Beano as a dietary supplement
Beano is a dietary supplement that contains the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, which is designed to help alleviate intestinal gas, bloating, and discomfort associated with the consumption of certain complex carbohydrates found in foods such as beans, broccoli, and whole grains. These foods can lead to gas production in the digestive tract as they are broken down by intestinal bacteria, which ferment the undigested carbohydrates, resulting in gas. Beano works by breaking down these complex carbohydrates earlier in the digestive process, potentially reducing the amount of gas produced.
While many people experience varying degrees of gas, those with complex carbohydrate intolerance may experience more significant symptoms. Beano can be taken before meals, and a typical dosage provides 450 galactosidase units per meal. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of Beano is limited, with some small studies suggesting it may help reduce gas in specific situations. It is generally considered safe for healthy individuals, but caution is advised for those with diabetes or galactosemia, as it may affect blood sugar levels or exacerbate certain conditions. Ultimately, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended, especially for individuals with specific health concerns or those taking other medications.
Beano as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Natural substance used as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Intestinal gas, bloating, and discomfort caused by certain foods
Overview
Many foods, including beans (legumes), broccoli, cabbage, onions, and whole grains, can cause gassiness. This occurs because these foods contain complex carbohydrates that are not entirely broken down in the digestive tract but serve as food for intestinal bacteria. These bacteria produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas as they digest the carbohydrates. While everyone develops intestinal gas to some extent, certain people are intolerant to complex carbohydrates and develop relatively more severe symptoms.
The use of alpha-galactosidase (trade name Beano) has been advocated as a treatment for both complex carbohydrate intolerance and ordinary gassiness. This enzyme helps break down complex carbohydrates earlier in the digestion process, minimizing the amount of undigested carbohydrates that reach the large intestine. When taken as a supplement, it may enhance the digestive process and thereby deprive gas-producing bacteria of fuel to work on.
Requirements and Sources
The body ordinarily manufactures alpha-galactosidase, and it is not a nutrient. It is found in particularly high quantities in the yeast Aspergillus niger, the source of commercial products that treat intestinal gas.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical supplemental dosage of alpha-galactosidase provides 450 GalU (galactosidase units) per meal.
Therapeutic Uses
Although alpha-galactosidase is widely marketed as an over-the-counter treatment to prevent intestinal gas, there is limited evidence that it works. In two preliminary double-blind, controlled trials enrolling thirty-nine people, using alpha-galactosidase with a meal of beans significantly reduced participants’ symptoms of excess gas. Two other relevant trials were also small and had significant design flaws. The majority of scientific study regarding alpha-galactosidase dates back to the mid-1990s. Larger and more strictly designed studies are necessary to determine whether alpha-galactosidase effectively reduces intestinal gas. Regardless of these results, medical professionals note that Beano's efficacy varies between people, but it is most beneficial when taken before a meal.
Safety Issues
Although alpha-galactosidase appears to be safe for people in normal health, there are potential concerns involving persons with diabetes or a rare genetic condition called galactosemia. Alpha-galactosidase breaks down complex carbohydrates into easily absorbed sugars. This may raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Drugs that block alpha-galactosidase (alpha-galactosidase inhibitors) have proven benefits for people with diabetes. One study found that using alpha-galactosidase supplements reduced the effectiveness of the diabetes drug acarbose, an alpha-galactosidase inhibitor. For this reason, people with diabetes who are using alpha-galactosidase inhibitors should avoid alpha-galactosidase supplements. In addition, it is theoretically possible that alpha-galactosidase might increase blood sugar levels in people with diabetes who are not taking alpha-galactosidase inhibitors, but this has not been thoroughly evaluated.
People with galactosemia should also avoid alpha-galactosidase, as it could, in theory, worsen their symptoms. Finally, the safety of alpha-galactosidase in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Important Interactions
Alpha-galactosidase may decrease the effectiveness of the diabetes treatments acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset).
Bibliography
Brissette, Christy. "Why You Should Be Wary Of Some Digestive Enzyme Supplements." The Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/why-you-should-be-wary-of-some-digestive-enzyme-supplements/2019/02/18/4531ef3e-2fdc-11e9-8ad3-9a5b113ecd3c‗story.html. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
Ganiats, T.G., et al. "Does Beano Prevent Gas? A Double-blind Crossover Study of Oral Alpha-galactosidase to Treat Dietary Oligosaccharide Intolerance." The Journal of Family Practice, vol. 39, no. 5, 1994, pp. 441-5.
Lettieri, J. T., and B. Dain. "Effects of Beano on the Tolerability and Pharmacodynamics of Acarbose." Clinical Therapeutics, vol. 20, 1998, pp. 497-504.
Levine, B., and S. Weisman. "Enzyme Replacement as an Effective Treatment for the Common Symptoms of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance." Nutrition in Clinical Care, vol. 7, 2004, pp. 75-81.