Alpha-galactosidase

Other names : Alpha Galactosidase
Alpha-galactosidase is a glycoside hydrolase enzyme that hydrolyses the terminal alpha-galactosyl moieties from glycolipids and glycoproteins. It is encoded by the GLA gene. Alpha Galactosidase is known as a glycoprotein. It hydrolyzes molecules from glycolipids and glycoproteins found in complex sugars. On a cellular level, alpha-galactosidase causes an important reaction in the cellular lysosome, an organelle inside our cells that is crucial in the breakdown of multiple types of biomolecules. In other words, is helps us break down the polysaccharides and oligosaccharides found in foods that are typically more-challenging to digest such as peanuts, beans, lentils and cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
See also :

• Digestive Enzymes

Health Benefits and uses of Alpha-galactosidase are

• Aids in digestion : Alpha Galactosidase helps digest complex sugar and fat. Without this enzyme, sugar-fat complexes can accumulate in the gut, and later in the rest of the body. Without enough alpha-galactosidase, the poorly digested sugar-fat can build up in the muscles and chambers of the heart, as well as the blood vessels, kidneys, and nervous system tissues. Moreover, alpha-galactosidase enzymes helps us break down carbohydrates, depriving bacteria of toxic, gas-producing fuel.
• Reduces intestinal gas : In a double blind study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary oligosaccharide intolerance done at the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of California, it was found that an over-the-counter oral solution of alpha-galactosidase could prevent gas and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Similarly, in a preliminary double-blind controlled trial, it was found that individuals using a supplementation with alpha-galactosidase could better digest a meal of beans than when not taking the supplement.
• Complex carbohydrate intolerance : Rather than completely giving up carbohydrates, using an alpha-galactosidase enzyme may act as a treatment for both complex carbohydrate intolerance and regular gassiness. This may help people suffering from gluten intolerance and other food sensitivities as alpha-amylase aids in the digestion of potato, wheat, corn, and rice starch.
• May help with fabry’s disease : Studies show that people without enough alpha-galactosidase can experience a very serious condition known as Fabry’s disease, which can later lead to kidney malfunction and an increased risk of heart disease. A genetic condition, Fabry disease causes abnormal deposits of fatty substances to accumulate in blood vessel walls, due to the inherited lack of alpha galactosidase. Currently, the U.S. government is sponsoring clinical trials to study more about how Alpha Galactosidase can prevent or treat this serious condition.