Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Xylanase is an enzyme that breaks down xylan, a major component of plant cell walls, into xylooligosaccharides and xylose. The use of xylanase in the context of inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, has some scientific rationale but is not yet strongly supported by high-quality human clinical data. The proposed mechanism is that xylanase supplementation can help degrade complex plant fibers in the gut, resulting in the production of prebiotic oligosaccharides that may promote beneficial gut microbiota and improve intestinal health. Several animal studies and in vitro experiments suggest that xylanase supplementation can modulate the gut microbiome, enhance short-chain fatty acid production, and reduce markers of intestinal inflammation. For example, studies in pigs and poultry have shown improved gut barrier function and reduced inflammatory cytokines with xylanase supplementation. However, direct evidence in humans with IBD is sparse, with only preliminary or indirect indications that xylanase could be beneficial. Most human studies have focused on general digestive health or use in conjunction with other enzymes. Therefore, while the mechanistic basis and animal data provide some scientific support for xylanase in IBD, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and evidence remains limited. More research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety in the context of human inflammatory bowel disorders.

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Metagenics SpectraZyme Complete