Does Beano prevent gas? A double-blind crossover study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary oligosaccharide intolerance.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Beano, an over-the-counter oral solution of alpha-galactosidase, is used to prevent flatus and other gastrointestinal symptoms resulting from a high-fiber diet. The efficacy of this product, however, has not yet been adequately evaluated.

METHODS:

Nineteen subjects were randomized into two groups and fed test meals of meatless chili. At the first test meal, group 1 received eight drops of alpha-galactosidase solution and group 2 received eight drops of placebo. After the meal, subjects were asked to keep a careful record of gastrointestinal symptoms, including occurrences of intestinal gas passage, for the next 6 hours. One week later, an identical test meal was served to each study subject and the solutions were reversed. Again subjects recorded their symptoms for the next 6 hours. Data were analyzed by means of paired t tests.

RESULTS:

The number of flatulence events per hour was significantly less in the group treated with alpha-galactosidase than placebo over the 6-hour follow-up period (F = 2.87, P = .016). When the two groups were compared at each follow-up interval, this difference was statistically significant only for the 5th hour after ingesting the test meal (t = 2.19, P = .04). No differences between the two groups were found in the extent of bloating or pain following the meal.

CONCLUSIONS:

Oral alpha-galactosidase solution is efficacious, at least in some patients, for the prophylaxis of gastrointestinal intolerance of oligosaccharides.

• Authors: T G Ganiats, W A Norcross, A L Halverson, P A Burford, L A Palinkas
• Journal: The Journal of family practice (J Fam Pract) Vol. 39 Issue 5 Pg. 441-5 (Nov 1994) ISSN: 0094-3509 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7964541 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Dietary Fiber
• Oligosaccharides
• Solutions
• alpha-Galactosidase

Topics

• Adult
• Cross-Over Studies
• Dietary Fiber (adverse effects)
• Double-Blind Method
• Fabaceae (adverse effects, chemistry)
• Female
• Flatulence (etiology, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Male
• Oligosaccharides (adverse effects, analysis)
• Pilot Projects
• Plants, Medicinal
• Prospective Studies
• Solutions
• alpha-Galactosidase (therapeutic use)