Enzyme alpha galactosidase

Types of enzyme alpha-galactosidase

Alpha-galactosidase is a digestive enzyme supplement that is often used in the food and beverage industry. It helps break down complex carbohydrates, particularly those found in legumes, beans, and certain vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These carbohydrates can be difficult to digest for some people, as they cause gas, bloating, and discomfort. Enzyme supplements can ease this process.

• Natural enzyme alpha galactosidase

  This is derived from fungi like Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus oryzae. These fungi naturally produce the enzyme during fermentation processes, especially in the production of foods like soy sauce, miso, or fermented vegetables. A natural alpha-galactosidase enzyme is commonly found in digestive aid products for breaking down complex carbohydrates in foods, especially legumes, beans, and certain vegetables. This form of the enzyme is typically extracted and purified for commercial use. It is widely used in dietary supplements and food and beverage processing.

• Synthetic enzyme alpha-galactosidase

  A synthetic form of alpha-gactosidase is produced through recombinant DNA technology. It is synthesized by inserting the gene that codes for the enzyme into a host organism, often yeast or bacteria. This can also be produced chemically through the synthesis of peptides to create the enzyme. Alpha-galactosidase is commonly produced through biotechnology for use in pharmaceutical treatments for lysosomal storage diseases, such as Fabry disease, where natural supplementation is deficient. This allows researchers and pharmaceuticals to produce the enzyme in controlled quantities and purities for specific medical needs.

• Alpha galactosidase enzyme products

  Common food products that alpha-galactosidase supplements are added to include:

  • Digestive enzymes: Alpha-galactosidase supplements are commonly used in digestive enzyme products marketed to help individuals who experience discomfort when eating beans, lentils, or cruciferous vegetables. Examples are pancreatin and papain enzymes.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Alpha-galactosidase is important in therapeutic preparations for treating genetic disorders like Fabry disease, which is characterized by the buildup of certain fats due to enzyme deficiency.
  • Probiotics and prebiotics: Enzyme supplements help improve the efficacy of certain probiotics or prebiotic products by breaking down complex carbohydrates that are then better utilized by good gut bacteria.
  • Infant formula: Alpha-galactosidase is sometimes added to infant formulas to more closely mimic the digestible components of breast milk. This helps infants who have difficulty digesting certain complex sugars.

How to use enzyme alpha galactosidase

HelloFresh is a popular meal kit delivery service that offers a wide variety of delicious and convenient meal options. They provide customers with pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes, allowing people to cook nutritious meals at home without the hassle of grocery shopping. HelloFresh focuses on providing fresh, balanced meals that cater to different dietary preferences.

• Adding to food preparation

  Alpha-galactosidase supplements are commonly used during the preparation of dishes that contain beans or legumes. Food manufacturers and home cooks can add the enzyme to foods like soups, stews, or casseroles that contain legumes. This can help break down complex carbohydrates, making them easier to digest and reducing gas and bloating. Foods that contain starchy vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, or Brussels sprouts can also be treated to reduce gas-producing sugars, improving the end product's taste.

• Pill and tablet form

  Many people take alpha-galactosidase supplements in capsule or tablet form to help digest meals containing beans, lentils, or cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and Brussels sprouts. These supplements are typically taken orally with water, both foods and beverages. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on dosage and timing to ensure optimal results. Alpha-galactosidase supplements are best taken just before or during a meal so the enzyme can act on the food as it's being digested.

• Liquid drops

  Alpha-galactosidase is available in liquid drop form for digestive support. Users can administer the drops into food or drink right before mealtime to aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates.

Benefits of enzyme alpha galactosidase

Alpha-galactosidase is often used as a dietary supplement or added to foods in enzyme formulations. This is especially the case in supplements that target digestive health. Understanding the benefits herein can make buyers stock the right products and enjoy increased returns.

• Reduced gas and bloating

  Alpha-galactosidase breaks down complex carbohydrates that are present in beans, lentils, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. This makes the sugars easier to digest, reducing gas and bloating in people who are sensitive to these foods.

• Improved digestion

  Alpha-galactosidase is an important enzyme that can improve overall digestive health by aiding in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates. This helps prevent symptoms like abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation, especially in people with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome  (IBS) or digestive enzyme insufficiency.

• Supports gut microbiota balance

  Because alpha-galactosidase helps digest certain complex carbohydrates, it can reduce competition between undigested sugars and other nutrients for bacteria in the gut. This helps support a healthy balance of gut microbiota, which is important for immune function and overall health.

• Enhanced nutritional absorption

  By improving the digestion of complex carbohydrates, alpha-galactosidase may enhance the absorption of certain nutrients like vitamins and minerals from foods. This is particularly beneficial when consuming plant-based foods because they are nutrient-dense. Enzyme supplements can help break down anti-nutrients like phytic acid that inhibit nutrient absorption in these foods.

• Relief for lactose intolerance

  Some alpha-galactosidase supplements contain galactosidase, which breaks down galactose, a sugar found in dairy products. This makes it potentially useful for people who are lactose intolerant but still want to consume dairy products. While not a replacement for lactase, it may provide some added digestive support when taken with dairy foods.

• Increased comfort with plant-based diets

  As more people adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, they may experience digestive discomfort from consuming high-fiber foods. Alpha-galactosidase can help alleviate these symptoms, making it easier for people to stick to a plant-based diet without discomfort.

How to store enzyme alpha galactosidase

Proper storage of the alpha-galactosidase enzyme supplement helps maintain its effectiveness and prolongs shelf life. These storage tips help buyers stock and market products that deliver a consistently high performance to customers across various user demographics.

• Cool temperatures

  Buyers should ensure that alpha-galactosidase supplements are kept in a cool place, preferably between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). Avoiding excessive heat exposure is critical as this can denature the enzyme, rendering it ineffective. Cold temperatures can also damage enzymes in the supplements, so avoid freezing them.

• Dark containers

  Most alpha-galactosidase supplements come in opaque containers. These containers help protect the enzymes from degradation due to UV light exposure. Supplements also often come in amber glass or plastic bottles that filter out harmful light. If the supplement is in a clear container, then store it in a dark place so it does not lose potency.

• Low humidity

  Humidity can affect enzyme supplements, especially if they are in powder or capsule form. High moisture levels can lead to clumping, mold growth, or decomposition of the supplement. Buyers should ensure the supplement is stored in a dry environment with a relative humidity level of around 40% to 60%. Desiccant packs in airtight containers also help absorb excess moisture in the environment.

• Airtight containers

  Many alpha-galactosidase products are sold in airtight containers like plastic jars or sealed foil pouches. These containers help prevent exposure to air, which is essential because oxygen can lead to enzyme degradation through a process called oxidative breakdown. Avoid exposing the supplement to air by tightly resealing it after each use. Alpha-galactosidase is sensitive to atmospheric oxygen, which can lead to degradation or loss of activity. So, tightly seal containers after each use and consider using vacuum-sealed packaging for long-term storage.

• Keep away from strong odors and contaminants

  Enzymes can be sensitive to strong smells like spices, chemicals, or cleaning agents. These smells can permeate the supplement and affect its purity and potency. Store alpha-galactosidase in a location free from strong, pungent odors and avoid exposure to such scents to maintain its effectiveness.

Q & A

Can alpha-galactosidase supplements be taken with other medications or supplements?

Alpha-galactosidase is safe and can be taken with other medications or supplements. However, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure there are no potential interactions with other digestive aids or medications.

Are there any side effects from taking alpha-galactosidase supplements?

Alpha-galactosidase supplements are generally regarded as safe and cause little to no side effects. Some people may occasionally experience mild side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.

Does the body naturally produce alpha-galactosidase?

Yes, the body naturally produces alpha-galactosidase. It is produced primarily in the kidneys and is secreted into the bloodstream. This makes it particularly important for people whose bodies cannot produce enough of the enzyme, such as those with Fabry disease, to take it as a supplement.

How can people with medical conditions involving enzyme deficiency benefit from alpha-galactosidase?

Conditions like Fabry disease stem from a lack or deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase. This causes certain fatty substances to build up in the body’s cells because the enzyme cannot break them down. In such cases, people can benefit from taking enzyme replacement therapy where the enzyme is supplemented externally to help restore balance in the body.

What’s the difference between alpha-galactosidase and beta-galactosidase?

Both alpha-galactoside and beta-galactosidase are types of glycoside hydrolases. This means they both break down carbohydrates. The difference is that alpha-galactosidase acts on alpha-mannos and galactose sugar molecules, while beta-galactosidase works on the beta form of galactose sugar molecule. This makes alpha-galactosidase particularly important for breaking down complex sugars like raffinose and stachyose.