4%) of people answered "often" (14.9%) or "sometimes" (34.5%), indicating that they have experienced symptom recurrence [Graph 5].

[Graph 5]

While there can be various causes for stomach discomfort, when stomach acid is involved in the background of the symptoms, managing stomach acid can be important. The results of this survey reveal that not only is the relationship between stomach acid and stomach discomfort not sufficiently recognized, but also that many people experience recurring symptoms even after treatment.

TOPIC 4: Blind spot in choosing stomach medicine. "Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)," which approach differently from H2 blockers, are known by about one in three people as over-the-counter drugs.

There are mainly two types of over-the-counter drugs that suppress stomach acid secretion: "H2 blockers" and "proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)." H2 blockers suppress stomach acid secretion by blocking histamine H2 receptors, which promote stomach acid secretion. They were switched to OTC status in 1997 and have been used as over-the-counter drugs for a long time.

▲Mechanism of H2 blockers *Image diagram

On the other hand, PPIs act on the proton pump, which is involved in the final stage of stomach acid secretion, to suppress stomach acid secretion. They are known as drugs that suppress stomach acid secretion through a mechanism different from H2 blockers. In 2025, they became available for purchase without a prescription after receiving an explanation from a pharmacist due to the switch to OTC status. Our over-the-counter drug "Takepro S" falls into this category.

▲Mechanism of PPIs *Image diagram

Currently, in addition to H2 blockers, PPIs are also available as an option for symptoms such as indigestion and heartburn related to stomach acid. However, in this survey targeting people who have experienced "stomach discomfort," 64.2% answered that they "learned for the first time" that PPIs can be purchased as over-the-counter drugs, indicating that about two-thirds of people are unaware of their existence [Graph 6].

[Graph 6]

In recent years, self-medication has become increasingly important from the perspective of promoting public health and optimizing medical costs. The results of this survey suggest that there is room for further improvement in awareness not only regarding the relationship between stomach acid and stomach discomfort but also regarding treatment methods and drug options.

To appropriately manage stomach discomfort, it is important to understand the characteristics of each option and know the choices that suit one's own symptoms.

Features of "Takepro S," a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that strongly suppresses excessive stomach acid and stomach acid secretion

For your indigestion and heartburn: Takepro S stops stomach acid

<Category 1 OTC Drug> Heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain

*This medicine should be used after receiving an explanation from a pharmacist and carefully reading the "Precautions for Use."

1 Contains a PPI ingredient (lansoprazole) that strongly suppresses stomach acid secretion Takepro S is an over-the-counter drug (switch OTC drug) containing "lansoprazole," the same active ingredient as the medical-use drug. Lansoprazole acts on the "proton pump" present in the parietal cells of the stomach that secretes stomach acid, thereby improving stomach discomfort such as indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain.

2 Effective for 24 hours with one tablet per day The active ingredient in Takepro S, lansoprazole, inhibits the function of the proton pump itself, thus strongly suppressing stomach acid secretion and maintaining its effect for a long time. This is one of the differences from H2 blockers, many of which require two doses per day. Takepro S provides 24-hour effectiveness for severe symptoms with just one tablet per day.

3 Orally disintegrating tablet (OD tablet) that can be taken without water. It rapidly disintegrates with saliva in the mouth, allowing for administration during work or when out and about.

An orally disintegrating tablet (OD tablet) is a tablet that rapidly disintegrates in the mouth and can be taken with little or no water. Takepro S is an orally disintegrating tablet that rapidly disintegrates in the mouth. After disintegration in the mouth, it quickly passes through the stomach and is absorbed into the body through the intestines, using technology that makes the active ingredient into fine granules and coats them. It can be taken smartly even when water is not readily available, such as during work or when out and about.

Reference

1. Product Name

"TakeproR S" (Category 1 OTC Drug)

2. Release Date

August 1, 2025 (Fri)

3. Contents

14 tablets (14-day supply)

4. Efficacy

Heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain (This product contains a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses stomach acid secretion)

5. Dosage and Administration

Take the following amount, allowing it to disintegrate in the mouth, or take with water or hot water.

Age

Dosage per administration

Number of administrations per day

15 years and older

1 tablet

1 time

Under 15 years old

Do not take

Do not take

- Do not continue taking for more than 2 weeks.

<Notes related to dosage and administration>

(1) Strictly adhere to the dosage and administration. (2) Take at the same time each day, once a day. (3) If symptoms subside, stop taking the medication. (4) This drug disintegrates in the mouth but is not absorbed through the oral mucosa, so swallow it with saliva or water.

6. Features

- For heartburn, indigestion, and stomach pain due to acid reflux, etc. - Contains lansoprazole, the same ingredient as the medical-use drug, in an over-the-counter product. - Effective for 24 hours with one tablet per day. - Orally disintegrating tablet that can be taken without water.

7. Active Ingredient

▶ Per tablet

Ingredient

Content

Lansoprazole

15mg

Additives: Hydrated lactose, cellulose, magnesium carbonate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, talc, titanium dioxide, D-mannitol, methacrylic acid copolymer LD, sodium lauryl sulfate, polysorbate 80, ethyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer, polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether, triethyl citrate, macrogol, glyceryl stearate, iron sesquioxide, citric acid, crospovidone, aspartame (L-phenylalanine compound), magnesium stearate, flavor

8. Inquiries from Customers

Alinamin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Customer Service Center 0120 – 567 - 087

Reception Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)

End

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey結果