Beano Side Effects
Summary
Because Beano is made from a safe food grade mold, side effects and allergic reactions are extremely rare. If you do experience any side effects while taking Beano, you should report them to the FDA. Individuals with galactosemia or diabetes should talk to a doctor before using this product as they may require special tests or dosage adjustments to ensure they can safely take Beano.
Common Beano Side Effects
There are no known common side effects of Beano. If you experience a side effect while taking this product, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report your symptoms.
However, consumers have reported the following side effects which may or may not be attributed to Beano.
- Loose Stool (motions)
- Dark or Black Stool
- Dizzinesss
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Abdominal Cramps and Pain
- Anal Itching
- Excessive Belching
- Excessive Flatulence
Beano Use In Patients With Diabetes
Each serving of Beano contains a small number of calories; the number of calories is less than 5 and it is unlikely that it would affect the blood glucose levels of an individual with diabetes. This supplement works as a natural enzyme to break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars that are easier to digest.
As a result of this breaking down process, Beano produces an extra 2-6 grams of carbohydrates for every 100 grams of food that it works on. Talk to your doctor before taking Beano to ensure you can safely take it.
Galactosemia
Galactosemia is a genetic disorder in which individuals do not have an enzyme necessary for metabolizing galactose; this condition can lead to heightened levels of galactose in the blood if diet is not properly maintained. If high levels of galactose are left untreated, serious problems can result.
Beano may worsen the symptoms of galactosemia; you should consult with a doctor before taking this supplement.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking Beano; the effects of this supplement on an unborn child are not known. Similarly, if you are breastfeeding talk to your doctor before taking Beano as it is not known if it passes through breast milk or what effect it could have on a newborn. Beano is recommended for children and adults over the age of 12 and should not be given to infants or young children.
Penicillin Allergy
At this time there is no research or scientific literature providing evidence that a person with an allergy to penicillin or mold could have an allergic reaction to Beano. The ingredients in this supplement are invertase, mannitol, cellulose gel, potato starch, magnesium stearate, gelatin, and colloidal silica; if you have ever had a reaction to any of these ingredients, talk to your doctor before taking Beano.
Enzyme Function
If crumbling Beano into food is your chosen mode of administration, it is important that you do not mix it with foods that are hot in temperature. Hot temperatures can interfere with the activity of the enzyme thus lessening its ability to breakdown complex carbohydrates. Additionally, Beano should not be used after the expiration date on the bottle as the claimed level of enzyme activity may not be accurate after this time. Any unused Beano should be disposed of after the expiration date and replaced with new. This supplement should also be kept at a temperature under 77 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the product’s freshness.
Other Medications
There are no known drug interactions for Beano. However, it is important to notify your doctor of all over the counter, prescription, and herbal medications that you take prior to starting a new one. Enzymes only cause chemical reactions that are specific to that same enzyme, which makes enzymes reactions easy to predict. The enzyme in Beano is alpha-galactosidase; this particular enzyme causes reactions in materials that contain 1 or more alpha-1, 6- galactopryanosyl groups in their structure. Talk to your doctor before taking Beano if you are taking any other medications.
Beano is an over the counter dietary supplement used to prevent gas and bloating when taken before meals. There are no side effects or drug interactions reported with Beano; however, you should talk to your doctor before taking this supplement if you are taking any other medications. You should also report any side effects you experience to the FDA as well as your doctor. Talk to your doctor before taking Beano if you have diabetes or galactosemia.
