Amyloglucosidase
EVIDENCE: WEAKAlso sold as: AMG, glucoamylase, γ-amylase, glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase
Amyloglucosidase breaks starch fragments into glucose. In oral enzyme systems, glucose feeds the reactions involving glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase. Human dental evidence concerns the combined toothpaste system, rather than this enzyme alone.
Compiled by iSupplementReviews editorial team ·Updated 2026-10-06 · 4 sources
- Type
- Enzyme — starch→glucose converter
- Studied dose
- No standalone dose studied; component of enzyme dentifrices at proprietary activity levels
- Best form
- Inside the enzyme system (amylase → AMG → glucose oxidase → lactoperoxidase) — it's a substrate-stage enzyme, pointless alone
- Our rating
- WEAK — Mostly small, animal, or traditional evidence
What is amyloglucosidase?
Amyloglucosidase, also called glucoamylase or AMG, converts starch fragments into glucose. It is used in food production, including corn syrup. In oral formulas, it follows amylase; glucose oxidase then uses that glucose to produce peroxide for lactoperoxidase.
Other names and forms it’s sold as
- AMG / glucoamylase: industrial shorthand
- Enzyme-system component: bundled with amylase, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, and lysozyme in saliva-mimic formulas
- Glucose-syrup production enzyme: its day job in food manufacturing
What is it claimed to do?
Supply the glucose that feeds the peroxide-generating step: a description of one step in the enzyme system, not a health claim.
What does the research show?
| Claim | Evidence | Dose studied | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completes starch→glucose conversion | Basic enzymology; pairs with amylase | — | Supported (mechanism) |
| Part of system with gum benefit | Inside the studied enzyme dentifrice system | Combo dentifrice | Supported (as component) |
| Standalone dental benefit | None | — | Unproven |
The middle-enzyme problem
AMG’s proposed dental role depends on the other enzymes. It releases glucose, which glucose oxidase uses to help produce peroxide for the lactoperoxidase system. Without that full system, the glucose could instead feed oral bacteria. Listing AMG alone does not establish the intended antibacterial effect.
What dose was studied?
| Goal | Dose | Form/route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gum/plaque benefit (system trial) | Inside multi-enzyme dentifrice | Brushing 2×/day | 13–26 weeks |
Side effects
None; food-industry enzyme at catalytic doses.
Drug interactions
None documented.
Who should not take it?
No established exclusions.
What the authorities say
Unassessed for dental claims; ubiquitous food enzyme with clean regulatory history.
What to know about amyloglucosidase
The evidence concerns amyloglucosidase as part of an enzyme system, rather than as a standalone dental supplement. Its presence explains one step in the proposed reaction, but does not prove the complete product works.
Frequently asked questions about Amyloglucosidase
What's the difference between amylase and amyloglucosidase?
Amylase cuts starch chains in the middle into fragments; amyloglucosidase (glucoamylase) works the ends, releasing glucose molecule by molecule. Together they fully convert starch to glucose: the finished fuel for the glucose-oxidase step of the antimicrobial enzyme system.
Is there human evidence for amyloglucosidase?
Only as a component: the enzyme-and-protein dentifrice trials (13- and 26-week studies with significant gum and plaque benefits) contained AMG as part of the formulation. Its individual contribution can't be isolated from the system.
Why do oral enzyme products need two starch enzymes?
Amylase and amyloglucosidase break down starch in different ways. Together they supply glucose more efficiently for the glucose-oxidase reaction, which produces peroxide for the lactoperoxidase system. Their proposed role depends on the full enzyme combination.
Is amyloglucosidase safe?
Yes; it's the standard industrial enzyme behind glucose syrup production (your corn syrup exists because of it), with a decades-long food-safety record.
Does it do anything by itself for teeth?
No; its only dental role is feeding glucose oxidase. Outside the enzyme system it just makes sugar at the tooth surface, which is the opposite of what you want.
References
- [1]Enzyme-and-protein toothpaste improved gingival health — 3-month RCT (J Dent 2019)
- [2]Enzyme-and-protein dentifrice shifted plaque microbiome ecology (Sci Rep 2017)
- [3]Lactoperoxidase system in oral health — mechanism review (Int J Mol Sci 2019)
- [4]Glucose oxidase — downstream partner, structure/function review (Biomolecules 2022)
Products we reviewed containing Amyloglucosidase
Based on recorded labels or seller-described formulas. Inclusion does not establish a match to the strains, preparations or amounts studied here; check each review's disclosure limits.