Does oral alpha-galactosidase relieve irritable bowel symptoms?
Hillila M, Farkkila MA, Sipponen T, Rajala J, Koskenpato J
Published in Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
Methodology
Randomized placebo-controlled trial; 125 IBS patients with bloating or flatulence took alpha-galactosidase or placebo with meals for 12 weeks, with IBS-SSS and quality of life to 16 weeks.
Key Findings
Alpha-galactosidase showed only a non-significant trend toward greater IBS-SSS reduction, no quality-of-life difference, and more withdrawals in the enzyme group (18 vs 7, p = 0.016).
Conclusions
Oral alpha-galactosidase did not clearly relieve IBS-related gas symptoms in this adequately sized trial.
Limitations
High dropout; heterogeneous IBS subtypes; symptom-based endpoints.
Supplements Studied
AG showed a trend toward a more prominent decrease in IBS-SSS.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.