Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha Galactosidase
For the body system: Small Intestines
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Alpha galactosidase is an enzyme that helps break down complex carbohydrates, especially oligosaccharides found in foods like beans, whole grains, and some vegetables. These carbohydrates are not fully digested in the small intestine due to a lack of endogenous alpha galactosidase in humans. As a result, undigested carbohydrates pass into the colon, where they are fermented by bacteria, leading to gas production and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Supplemental alpha galactosidase, often sold under brand names such as Beano, has been studied in randomized controlled trials. The evidence shows that when taken with meals, alpha galactosidase can significantly reduce the production of intestinal gas and bloating by aiding the digestion of these complex carbohydrates in the small intestine, before they reach the colon. For example, a 2007 meta-analysis published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics concluded that alpha galactosidase "significantly reduces gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy volunteers after the ingestion of a meal rich in fermentable oligosaccharides."
Thus, its use is scientifically validated for supporting small intestine function by improving carbohydrate digestion and reducing symptoms like bloating and flatulence. However, it is important to note that its benefits are specific to individuals who experience symptoms due to the consumption of foods rich in alpha-galactosides and not for general small intestine health.
Other ingredients that support Small Intestines
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
alpha-galactosidase
amino acids
amylase
amylopectin
asparagus
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bayberry
berberine
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
broccoli
rice
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
caprylic acid
carrot
chia seed
chicory
cinnamon
coating
colostrum
turmeric
endo-peptidase
exo-peptidase
fennel
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
flaxseed
folate
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fungal protease
ginger
green banana
green tea
gurmar
cellulose
immunoglobin G
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
kale
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-glutamine
lactase
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
lemon
lipase
magnesium
marshmallow
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
n-acetyl-glucosamine
okra
ox bile
pancreatin
parsley
pear
peptidase (DPPIV)
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
phospholipids
phytase
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)
protease
protein
butyric acid
pumpkin
saccharomyces boulardii
sardines
slippery elm bark
soybean
spinach
starch
streptococcus thermophilus
sucrase
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tributyrin
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin D3
seaweed
water
watermelon
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
papaya
pterocarpus marsupium
lingzhi
yarrow
bile salt
sodium salt
dioscorea
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
purslane
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
chickpea protein
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
Aminopeptidase
Alchornea
Alpha-glycans
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Algal protein
Arabinoxylan
Animal protein
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Brassica
Bran
Bael
Butternut
Bacillus licheniformis
Bile
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
bile acid
Bacillus
Buckwheat
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Centella triterpenes
Curry leaf
Cowpea
Cinnamomum
Carvacrol
Cape Aloe
Citrus
Cruciferous
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Corktree
Clostridium butyricum
Debaryomyces hansenii
Diamine Oxidase
Enterococcus
Egg
Eucheuma
Enzyme Blend
Egg protein
Fig
Fiber
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Galactosidase
glucose
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by Alpha Galactosidase
Digestive SystemGastrointestinal Tract
Intestinal System
Large Intestines (Colon)
Small Intestines
Stomach