How xylose isomerase will make your life so much better
Here is the best part: Xylose isomerase is an enzyme that converts excess fructose into glucose, as illustrated in the figure below. Glucose can then be absorbed along the entire small intestine with the aid of a specific protein called SGLT-1.
This means that dietary supplements of xylose isomerase improve the symptoms of fructose malabsorption significantly – with no side-effects.[1]
I take that medicine before eating high-fructose meals that would usually lead to nasty consequences, and I am absolutely thrilled by their effect. And with effect, I mean “no more symptoms”!
Please note, that diabetics and people suffering from hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) should not use it.
There are several suitable drugs which contain that fructose converting enzyme.
They are called Eat Anything, Fructaid (Pro Natura), Xylosolv (Stada), or FructoZym (Biogena), depending on where you are living.
Some tips for taking xylose isomerase
- The enzyme doesn’t withstand temperatures above 140°F (60°C). So, do not open the capsules and pour them over hot meals or leave them in your car when it’s hot outside.
- It’s best to take 1-2 capsules together with a glass of water directly before high-fructose meals.
- Please pay attention to the instructions of each medicine.
That’s it! Enjoy your meals with this “temporary cure” for fructose malabsorption!
Tell me, how did it work out in your case? I would love hearing from you!
Study confirms the effectiveness of xylose isomerase
In a study with 65 patients in whom fructose malabsorption has been diagnosed by a hydrogen breath test the year before, patients randomly received a drinking solution with xylose isomerase or a placebo together with 25g fructose.
Those patients that received xylose isomerase showed a significantly decreased breath hydrogen excretion (a sign that fructose was absorbed much better), and significant improvements in nausea and abdominal pain. Bloating improved as well, but not in a statistically relevant amount. A larger study may have also proven its significance.
The picture below shows the reduced symptoms due to taking xylose isomerase.
References
- Komericki P., Akkilic-Materna M., Strimitzer T., Weyermair K., Hammer HF, Aberer W. Oral xylose isomerase decreases breath hydrogen excretion and improves gastrointestinal symptoms in fructose malabsorption – a double blind, placebo-controlled study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012;36(10):980-7.
It’s fantastic. I can eat fruits and spicy food after I’ve taken 1-2 pills. Well, it’s a little pricey, but it really works!
True, true. I love it, especially when eating out or having meals where I’m not certain.
I’ve just ordered some Fructaid pills from Amazon, I’m excited to try them out as have suffered 5 years so far and just starting to understand after ALOT of research what’s actually up with me! I’ll report back soon
Can it be taken after a meal and help if you’ve accidentally eaten a high fructose food without realising? I want something for emergencies such as this.
Hi Anthony, from my experience, it is significantly less effective, when taking it after a meal. But it is better than doing nothing. The longer you wait, the more fructose reaches the colon without being absorbed along the small bowel. And that will cause symptoms.
Is there a side effect such as weight gain due to increased glucose absorption.?
When eating food with a high fructose content together with Xylose Isomerase, you will absorb more fructose and glucose in total. So your calorie consumption will increase depending on the food.
Hello!
Anyone knows how you can know if you have a genetic intolerance?
This can be tested via genetic diagnostic of a blood sample.
Does this product contain prebiotic or probiotics? I would order it if I knew it only contained Xylose Isomerase Enzymes. Looking forward to a reply.
I’ve just checked it. It doesn’t contain prebiotics or probiotics.
Does anyone know if the products are effective for fructan intolerance? My understanding is that fructans are long chains of fructose. I am hoping they can help with that.
I did some research: There are some supplements, that promise a short-term improvement for fructans. But based on their ingredients (enzymes), that improvement seems to be only a side-effect of an improved tolerance for galactans (GOS), meaning less bloating. Xylose Isomerase can’t break down fructans, only fructose.