Enzyme replacement as an effective treatment for the common symptoms of complex carbohydrate intolerance.
Complex carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet. However, many people suffer from varying degrees of carbohydrate intolerance, resulting in embarrassing gastrointestinal symptoms and avoidance of these components of a healthy diet. To facilitate awareness and discussion, we propose the phrase "complex carbohydrate intolerance" (CCI) as a broad term to encompass the range of symptoms associated with carbohydrate intolerance. While various treatments offer symptomatic relief, enzyme replacement therapy targets the cause of the problem: an enzyme deficiency. The enzyme, alpha-galactosidase, currently only found in the over-the-counter product, Beano, may be an effective preventative treatment for CCI.
Human Nutrition Program, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Barbara
B
Levine
Steven
S
Weisman
D002239:Carbohydrate Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000519:alpha-Galactosidase / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D000519:alpha-Galactosidase