Over two-thirds of irritable bowel syndrome patients experienced an improvement in their symptoms after consuming a specific enzyme blend, according to a new study.
Eden Koo, M.D., gastroenterology fellow at University of Michigan Health, presented the results at the American College of Gastroenterology’s 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
Study participants added the FODMAP-targeted enzyme blend to their food for four weeks. Based on the standardized IBS Symptom Severity Scale, 69.2% of patients experienced meaningful symptom improvement.
"We were excited to see that nearly 70% of participants experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in overall IBS symptom severity, with improvements also seen in abdominal pain, bloating and diet satisfaction," Koo said.
"What makes this especially interesting is the possibility that targeted enzymes could help patients manage food-related symptoms without having to avoid so many foods and potentially enjoy a broader diet."
The blend used in this study (Fodzyme, Kiwi Biosciences) contains fructan hydrolase, alpha-galactosidase and lactase — enzymes used to break down certain FODMAPs, which are poorly absorbed carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms.
The low FODMAP diet, in which patients restrict the consumption of these carbohydrates, is a proven treatment option for IBS sufferers.
Almost half of the 442 participants (46.6%) were already on the low FODMAP diet.
Previous research from Michigan Medicine gastroenterologists has focused on making the low FODMAP diet less restrictive or testing potential alternatives, such as the Mediterranean diet.
In addition to IBS symptom severity, belly pain, bloating and diet satisfaction were measured. Over 40% of patients saw improvement in belly pain and bloating, while average diet satisfaction scores increased.
"Patients are always asking about digestive enzymes," said Prashant Singh, M.B.B.S., U-M Health gastroenterologist.
"Now we have data that this particular formulation may help them overcome their food sensitivities while maintaining adequate symptom control."
Additional authors: William D.. Chey, M.D.; Allen Lee, M.D., M.S.; Jocelyn Wells, M.S., R.D.N.; David Hachuel, M.P.H.; Prashant Singh, M.B.B.S.
Funding/disclosures: Kiwi Biosciences funded the study.
Tech transfers/Conflicts of interest: Eden Koo indicated no relevant financial relationships; William Chey: Ardelyx – consultant, Atmo Biosciences – consultant, Biomerica – consultant, Commonwealth Diagnostics International – grant/research support, Coprata – stock options, Digital Manometry – intellectual property/patents, Evinature – stock options, FoodMarble – stock options, Gemelli – consultant; Kiwi Bioscience – stock options, Modify Health – stock options; My Nutrition Health – intellectual property/patents, Phathom – consultant, Rectal Expulsion Device – intellectual property/patents., Salix – consultant, grant/research support, Takeda – consultant, Vibrant – consultant, Viscera Labs – consultant; Allen Lee: Atmo Biosciences – consultant; Jocelyn Wells: Kiwi Biosciences – employee, stock Options; David Hachuel: Kiwi Biosciences – owner/ownership interest; Prashant Singh: Evommune Inc – grant/research support, Kiwi Biosciences – consultant, Uptodate – royalties.
Work cited: “Effect of a Targeted Enzyme Supplement on Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following a 4-Week Intervention,” ACG 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Nashville, TN: American College of Gastroenterology.
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