Beano: A Natural Enzyme Supplement for Digestive Health (2024)

Beano is an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement that contains a natural enzyme called alpha-galactosidase which helps prevent flatulence (farting) and bloating.

When taken before meals, Beano helps break down complex carbohydrates (such as those found in certain vegetables, legumes, and whole grains) that might otherwise remain in the intestine, where they ferment and produce gas.

Beano is generally safe to take and likely won’t cause side effects. However, there are certain precautions to take when considering whether you should take the supplement.

This article explains what to know about Beano, its health benefits, and how to take it safely.

Beano Side Effects and Safety

Beano is generally regarded as safe with no known side effects. However, there are some instances in which Beano is not recommended, or when you may need to take special precautions.

Who Should Avoid Beano

While Beano is generally safe to take, there is a rare subset of people with an allergy to alpha-galactosidase, also known as alpha-gal syndrome. People with alpha-gal syndrome are allergic to red meat and can experience a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis when exposed to alpha-galactosidase.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Rashes or hives
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sudden, severe diarrhea
• Heart palpitation
• Swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
• A feeling of impending doom

If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, cardiac arrest, acute respiratory failure, and even death.

Alpha-galactosidase is extracted from a food-grade mold called Aspergillus niger, so people with a severe mold allergy may also need to avoid Beano.

There is no evidence that Beano is unsafe for pregnant people or those who are breastfeeding. Beano has not been tested in children, so consult your child’s pediatrician before giving them Beano.

Precautions With Diabetes

If you have diabetes or a genetic disorder called galactosemia, you should not take Beano without consulting your healthcare provider first.

Both galactosemia and diabetes affect how the body processes glucose, the body's main form of energy. The main ingredient in Beano breaks down indigestible sugars into digestible sugars, which can increase your blood sugar levels.

Studies have also found that Beano can reduce the effectiveness of diabetes drugs known as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. This includes the drugs acarbose and Glyset (miglitol).

Health Benefits of Beano

Beano contains a digestive enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates that are hard to digest into simple carbohydrates that are easier to digest.

When taken before eating carbs, Beano can effectively prevent or reduce gas. However, Beano is not effective in preventing gas caused by fiber or the dairy-based sugar called lactose.

For some people, the digestive system has a hard time breaking down complex carbohydrates, which are made of a long chain of sugar molecules. If these reach the colon (large intestine), bacteria will start to ferment them and produce gas.

Beano also works on short-chain carbohydrates known as FODMAPs. FODMAPs—which stand for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols—are types of sugar that resist digestion and cause gas and bloating as they ferment.

FODMAPs are one of the dietary triggers implicated in the functional digestive disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Dosage and Preparation

Beano is vegan-friendly and contains less than 5 milligrams (mg) of sodium per tablet. It is available as a chewable tablet or meltaway tablet. Beano should be taken before eating foods that cause gas but may be effective if taken up to 30 minutes after eating.

The recommended dose of Beano is as follows:

• Chewable tablets: 2 to 3 per meal
• Meltaway tablet: 1 per meal

Meltaway tablets are placed on the tongue and will dissolve without chewing or swallowing. Beano tablets can also be crumbled onto food and eaten with your meal if you prefer.

Beano can be taken with every meal. You can even safely double the dose if you are eating larger amounts of gas-causing foods.

Store Beano at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Do not use after the expiration date. Beano should not be used in cooking as heat breaks down the enzymes, making them useless.

Foods That Beano Helps

Many complex carbohydrates are very good for you, and you should not avoid them. The benefits of eating these foods generally outweigh the discomfort they can cause.

This is why Beano can be an effective way to reap the health benefits of complex carbohydrates while avoiding digestive problems like gas, cramping, and bloating.

Foods that Beano can help you digest include:

Grains

Examples include:

• Bagels
• Barley
• Breakfast cereals
• Granola
• Oat bran
• Pasta
• Rice bran
• Rye
• Sorghum grain
• Wheat bran
• Whole wheat flour
• Whole grain breads

Vegetables

Examples include:

• Beets
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Parsley
• Sweet peppers

Legumes

Examples include:

• Black-eyed peas
• Bog beans
• Broad beans
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Lima beans
• Mung beans
• Peanuts and peanut butter
• Pinto beans
• Red kidney beans
• Seed flours (e.g., sesame or sunflower)
• Soybeans and soy milk
  

Beano Alternatives

In addition to generic alpha-galactosidase supplements, there are other OTC gas medicines you can try to alleviate flatulence and bloating. Chief among these is a product called Gas-X.

While both Beano and Gas-X treat the same set of symptoms, Gas-X contains an anti-foaming agent called simethicone. Gas-X doesn't stop the fermentation process like Beano does but rather breaks down gas bubbles so that gasses are easily passed through the digestive tract rather than causing intense intestinal pressure.

Gas-X can be taken daily, but, unlike Beano, never take more than the recommended dose. There are different formulations of Gas-X for adults, which are sold in either soft gelcap or chewable tablet forms.

Simethicone-containing products like MyliconandLittle Remedies are available for children. Both are formulated as a flavored syrup.

These additional suggestions may also reduce gas and bloating:

• Eat slowly, and consume smaller, more frequent meals.
• Thoroughly chew your food.
• Drink beverages at room temperature.
• If you wear dentures have them checked for a good fit.
• Increase physical activity during the day.
• Sit up straight after eating.
• Take a walk after eating.

Summary

Beano is an over-the-counter product that helps prevent gas, farting, and bloating when you take it before meals that include vegetables, grains, and legumes that can cause these symptoms. It is considered safe for most people but may need to be avoided if you have diabetes or an allergy to the main ingredient called alpha-galactosidase.