Composition and method for reducing gastro-intestinal distress due to alpha-D-galactoside-linked/containing sugars

Abstract

A composition is provided for ingestion by mammals for in vivo conversion of alpha-D-galactoside comprising an amount of alpha-galactosidase effective to hydrolyze alpha-D-galactoside to D-galactose, and non-toxic, ingestible excipients(s) for said alpha-galactrosidase. Gastric distress in mammals due to ingestion of foods containing alpha-D-galactoside may be reduced by ingesting the foregoing composition of alpha-galactosidase and non-toxic, ingestible excipient contemporaneously with the ingestion of said food in an amount effective to hydrolyze the alpha-D-galactoside to D-galactose.

1 . A composition for ingestion by mammals for in vivo conversion of alpha-D-galactoside-linked sugars comprising an amount of alpha-galactosidase effective to hydrolyze alpha-D-galactoside to D-galactose, and a non-toxic, ingestible excipient for said alpha-galactosidase.  
     
     
         2 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein the alpha-galactosidase is present in an amount of about 870 to 2900 GalU.  
     
     
         3 . A composition according to  claim 1  in the form of a powder for combining with food.  
     
     
         4 . A composition according to  claim 1  in the form of a tablet.  
     
     
         5 . A composition according to  claim 1  in liquid form.  
     
     
         6 . A composition according to  claim 1  in soft-gel capsule form.  
     
     
         7 . A method of reducing gastric distress in mammals due to ingestion of food containing alpha-D-galactoside-linked sugars, comprising ingesting a composition of alpha-galactosidase and a non-toxic ingestible excipient for said alpha-galactosidase contemporaneously with the ingestion of said food in an amount effective to hydrolyze the alpha-D-galactoside to D-galactose.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the alpha-galactosidase is ingested during a time period from about ¼ hour before to about ¼ hour after ingestion of the alpha-D-galactoside-containing food.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein said composition is administered to yield an amount of about 870 to 31,000 GalU per average flatugenic meal.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein said composition is ingested in the form of a powder combined with said food.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein said composition is ingested in tablet form.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein said composition is ingested in liquid form.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein said composition is ingested in soft-gel capsule form.