Fructooligosaccharides

Fructooligosaccharide or FOS is a type of starch which is not fully digestible by the human body system. Because of their indigestible property FOS offers various health benefits. It is a chain polymer of fructose sugar which is naturally available in different foods. The sugar molecules may be connected in a straight single chain or in the chain having side branches. The complexity and size of the fructooligosaccharide molecules provide it the wanted characteristics.

Fructooligosaccharide functions as the non indigestible fiber in the food because of their indigestible nature. Our body does not produce the required enzymes for breaking down Fructooligosaccharide when it passes through the digestive tract. The naturally present bacteria in the colon and intestine start breaking down Fructooligosaccharide as they have the enzymes required for breaking down Fructooligosaccharide.

Bifido bacteria utilize Fructooligosaccharide and diets that support the intensification of its actions which are beneficial for health.

Fructooligosaccharide improves the concentration of helpful bacteria in our lower intestine, therefore, there is increase in digestion and absorption of the nutrients, elimination and detoxification, and in our overall immune system.

Fructooligosaccharides also extend their help to alleviate different gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Fructooligosaccharides are used as sweetening agent because of their non-digestible nature and the sweetening property similar but less than sugar. Fructooligosaccharide is used as bulking agent, flavor enhancer, as well as humectants. It is used in the cakes, breads, cookies, drinks, candies, and in various dairy products. The foodstuffs like asparagus, leeks, Jerusalem artichoke, onions, bananas, soybeans, chicory, and burdock are good sources of it. Fructooligosaccharide are also being commercially synthesized. These commercial products containing Fructooligosaccharide are used for enhancing the advantages of the helpful bacteria like the bifidobacteria and lactobacillus. Fructooligosaccharide is able to maintain a healthy equilibrium between good and the bad bacteria in our digestive tract. Dysbiosis may arise when the bad bacteria dominate and this condition may result in a variety of troubles in our body. Fructooligosaccharides help in preventing such condition.

Almost all the Fructooligosaccharides added to products in USA is manufactured chemically. A Japanese method is adopted to turn the white, bleach cane sugar with the function of a fungal enzyme, into Fructooligosaccharides. Fructooligosaccharide or FOS is popularly known as meioligo in Japan.

Though some adverse effects like abdominal pain, formation of gas, and bloating may occur with increased use of FOS, the incorporation of fructooligosaccharide in the probiotic products is turning as a common practice.

What is the exact mode of action of FOS which leads to beneficial effects is not yet known. But alteration in the intestinal pH and increase in the number of helpful bacteria in lower intestine, and enhanced levels of enzymes which may be linked with the detoxification of carcinogens in the food, are considered as the determining grounds to raise the FOS concentration in the diet.