Does FODZYME Work? 2024 Dietitian Review

FODZYME Review – Introduction

FODZYME is a new digestive enzyme which helps to break down certain FODMAPs (1).

In this article, we will explain how the enzyme works and how you can use it to breakdown the FODMAPs in your food before you eat them.

Please note that this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase the product, we will earn a small commission. However, this does not change the accuracy of the information in this post.

What is FODZYME?

FODZYME is a powdered enzyme supplement blend that breaks down multiple FODMAPs, making them easier to digest. 

Earlier this year, FODZYME was certified by Monash University. This means that it is safe to take whilst following a low FODMAP diet (2). 

FODZYME contains the following enzymes:

• Fructan hydrolase → breaks down the fructan inulin (found in foods like onions, wheat and garlic)
• Lactase → breaks down lactose (found in some dairy foods)
• Alpha-galactosidase → breaks down GOS (found in beans, pulses and some root veg)

Has it been shown to reduce gut symptoms?

FODZYME has been tested both in a validated human gut model and in humans. The validated gut model is a simulated model of our digestive system, including the stomach, small intestine, and colon (3).

In the gut model, FODZYME and inulin were combined. This resulted in 90% of inulin being broken down within 30 minutes (4).

However, this way of testing does not capture the true complexity of organ systems working in a real human body.

In the human study, people were given FODZYME with 40g of chicory root fibre (high in inulin).

This led to a four-time reduction in gas and a complete reduction in diarrhoea when compared to the group of people who did not take FODZYME (4). 

The reduction in symptoms is caused by fructan hydrolase in FODZYME. Fructan hydrolase breaks down the chicory root fibre into fructose and glucose molecules.

As the fructans have been broken down, they do not reach the large bowel to cause IBS symptoms (4).

Should you try FODZYME for your IBS?

Yes and no. Read on to find out when it would be a helpful supplement for those with IBS.

Although the initial research looks promising, it has not been done on people with IBS. One concern is that FODZYME may increase fructose in the gut and affect those with fructose intolerance.

However, as research remains inconclusive, we do not know what effect this would have on IBS symptoms in somebody who is sensitive to fructose. 

The studies discussed above suggest that if you are sensitive to lactose, fructans and/or GOS, and have no problems digesting fructose, then it may be beneficial for you.

The studies discussed are not published in a journal which means they are not yet peer reviewed. 

If a study has been peer reviewed this means that the scientific quality has been assessed by experts within the same field (5). 

How does it compare to other digestive enzymes? 

You are able to buy lactase easily on the market, but inulinase and alpha-alpha-galactosidase are not so readily available.

You can read more about other digestive enzymes here.

The majority of digestive enzymes on the market come in capsules or pill form rather than powder. This means that they need to enter your gut and be broken down to mix with the FODMAP and start working.

The pH levels in your stomach can deactivate these enzymes and the undigested FODMAPs can then enter your gut (1).

As FODZYME comes in powdered form, this is a benefit as it allows it to be mixed into food resulting in a direct breakdown of the FODMAPs, increasing its efficacy (6).

You can buy FODZYME directly from their company by clicking here. The company ship internationally.

How do you take FODZYME?

Always read the product labels and instructions for up to date advice. 

FODZYME recommend that you start with ¼ of a teaspoon, sprinkled evenly onto your food. The amount you need will vary depending on the amount of FODMAPs in your food (6).

They also recommend taking a second dose with your food if you are still eating after 30 minutes.

This is because FODZYME has a specific time window to break down FODMAPs in foods before other carbohydrates begin to pass through your digestive system.

After this time, FODZYME itself is broken down by stomach acid and protease enzymes (6).

FODZYME works well in room temperature and chilled foods. However, it will start to denature at temperatures exceeding 60°C (140°F).

Summary

FODZYME is a powdered enzyme that breaks down certain inulin, lactose and GOS – FODMAPs which are found in foods such as onion, garlic and wheat.

It has a benefit over other digestive enzymes as it comes in powder form, meaning it can be mixed into food and directly break down the FODMAPs as soon as it lands on your food. 

If you are sensitive to FODMAPs, specifically lactose, fructans and GOS, and have no problems digesting fructose, then FODZYME may help you enjoy a more varied diet.

Written by Leeona Lam MSc, ANutr and reviewed by Serena Bansal Registered Dietitian BSc Hons