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Can Enzymes Help Relieve Your Digestion Problems?
Irritable bowel syndrome and enzymes
People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome may be limited in their ability to digest certain types of foods including certain fermentable sugars: FODMAPs* (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols).
Adopting a low-FODMAP diet for 6 weeks followed by reintroduction tests would be key processes towards identifying which fodmap family(s) are poorly tolerated by the person.
Once the non-tolerated family(s) have been identified, the foods containing these families must be limited according to the established tolerance level. Over time it will be possible to gradually improve one’s tolerance to these families.
However, if the person does not tolerate the following families: lactose, fructose and/or GOS, it is possible to take enzymes to facilitate their digestion. Some scientific studies are optimistic about the use of these enzymes in reducing digestive symptoms in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and who are sensitive to these families.
Currently there are no enzymes facilitating the digestion of FODMAP families other than lactose, fructose and GOS.
Note that the enzyme mix FODMATE™ has recently appeared on the market and is composed of lactase, alpha-galactosidase, glucose isomerase, pectinase and inulinase. This product is said to aim to reduce digestive discomfort when consuming foods containing FODMAPs. Currently no studies have proven its effectiveness though we remain on the lookout for more information on this subject.
If you opt for enzyme supplements, be sure to read the ingredients carefully to avoid those containing ingredients high in FODMAPs, as mannitol is often added, such as in beano ® and some Lactaid® products.
If you suffer from irritable bowel, some digestive enzymes can therefore be a tool to consider, but only after first following a low-FODMAP diet and having done the reintroduction tests in order to determine what are the problematic families and tolerance thresholds. Enzymes will therefore not replace a well-structured low-FODMAP diet and the advice of your doctor and/or dietitian.
In conclusion
If you suffer from digestive disorders, before you begin taking any supplement, it is useful to consult with your doctor in order to take stock of the state of your health and to evaluate the benefit of taking enzyme supplements. It may also be important to sign-up for nutritional monitoring in order to see if some changes in your lifestyle habits can positively impact your digestion.
Sources
Société GI – Société canadienne de recherche intestinale. « La digestion ». https://badgut.org/centre-information/sujets-de-a-a-z/la-digestion/?lang=fr [accessed May 27, 2021].
Société GI – Société canadienne de recherche intestinale. « Insuffisance pancréatique exocrine ». https://badgut.org/centre-information/sujets-de-a-a-z/insuffisance-pancreatique-exocrine/?lang=fr [accessed May 27, 2021].
Société GI – Société canadienne de recherche intestinale. « Intolérance au lactose ». https://badgut.org/centre-information/sujets-de-a-a-z/intolerance-au-lactose/?lang=fr [accessed May 27, 2021].
Will Bulsiewicz. 2020. Fiber Fueled: The Plant-Based Gut Health Program for Losing Weight, Restoring Your Health, and Optimizing Your Microbiome.New York: Avery.
Fodmap everyday. 2018. «Enzyme supplementation & the low FODMAP Diet: can it work for you? ». https://www.fodmapeveryday.com/enzyme-supplementation-and-the-low-fodmap-diet-can-it-work-for-you/ [accessed May 27, 2021].
Tuck, C. J., Taylor, K. M., Gibson, P. R., Barrett, J. S., & Muir, J. G. (2018). Increasing symptoms in irritable bowel symptoms with ingestion of galacto-oligosaccharides are mitigated by α-galactosidase treatment. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 113(1), 124-134.
Komericki, P., Akkilic‐Materna, M., Strimitzer, T., Weyermair, K., Hammer, H. F., & Aberer, W. (2012). Oral xylose isomerase decreases breath hydrogen excretion and improves gastrointestinal symptoms in fructose malabsorption–a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 36(10), 980-987.
*FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that are partly responsible for causing symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For more info, read this article.
Author
Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian graduated from the University of Montreal in December 2018 and is a member of the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec (OPDQ). She believes that the quality of our food choices has a direct impact on our health and energy level. Her goal? To help people improve the quality of what they put in their plates, for their better well-being and greater pleasure.
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