Beano is a dietary supplement designed to help manage digestive discomfort, particularly gas and bloating, from certain foods. It aims to make the digestion of complex carbohydrates easier, potentially reducing the unpleasant symptoms that often follow a meal rich in gas-producing ingredients.
What Beano Does
Beano contains alpha-galactosidase, an enzyme derived from the mold Aspergillus niger. This enzyme breaks down complex carbohydrates, known as oligosaccharides, found in many plant-based foods. These sugars are difficult for the human digestive system to fully process.
When undigested complex carbohydrates reach the large intestine, gut bacteria ferment them, leading to gas production. Alpha-galactosidase breaks these indigestible oligosaccharides into simpler, digestible sugars in the small intestine. This prevents them from reaching the colon where fermentation and gas formation occur. Beano is effective for foods like beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, and whole grains. It does not help with gas caused by fiber.
Taking Beano Correctly
Beano must be taken at the correct time to prevent gas and bloating. For chewable tablets, the recommended dosage is two to three tablets per meal. These should be swallowed, chewed, or crumbled onto food just before your first bite. This timing allows the enzyme to mix with the food and begin breaking down complex carbohydrates as they enter the digestive tract.
You can adjust the amount based on the quantity of gas-producing food. For a larger portion, it is safe to double the dose. The goal is to ensure the enzyme is active with the food before digestion begins. Taking Beano up to 30 minutes after your first bite may still offer some benefit, but taking it beforehand is more effective.
Important Safety Information
Beano is generally safe, but important considerations and precautions apply. Mild, temporary gastrointestinal symptoms like upset stomach, bloating, or diarrhea are uncommon. Rarely, severe allergic reactions can occur, especially in individuals with alpha-gal syndrome or a severe mold allergy, as the enzyme is derived from mold.
Individuals with certain health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using Beano. Those with galactosemia, a rare genetic disorder, should not use Beano. This is because Beano breaks down complex sugars into digestible ones, which could increase blood sugar levels and worsen the condition. People with diabetes should also consult their doctor, as Beano can produce additional carbohydrates from treated foods, potentially affecting blood sugar levels.
It is advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before using Beano if you are pregnant, nursing, or considering it for children. Beano is designed to address gas from complex carbohydrates and is not intended for gas caused by lactose intolerance, which requires a different type of enzyme. Always adhere to the recommended dosage and consult a doctor if you have concerns or persistent side effects.