About this article
Nutriessential believes in evidence-based information. This article is an attempt to extract information from research studies and tell our readers about the evidence on FODZYME supplements.
EVIDENCE 1
Research study title:
In Vitro Efficacy of Targeted Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols Enzymatic Digestion in a High-Fidelity Simulated Gastrointestinal Environment
This study tells biological mechanism of whether the enzymes break down inulin and affect gas production.
Research Evidence
The article mentions, “FODMAP enzymatic digestion (FODZYME) (Kiwi Bioscience), is a proprietary combination of generally regarded-as-safe (GRAS) enzymes designed for application to meals, just before ingestion, with the goal of predigesting fructans before they reach the colon. In this study, we evaluate the function of FODZYME in a simulated gastrointestinal environment to determine its efficacy in decreasing dietary FODMAP fermentation.”
This study concluded, “FODZYME specifically breaks down inulin in representative gastrointestinal conditions, resulting in decreased gas production while substantially preserving short-chain fatty acid and butyrate production in the model colon. Our results suggest dietary supplementation with FODZYME would decrease intestinal FODMAP burden and gas production.”
What does it mean?
People suffering from Irritable bowel syndrome often experience abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. In IBS, poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates like FODMAPS (Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) drive commensal microbial gas production.
The question here is why the need for FODZYME arises.
The low-FODMAP diet is helpful for IBS patients, but long-term use is questionable. Imagine someone who has been following a restricted diet for long periods. Prolonged restriction may raise concerns, especially without professional guidance. As a result, nutrient levels and gut bacteria are affected.
In this study, a team of researchers led by Dr Kenny Castro evaluated FODZYME in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. What they found was interesting. After 30 minutes, 90% of the inulin was converted to fructose. They mentioned, “Doubling the dosage showed no significant improvement in conversion, whereas a half dose decreased performance to 77.2%.”
70% of released fructose was absorbed during simulated small intestinal transit.
The final key takeaway from this study is that dietary supplements with FODZYME could decrease intestinal FODMAP burden and gas production.
Note:
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This is an in-vitro study funded by Kiwi Biosciences.
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The study findings provide a potential mechanism for reducing FODMAP-related gas production, but clinical benefits in people with IBS require evidence from human studies.
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In-vitro evidence is different from human clinical evidence.
EVIDENCE 2
Research study title
S818 Fodzyme at Its Finest: A Case Series Exploring a New Option for IBS Patients
This case series describes the patients' experiences and the changes reported with FODZYME.
Research evidence
Participants in this case series reported improvements in aspects of quality of life after using FODZYME. This case series highlighted an important consideration. These patient-reported findings suggest potential improvements in aspects of daily life and mental well-being, but further research is needed.
What does it mean?
In this case series, patients took FODZYME and then completed a survey regarding IBS questions. They answered different questions related to bloating and disruption in daily life and mental well-being.
The majority of participants were women. The participants took FODZYME for a minimum of 4 weeks, at least once a day.
The results in participants reporting improvements are:
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Their bloating frequency reduced
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Their daily life improved
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They reported improvements in aspects of mental well-being.
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Food tolerance improved.
Note: It is important to note that studies are carried out with a specific sample size and instructions. This does not mean that the results are applicable to all people with similar conditions.
EVIDENCE 3
Research study title
FODMAP-Specific Enzyme Supplementation Reduces Food Avoidance & Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Real-World Prospective Study
This study describes the real-world outcomes of what happened to symptoms and food avoidance after starting the FODZYME supplement.
Research evidence
This study concluded, “This prospective study suggests FODMAP-specific enzymes reduce food avoidance and GI symptoms and provide psychosocial benefits. Further studies can investigate how to integrate FODMAP-specific enzymes into IBS care.”
What does it mean?
This study investigated the psychological, nutritional and symptomatic benefits of using FODMAP-specific enzymes in IBS patients with uncontrolled gastrointestinal symptoms. A low FODMAP diet improves IBS symptoms. But it is complex. People may not understand the complications of it. It may increase the risk for nutritional imbalances, social isolation, food anxiety, financial burden and disordered eating.
Researchers involved in this study say that FODMAP-targeting enzymes, such as fructan hydrolase, alpha-galactosidase and lactase, may control gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and support dietary diversity.
The people involved in this study used FODZYME digestive enzymes with meals for 4 weeks, and then they did a follow-up. When asked about the improvements, they acknowledged improvements in the following symptoms:
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Abdominal pain
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Bloating
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Constipation
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Daily life disruption
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Diarrhea
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Mental well-being
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Vomiting
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Nausea
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Food avoidance
No adverse events were reported among participants completing this study; these findings do not establish long-term safety.
Key Takeaway
Current research provides preliminary evidence for the use of FODZYME in managing FODMAP-related digestive symptoms
References
Source: In Vitro Efficacy of Targeted Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols Enzymatic Digestion in a High-Fidelity Simulated Gastrointestinal Environment
Source: S818 Fodzyme at Its Finest: A Case Series...: American Journal of Gastroenterology
Source: FODMAP-Specific Enzyme Supplementation Reduces Food Avoidance & Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Real-World Prospective Study
Disclaimer
Our interpretations are intended to help readers understand the research and should not be considered established scientific conclusions. The available evidence has limitations, and further well-designed human studies are needed to better understand FODZYME’s effectiveness and long-term safety.
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