Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides, which are commonly found in beans, legumes, and certain vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage). Humans lack sufficient endogenous alpha-galactosidase in the small intestine, so these carbohydrates often reach the colon undigested, where bacteria ferment them, leading to gas, bloating, and discomfort—hallmarks of indigestion related to such foods.

There is moderate scientific evidence supporting the use of alpha-galactosidase to reduce these symptoms. Several randomized controlled trials (e.g., Di Stefano et al., 2007, Digestive Diseases and Sciences; Suarez et al., 1994, New England Journal of Medicine) have shown that supplementation with alpha-galactosidase reduced flatulence, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort in healthy adults following the consumption of gas-producing foods. The enzyme is usually taken as a dietary supplement (e.g., Beano®).

However, the evidence is not universal for all types of indigestion. Alpha-galactosidase is specifically effective for symptoms related to the ingestion of oligosaccharide-containing foods. It is not indicated for indigestion stemming from other causes (e.g., peptic ulcers, GERD). Most clinical guidelines acknowledge its benefit for diet-related gas and bloating but not for broad-spectrum indigestion. No significant safety concerns have been reported for its short-term use in adults.

More about Alpha Galactosidase
More about Indigestion

Other ingredients used for Indigestion

cutch
acid protease
activated charcoal
allspice
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
amylase
green chiretta
apple
apricot
artichoke
bamboo
benegut perilla (proprietary)
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
radish
rice
calcium
cassia bark
chamomile
chen pi
chloride
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
melon
exo-peptidase
fennel
fenugreek
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gentian root
ginger
glucomannan
green banana
HCL
quassia
jujube
kudzu
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
licorice root
lipase
liquid liver fractions
lovage
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
orange
oregon grape
ox bile
pancreatin
papain
peppermint oil
pepsin
plum fruit
psyllium
quail egg
rhubarb root
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
watermelon
xylanase
bentonite
cascara sagrada
oryza
tangerine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
punarnava
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
blessed thistle
yarrow
bile salt
prickly ash
elecampane
root tuber
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
flowering quince
dogwood
dioscorea
sweetgums
queen of the meadow
caraway
anemarrhena asphodeloides
peach
wood betony
horehound
Sichuan pepper
alginic acid
sea salt
Alcohol
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Actinidin
Agastache
Acidity regulator
Ambergris
Angelica
Agrimony
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Agarwood
American Liverleaf
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Areca
Agrimonia pilosa
Antifoam agent
Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Betony
Buttermilk
Butter
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Bicarbonate
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Blackbrush
Bistort
Big Quaking Grass
Bougainvillea
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Black Gram
Bile
black salt
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
banana
Bassia scoparia
Belamcanda
Bottle gourd
Cumin
Centaury
Carqueja
Chervil
Coriander
Chive
Cape Aloe
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Cantaloupe
Chlorophytum
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Chenopodium
Colombo
Copalchi
Cubeb
Carob
Chirata
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Carlina
Calamus
Chestnut
Colocynth
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
Dense Fruit Dittany
Dextrin
Dragonhead
Dill
Dianthrone
Dolichos
Dichrostachys glomerata
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
Elephant's Head
Fig
Goldthread
Himalayan Salt
Molasses
Phosphate Salt
Prickly Pear Cactus
Potash
Quince
Rose
Rhubarb
Squash
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Vinegar

Other health conditions supported by Alpha Galactosidase

Abdominal Pain
Belching
Digestion (poor)
Gas and Bloating
Indigestion
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Products containing Alpha Galactosidase

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.