What Is Invertase? The Enzyme That Splits Table Sugar

Invertase is an enzyme that splits sucrose, or table sugar, into glucose and fructose (1). In your body, the same job is done by sucrase in the lining of your small intestine (2). Invertase itself comes from yeast and is used in supplements.

This page is part of our guide to digestive enzymes. Below you will learn what invertase is, what happens to sucrose in your body, which foods contain it, and where you find invertase in our products.

written and reviewed by Anouk Martini (registered dietician)

In short

Invertase is an enzyme that splits sucrose into glucose and fructose (1).
Your body splits sucrose with sucrase, an enzyme in the lining of your small intestine (2).
The invertase in our products is derived from yeast.
Invertase is in our products Starchway, Carbostarch, Fodmix, and Enzymix.

What is invertase?

Invertase is also known as beta-fructofuranosidase. The invertase enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose, and it can be isolated from yeast (1). Sucrose, or table sugar, is made of one glucose unit linked to one fructose unit.

The invertase in our products is derived from yeast, and our products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

What does invertase do in the body?

Your body does not need invertase to digest sucrose. This is what happens to sucrose in your digestive tract:

Sucrose arrives with your food. It is a double sugar, made of glucose and fructose.
Your small intestine splits it. Sucrase-isomaltase, an enzyme in the lining of your small intestine, splits sucrose into its two parts (2).
Your body absorbs the sugars. Your blood carries the simple sugars to your liver, which delivers nutrients to the rest of your body when needed (3).

An invertase supplement adds an enzyme that does the same splitting. The invertase in our products supports the digestion of sucrose.*

Which foods contain sucrose?

Sucrose is found naturally in fruit, corn, sugar beet, and sugar cane, and table sugar is made from sugar beet and sugar cane. It is also added to many processed foods. Foods that contain sucrose include:

Table sugar and sweets
Fruit and fruit juice
Baked goods such as cookies
Sauces and other processed foods
Sugary drinks

When might invertase help?

Some people take invertase with sweet or sugar-rich meals. Age, diet, lifestyle, and stress can all affect how well digestion works, and so do the size and type of a meal. A supplement does not replace a balanced diet.

Not sure whether a supplement fits you? Talk to a doctor or dietitian.

Where is invertase in our products?

Invertase is in four Intoleran products:

Starchway contains invertase (7500 u, derived from yeast) and gluco-amylase (2500 u / 15 AGU). The enzymes support the digestion of sucrose and starch. Starchway helps to reduce gas and bloating associated with sugar and starchy foods.* It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and free from gluten and soy.
Carbostarch contains invertase (7500 u), gluco-amylase (2500 u / 15 AGU), alpha galactosidase (1200 u), and lactase (10,000 FCC). It can help to digest lactose, complex carbohydrates, sucrose, and starch.*
Fodmix contains invertase (500 u), alpha galactosidase (1200 u), xylose isomerase (7500 u), and lactase (10,000 FCC). Fodmix helps reduce occasional gas, bloating, and discomfort, allowing you to enjoy meals without restrictive diets.*
Enzymix is a blend of nine digestive enzymes that support the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, lactose, and plant fibers.* Its invertase (250 IU) helps break down sucrose (table sugar), found in fruits and sweet foods.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Not sure which enzyme you need?

Digestive enzymes each have their own job. Answer a few questions in our supplement advisor and see which products fit your situation. You can also ask our dietitians a question.

When should you talk to a doctor or dietitian?

Do your symptoms persist, are you losing weight without trying, or are you cutting out more and more foods? Talk to your doctor or a dietitian. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor or dietitian before you take a supplement that affects how sugars and starches are broken down. A supplement does not replace medical advice.

Sucrose is made of glucose and fructose. Xylose isomerase works on fructose, and gluco-amylase works on starch. See all of our digestive enzymes.

Sources

Al-Odat I. Educational activity of enzyme kinetics in an undergraduate biochemistry course: invertase enzyme as a model. J Microbiol Biol Educ. 2024;25(2):e0005024. doi:10.1128/jmbe.00050-24
Mohan S, Eskandari R, Pinto BM. Naturally occurring sulfonium-ion glucosidase inhibitors and their derivatives: a promising class of potential antidiabetic agents. Acc Chem Res. 2014;47(1):211-25. doi:10.1021/ar400132g
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Your digestive system & how it works [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; last reviewed 2017 Dec. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works