Synopsis

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

Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme supplement primarily used to aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates found in foods like beans, legumes, and certain vegetables. Its mechanism involves breaking down oligosaccharides that, when undigested, are fermented by intestinal bacteria, leading to gas production and bloating. These symptoms overlap with some of the common complaints in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), particularly in IBS patients whose symptoms are exacerbated by gas and bloating after consuming high-FODMAP foods.

There is some scientific evidence supporting the use of alpha-galactosidase in reducing gas and bloating, especially in healthy individuals and those with mild gastrointestinal complaints. For example, a few small randomized controlled trials (e.g., Di Stefano et al., 2007) have shown that alpha-galactosidase can reduce hydrogen production and flatulence following the ingestion of high-fiber foods. However, direct evidence in patients with diagnosed IBS is limited and modest. Review articles and guidelines (such as the American College of Gastroenterology Monograph on IBS, 2021) typically note that while alpha-galactosidase may help with gas-related symptoms, its overall benefit for global IBS symptoms is unproven and the quality of evidence is low to moderate.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and a few supportive studies for the use of alpha-galactosidase in managing gas and bloating, its evidence base for treating IBS specifically is weak, meriting a modest evidence rating.

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