Abstract
Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. FODMAPs are poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates that may drive commensal microbial gas production, promoting abdominal pain in IBS. Low-FODMAP diet can result in symptomatic improvement in 50-80% of IBS patients. However, this diet is not meant to be sustained long term, with concern for downstream nutrition and microbial issues. In this study, we evaluate the function of a targeted FODMAP enzymatic digestion food supplement FODZYME® containing an inulinase enzyme in a simulated gastrointestinal environment.
Methods Using SHIME®, a multi-compartment simulator of the human gut, FODZYME® dose finding assay in modeled gastrointestinal conditions assessed enzymatic ability to hydrolyze 3 g of inulin. Full intestinal modeling assessing digestion of inulin, absorption of fructose, gas production and other measures of commensal microbial behavior was completed using 1.125 g of FODZYME®.
Results After 30 minutes, 90% of the inulin was converted to fructose by 1.125 g of FODZYME®. Doubling dosage showed no significant improvement in conversion, whereas a half dose decreased performance to 77.2%. 70% of released fructose was absorbed during simulated small intestinal transit, with a corresponding decrease in microbial gas production, and a small decrease in butyrate and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.
Discussion FODZYME® specifically breaks down inulin in representative gastrointestinal conditions, resulting in decreased gas production while substantially preserving SCFA and butyrate production in the model colon. Our results suggest dietary supplementation with FODZYME® would decrease intestinal FODMAP burden and gas production.
What is Known
IBS and related gastrointestinal diseases impact over 10% of the population
The low-FODMAP diet has a high efficacy in managing symptoms in patients with IBS.
Long term use of the low-FODMAP diet may have health consequences and is challenging to maintain
What is New
The targeted inulinase in food supplement FODZYME® effectively digests fructans (inulin) in a high-fidelity simulated gastrointestinal environment
Addition of FODZYME® decreased gas production with only a small impact on short chain fatty acid production in the simulated colon.
Competing Interest Statement
Dr. Samant, Ms. Liu, and Mr. Hachuel are employees of Kiwi Biosciences. Dr. Wallach serves as a scientific advisor for Kiwi Biosciences. Dr. Castro, Dr. Singh, Dr. Marzorati, and Ms. Duysburgh have no conflicts to report.
Footnotes
Guarantor: Thomas Wallach, MD
Financial Support: The work herein was funded by Kiwi Biosciences.
Conflicts of Interest: Dr. Samant, Ms. Liu, and Mr. Hachuel are employees of Kiwi Biosciences. Dr. Wallach serves as a scientific advisor for Kiwi Biosciences. Dr. Castro, Dr. Singh, Dr. Marzorati, and Ms. Duysburgh have no conflicts to report.