The Science Behind What Supplement Breaks Down Fructan

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 20% of the population may experience symptoms of fructan intolerance, where the body struggles to digest complex carbohydrates found in many everyday foods like wheat, garlic, and onions. For these individuals, a targeted approach is necessary, and finding the right supplement that breaks down fructan is often the key to dietary freedom.

Quick Summary

This article explores specific enzyme supplements designed to help digest fructans, addressing common symptoms like bloating and gas to restore dietary flexibility for sensitive individuals.

Key Points

Fructan Hydrolase: This enzyme, found in supplements like FODZYME, is specifically designed to break down the wide variety of fructans found in foods like garlic, onions, and wheat.
Alpha-Galactosidase: Found in products such as Intoleran Fibractase, this enzyme helps digest certain complex carbohydrates, including fructans, particularly those found in legumes.
Human Deficiency: The human body lacks the natural enzymes needed to effectively break down fructans, leading to fermentation by gut bacteria and resulting digestive issues.
Timing is Crucial: For best results, fructan-digesting supplements should be taken immediately before or during the consumption of a high-fructan meal.
Combination Strategy: For comprehensive relief, some individuals may benefit from combining targeted enzyme supplements with other management strategies, such as mindful eating and a tailored low-FODMAP approach under professional guidance.
Fructan Sources: Be aware of common foods rich in fructans, including wheat, onions, garlic, artichokes, and certain legumes.

Understanding Fructan Sensitivity

Fructans are a type of carbohydrate known as a FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols). Unlike simple sugars, fructans are complex chains of fructose molecules that the human small intestine cannot break down due to a lack of the necessary digestive enzymes. Instead, they travel to the large intestine where gut bacteria ferment them, producing gas and drawing water into the bowel. This process can cause significant digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits. While many people turn to a restrictive low-FODMAP diet for relief, supplements offer a more flexible solution.

The Role of Fructan Hydrolase

One of the most promising advancements in managing fructan sensitivity is the development of specific enzyme supplements containing Fructan Hydrolase. This proprietary enzyme was developed to target the wide variety of fructans found in common foods. It works by cleaving the bonds between the fructose molecules in the fructan chain, effectively breaking it down into smaller, absorbable fragments before it can reach the colon and cause issues.

How Does Fructan Hydrolase Compare to Other Enzymes?

While some other enzymes, like inulinase, can break down specific types of fructans (e.g., inulin), a broad-spectrum fructan hydrolase is designed to handle the diverse range of fructan molecules present in a typical diet. This makes it more effective for a wider array of foods. Products like FODZYME, which contains fructan hydrolase, are designed to be mixed directly into food as a powder to ensure optimal contact and immediate action.

Alpha-Galactosidase: A Complementary Approach

Another enzyme that can aid in the digestion of fructans, particularly those found in legumes, is Alpha-Galactosidase. While primarily known for helping digest GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), this enzyme also has an impact on certain fructans. It is important to note that alpha-galactosidase is not a broad-spectrum fructan solution and may need to be combined with a fructan hydrolase for comprehensive coverage. Supplements like Intoleran Fibractase contain this enzyme and are certified as Low FODMAP.

Supplements that break down fructan: A Comparison


Feature	FODZYME (Fructan Hydrolase)	Intoleran Fibractase (Alpha-Galactosidase)
Primary Enzyme	Broad-spectrum Fructan Hydrolase	Alpha-Galactosidase
Form	Tasteless powder	Capsules
Fructan Type Coverage	Targets a wide range of fructans (inulin, FOS, levan)	Primarily targets fructans in legumes
Other FODMAPs Targeted	GOS and Lactose (blend)	Galactans
Best For	Comprehensive fructan management in varied meals	Targeted support for legumes and some vegetables

How to Use Fructan-Digesting Supplements Effectively

To get the most benefit from these supplements, proper usage is key. For powder-based supplements like FODZYME, mixing the powder directly into the meal or sprinkling it onto the first bite is recommended to ensure maximum contact with the food. For capsule-based products, taking the capsule immediately before or with the first bite of the meal is standard practice.

It is always advisable to start with a standard dosage and monitor your body's response. You may need to adjust the dosage based on the amount of fructan-containing food in your meal. Consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is crucial to determine the right approach for your individual needs.

Beyond Supplements: Holistic Management of Fructan Sensitivity

While enzyme supplements are a powerful tool, they are often most effective when combined with other healthy lifestyle practices.

Practical Strategies:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water aids overall digestion and can help with symptom management.
Chew Food Thoroughly: Mindful eating and chewing food well reduces the burden on your digestive system.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity supports gut motility and overall digestive health.
Explore Low-Fructan Foods: Learn which foods are high in fructans (e.g., onions, garlic, wheat, chickpeas) and which are lower (e.g., rice, quinoa, certain vegetables) to manage overall intake. Garlic-infused oil is a great way to add flavor without fructans.
Consider Sourdough: The fermentation process in traditionally made sourdough bread can reduce fructan content, making it more tolerable for some individuals.
Work with a Professional: A registered dietitian can help you navigate the low-FODMAP diet to identify your specific triggers and tolerance levels, creating a personalized long-term plan.

Conclusion

For those with fructan sensitivity, an effective supplement that breaks down fructan can significantly improve quality of life and expand dietary choices beyond the restrictive low-FODMAP diet. Targeted enzyme products containing fructan hydrolase or alpha-galactosidase provide a proactive way to manage symptoms like bloating and gas by breaking down complex carbohydrates before they reach the colon. By understanding how these supplements work and incorporating them alongside other healthy digestive habits, individuals can regain control over their gut health and enjoy a wider variety of foods with confidence. As with any supplement, it is best to consult a healthcare provider to find the right product and dosage for your specific needs.

Learn more about the science of fructan hydrolase

Frequently Asked Questions

The main enzyme used in supplements to break down fructan is Fructan Hydrolase, a proprietary enzyme formulated specifically to dismantle the complex structure of fructan molecules.

Beano contains the enzyme Alpha-Galactosidase, which primarily targets galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) but can also assist with some fructans, particularly those found in legumes. However, it is not a broad-spectrum solution for all fructan types.

The human body does not produce the specific enzymes, like fructan hydrolase, that are needed to break down the unique bonds in fructan molecules. As a result, they pass undigested into the large intestine where they are fermented by gut bacteria.

For most people, fructan-digesting enzymes are safe for regular use. They act on the food in the gut without interfering with normal digestion. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you take other medications or have underlying health conditions.

Supplements like FODZYME begin to work immediately upon contact with food. In simulated gastric conditions, it has been shown to break down a significant portion of fructans within 30 minutes. Most users report symptom relief within a few hours of consumption.

No, fructan-digesting supplements are not a cure for conditions like IBS. They are digestive aids designed to help manage symptoms associated with FODMAP sensitivity. They can significantly reduce symptoms but do not address the underlying causes of IBS.

For maximum effectiveness, powder-based fructan supplements should be mixed directly into or sprinkled onto the first bite of food. Capsule versions should be taken immediately before or with the meal.