An oral enzyme supplement designed to break down certain FODMAPs reduced symptom severity in adults with irritable bowel syndrome, according to a prospective single-arm study presented at the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting. Among 442 participants, the mean IBS Symptom Severity Score dropped from 269.7 at baseline to 167.3 at four weeks, a statistically significant change. Roughly 69% of patients had a clinically meaningful improvement, defined as a reduction of at least 50 points, and 52% saw a reduction of at least 100 points.
The enzyme blend targets three of the five FODMAP groups—fructans, lactose, and galacto-oligosaccharides—which can trigger abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits in IBS. The researchers noted that adherence to the traditional low-FODMAP diet is a major challenge, and they hope this strategy could eventually help liberalize diet while maintaining symptom control. Improvements were consistent across IBS subtypes and in a sensitivity analysis accounting for patients already on a low-FODMAP diet.
However, the study's limitations include the lack of a placebo or comparator group, a short four-week follow-up, and potential selection bias, as participants proactively sought out the product. The enzyme also does not target polyols or fructose, which may explain non-response in some patients. The investigators emphasized that randomized trials are needed before the supplement can be fully recommended as an effective therapy or compared directly with the low-FODMAP diet. As one researcher put it, the current evidence is promising but not yet conclusive.