Perhaps you’ve heard of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) but don’t know much about them? Read on to discover the virtues of this little-known but highly beneficial source of fibre.
Also known as oligofructose, fructooligosaccharides are primarily classified as a source of dietary fibre.
Exclusive to the plant kingdom, they are largely composed of complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) the chemical structure of which impedes activation of digestive enzymes. As a result, they are neither hydrolyzed (metabolised) nor absorbed by the body (1).
Although dietary fibre has no nutritional value, it works in various ways to help regulate digestive balance. There are two forms, each with its own specific properties (2):
Some types of fibre, though not all, are also fermented in the large intestine. In fact, the way they interact with gut flora (the microbiota) is attracting significant interest among the scientific community (5).
With its complementary and versatile nature, dietary fibre has a direct effect in helping to maintain good general health (6). A daily intake of 25g-30g is thus recommended by one European health safety agency (7), though dietary behavior studies suggest many Europeans (French, Danes, Italians and Czechs) actually consume less than 20g a day (8).
Composed of linear chains of fructose units (from 2 to 60) often terminating in a glucose unit, FOS are in some ways similar to sucrose: like table sugar, they actually have a naturally sweet taste, though they have only half the calories (just 2 kcal/g).
Taking on all the advantages of soluble fibre, fructooligosaccharides also offer a prebiotic action (9). As fermentable sugars, they act as a substrate – in other words, nourishment – for bacteria in the large intestine.
This colonic fermentation also results in the release of valuable metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the preferred nutrient of colonocytes (the cells lining the walls of the colon) (10). Studies also suggest a link between inadequate production of SCFAs and the onset of gut disorders following antibiotic treatment (11).
In their natural state, FOS are found in various plant foods such as wheat, barley, artichokes, bananas, chicory, asparagus, garlic and onion (12). It therefore makes sense to include these foods in your diet on a regular basis.
If, however, your diet is normally low in fibre (with few fruits and vegetables, whole grains and pulses), we’d recommend adding it gradually in order to gauge your particular tolerance threshold.
Too much dietary fibre (or consumption by someone not used to it) can lead to mild digestive discomfort caused by excessive fermentation. Typically, this manifests in bloating, flatulence or nausea (13). In such cases, a slight reduction in your daily fibre intake should be enough to restore optimal gut comfort, before you once again start to gradually increase your intake.
It’s worth knowing that FOS can also be synthesised from cane sugar or beet sugar, via enzymatic fermentation by a particular microscopic fungus called Aspergillus niger. Indeed, it’s this innovative bioconversion which has made it possible to develop FOS supplements.
To boost your intake of FOS, always opt for a fructooligosaccharide supplement based on the strictest quality system (such as Fructooligosaccharides, obtained from sugar beet and produced by the French company Tereos without using GMO) (13-14).
References
You must be connected to your account to leave a comment
Be the first to review this article
422 Days
I always get my order in a timely manner.
CLARK Jodi
426 Days
The order was exactly what I purchased and came in quickly. My package was completely opened on one end and taped with packing tape, but it was all there with safety seals around the neck still. I hope the bottles still contain what I ordered.
REAGAN
428 Days
great description of products & their uses.
Barb M.
429 Days
You have a good product, Berberine, that works, at least it does for me. Price is reasonable and shipping is ok!
FRAKES James
429 Days
Excellent experience and quality products!
Robert Maddox
431 Days
Fast service, great price, excellent products
Vicki Bryant
432 Days
This purchase was in responce to my inquiry of a different supplement. Great staff.
Larry
434 Days
High end products. Fast and easy delivery. Trustworthy company. Great!
BUISSON Laurence
435 Days
Order always right and in a timely manner
Derek Osburn
437 Days
Got fast delivery.
Stephanie Kyle
439 Days
Arrived as promised
MITCHELL Rachel
439 Days
Excellent produt line and service! Very satisfied!
Bropain
442 Days
Had a meniscus tear a couple months ago, think this helped it heal faster
NYBERG Leah
443 Days
Educational. I am learning of new supplements for old problems.
Larry
447 Days
Easy and reasonable price
Cindy Vogel