Alpha-galactosidase is ordinarily manufactured by the body and is not a nutrient. It is found in particularly high quantities in the yeast Aspergillus niger , the source of commercial products.
A typical supplemental dosage of alpha-galactosidase provides 450 GalU ( galactosidase units) per meal.
Although alpha-glucosidase appears to be safe for people in normal health, there are potential concerns involving people with diabetes as well as those with a rare condition named galactosemia.
People with the genetic condition galactosemia should also avoid alphagalactosidase as it could, in theory, worsen symptoms of the disease.
Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Interactions You Should Know About
If you are taking the drugs acarbose (Precose) or miglitol (Glyset) for treatment of diabetes, use of alpha-galactosidase may decrease their effectiveness.
- Reviewer: EBSCO CAM Review Board
- Review Date: 08/2013 -
- Update Date: 08/22/2013 -