ALPHA GALACTOSIDASE
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
The alpha-galactosidase enzyme is derived from Aspergillus niger and is used to prevent gas formation after a meal containing nonabsorbable carbohydrates.1,2,3 Oligosaccharides are found in high concentrations in foods such as beans, broccoli, onions, cabbage, and cucumbers.1 Oligosaccharides are normally metabolized by colonic bacteria, producing gas by-products (carbon dioxide, hydrogen and sometimes methane) and as a result causing gas-related symptoms.2 Alpha-galactosidase works to prevent gas by breaking down oligosaccharides before they can be metabolized by bacteria of the colon.2 Two studies, of very small study size, indicate that alpha-galactosidase is effective at reducing the severity of flatulence after a high nonabsorbable carbohydrate meal.1,2 Beano is a good option for patients with a known history of gas following meals that contain high nonabsorbable carbohydrate concentration.
References
1. Stefano M, Miceli E, Gotti S, Missanelli A, Mazzocchi S, Corazza GR. The effect of oral alpha-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and gas-related symptoms. Dig Dis Sci, 2007; 52: 78-83.
2. Burford P, Ganiats T, Halverson A, Norcross W, Palinkas L. Does Beano prevent gas?: a double-blind crossover study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary oligosaccharide intolerance. Journal of Family Practice, 1994; 39 (5): 441-445.
3. Co QD. Chapter 34: Gastrointestinal Gas. In Patient Self-Care. Canadian Pharmacists Association, Ottawa; 2010: 307-313.
4. Bailey J, Carter N. FPIN’s clinical inquiries: effective management of flatulence. American Family Physician, 2009; 79(12): 1098-1100.
5. Intestinal Gas and Bloating. www.uptodate.com. Updated September, 2011. Accessed June 26, 2012.
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The alpha-galactosidase enzyme is derived from Aspergillus niger and is used to prevent gas formation after a meal containing nonabsorbable carbohydrates.1,2,3 Oligosaccharides are found in high concentrations in foods such as beans, broccoli, onions, cabbage, and cucumbers.1 Oligosaccharides are normally metabolized by colonic bacteria, producing gas by-products (carbon dioxide, hydrogen and sometimes methane) and as a result causing gas-related symptoms.2 Alpha-galactosidase works to prevent gas by breaking down oligosaccharides before they can be metabolized by bacteria of the colon.2 Two studies, of very small study size, indicate that alpha-galactosidase is effective at reducing the severity of flatulence after a high nonabsorbable carbohydrate meal.1,2 Beano is a good option for patients with a known history of gas following meals that contain high nonabsorbable carbohydrate concentration.
References
1. Stefano M, Miceli E, Gotti S, Missanelli A, Mazzocchi S, Corazza GR. The effect of oral alpha-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and gas-related symptoms. Dig Dis Sci, 2007; 52: 78-83.
2. Burford P, Ganiats T, Halverson A, Norcross W, Palinkas L. Does Beano prevent gas?: a double-blind crossover study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary oligosaccharide intolerance. Journal of Family Practice, 1994; 39 (5): 441-445.
3. Co QD. Chapter 34: Gastrointestinal Gas. In Patient Self-Care. Canadian Pharmacists Association, Ottawa; 2010: 307-313.
4. Bailey J, Carter N. FPIN’s clinical inquiries: effective management of flatulence. American Family Physician, 2009; 79(12): 1098-1100.
5. Intestinal Gas and Bloating. www.uptodate.com. Updated September, 2011. Accessed June 26, 2012.
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