Introduction

Beano is an enzyme that helps break down food substances. It has been used to ease digestion and to prevent gas. Beano can be taken as a pill. No high quality studies on beano have been done, but the pill is widely used to help relieve gas.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for beano.

What Research Shows

Not Enough Data to Assess

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take beano in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

 

References

A.

A1. Ganiats TG, Norcross WA, et al. Does Beano prevent gas? A double-blind crossover study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary oligosaccharide intolerance. J Fam Pract. 1994 Nov;39(5):441-445.

A2. Di Stefano M, Miceli E, et al. The effect of oral alpha-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and gas-related symptoms. Dig Dis Sci. 2007 Jan;52(1):78-83.

A3. Di Nardo G, Oliva S, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of α-galactosidase in treating gas-related symptoms in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. BMC Gastroenterol. 2013 Sep 24;13:142.

A4. Hillilä M, Färkkilä MA, et al. Does oral α-galactosidase relieve irritable bowel symptoms? Scand J Gastroenterol. 2016 Jan;51(1):16-21.

Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC