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A prospective study found that a commercially available enzyme supplement targeting FODMAPs significantly reduced irritable bowel syndrome symptoms over four weeks, though researchers caution that randomized trials are needed.
A prospective, single-arm study presented at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting suggests that a commercially available enzyme supplement may help manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study, led by Eden Koo, MD, of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, evaluated a supplement designed to break down specific dietary carbohydrates known as FODMAPs.
The research enrolled 442 participants with IBS, defined by self-report, physician diagnosis, and/or Rome IV criteria. The participants had a mean age of 50.3 years, and 86.0% were female. At baseline, 46.6% of the participants were already following a low-FODMAP diet.
Over a four-week period, participants used the supplement, identified as Fodzyme by Kiwi Biosciences. The product targets three of the five FODMAP groups: fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides, and lactose. It is designed to be mixed or sprinkled into food to assist in breaking down these carbohydrates during digestion.
The primary outcome measured was the change in the IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS). The study reported a significant decrease in mean IBS-SSS from 269.7 at baseline to 167.3 at four weeks, representing a mean paired change of -102.4 (P < .001).
Key findings included:
Despite the positive results, the study design has limitations. It was observational and did not include a placebo or control group. Koo noted that the short four-week follow-up and the potential for selection bias, as participants proactively sought out the product, are factors to consider. Additionally, the enzyme blend did not target polyols or fructose.
V. Raman Muthusamy, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, described the findings as "intriguing" but emphasized the need for further research. "While the preliminary findings are, I would say, hypothesis-generating, I think more work needs to be done to get this to the point where we could recommend it in clinical practice," Muthusamy said.
Koo agreed, stating, "I think our findings provide an encouraging signal that this approach deserves further evaluation, ideally through randomized, placebo-controlled trials."
The low-FODMAP diet is a common dietary approach for managing IBS, but long-term adherence can be difficult due to strict food restrictions. If future randomized, placebo-controlled trials confirm the efficacy of targeted enzyme supplementation, it could offer patients a way to manage food-related symptoms without eliminating entire food groups, potentially improving quality of life and dietary flexibility. However, current evidence is insufficient for clinical recommendations.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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