Enzyme finding is good news for vegetarians with bowel disorder

Legumes, soy milk and nuts may be back on the menu for those
suffering from IBS, thanks to Monash University research.

by Anne Crawford

 A digestive enzyme supplement may hold the key to improving the symptoms suffered by patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) when they eat a carbohydrate commonly found in legumes, soy milk and nuts, according to Monash University research.

Researchers in the Central Clinical School’s Department of Gastroenterology have found that oral α-galactosidase co-ingested with foods high in galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) helps reduce symptoms. IBS is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting one in seven Australian adults, characterised by chronic and relapsing symptoms including lower abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, wind, distension and altered bowel habits.