Products
Alpha-galactosidase is commercially available as a dietary supplement or medical device in some countries, for example, Germany and the United States. It is also combined with other enzymes.
Structure and properties
Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that is usually extracted from fungi like.
Effects
Alpha-galactosidase cleaves indigestible carbohydrates, which are found, for example, in legumes, vegetables, cereals, and nuts and seeds. These include oligosaccharides such as raffinose, stachyose and verbascose (galactooligosaccharides, GOS), which are counted among the so-called FODMAP. Alpha-galactosidase cleaves the α-1,6-linked α-galactose of the oligosaccharides. Humans cannot digest these substances. They enter the intestine, are fermented by bacteria, and trigger symptoms such as flatulence, cramps, and diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
Fields of application
For the prevention of digestive problems, which are related to indigestible carbohydrates:
- Vegetables, such as cabbage, beans, onions, beet, kohlrabi.
- Beans, legumes
- Cereals
- Nuts, seeds
Dosage
According to the package leaflet. The remedies are usually taken directly before or with food.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
Full precautions can be found in the package insert
Interactions
Interactions are possible with agents containing bound galactoses.
Adverse effects
No information is available on possible adverse effects.
