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Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
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| Introduction |
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| Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) refer to a class of non-digestible carbohydrates or sugars that occur naturally in a wide variety of foods throughout the plant kingdom. Since they are non-digestible, they pass through the human digestive virtually unchanged. When the fructooligosaccharides reach the colon, they are used by the good or beneficial bacteria found there (known as bifidobacteria or bifidus) for growth and multiplication. A healthy population of these beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract enhances the digestion and absorption of nutrients,(1) detoxification and elimination processes, and helps boost the immune system.(2)
Since fructooligosaccharides are non-digestible, they provide almost no calories and are thus used as substitute sweeteners. Fructooligosaccharides have approximately one-half the sweetness of sugar.(3) They are also being added to a variety of food products because they provide a combination of sweetness and low calories plus the additional health benefits that have been mentioned.(4) Although fructooligosaccharides occur naturally in many foods, a large proportion of these products are now synthesized commercially.(5) |
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| Reported Uses |
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It is becoming increasingly recognized that probiotic products containing beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria organisms can be useful in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics.(6) Many of these commercial products also contain fructooligosaccharides, which enhance the benefits of the beneficial bacteria.(7)
Fructooligosaccharides can also help maintain a healthy balance of the "good" bacteria with the "bad" bacteria in the digestive tract. When the "bad" bacteria dominates, a condition known as "dysbiosis" can occur. Dysbiosis can then lead to other problems throughout the body. Fructooligosaccharides may also be of benefit in helping to relieve constipation(8) and other gastrointestinal disorders, including problems related to irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and lactose intolerance.
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 500 mg to 3,000 mg daily. |
Variable depending on whether the product is being taken for prevention or to treat a specific condition. For prevention, a dosage of 500 to 750 mg daily is commonly used. For therapeutic applications, a dosage of 2,000 to 3,000 mg daily is commonly used. |
Capsules and bulk powder. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. |
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. Larger doses of this dietary supplement may lead to gas and/or diarrhea.(9) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away. |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding. |
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Tahiri M, Tressol JC, Arnaud J, et al. Effect of short-chain fructooligosaccharides on intestinal calcium absorption and calcium status in postmenopausal women: a stable-isotope study. Am J Clin Nutr. Feb2003;77(2):449-57.
View Abstract
2 Boehm G, Jelinek J, Stahl B, et al. Prebiotics in infant formulas. J Clin Gastroenterol. Jul2004;38(6 Suppl):S76-9.
View Abstract
3 Fishbein L, Kaplan M, Gough M. Fructooligosaccharides: a review. Vet Hum Toxicol. Apr1988;30(2):104-7.
View Abstract
4 Young J. European market developments in prebiotic- and probiotic-containing foodstuffs. Br J Nutr. Oct1998;80(4):S231-3.
View Abstract
5 Chiang CJ, Lee WC, Sheu DC, Duan KJ. Immobilization of beta-fructofuranosidases from Aspergillus on methacrylamide-based polymeric beads for production of fructooligosaccharides. Biotechnol Prog. Sep1997;13(5):577-82.
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6 Rolfe RD. The role of probiotic cultures in the control of gastrointestinal health. J Nutr. Feb2000;130(2S Suppl):396S-402S.
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7 Tuohy KM, Kolida S, Lustenberger AM, Gibson GR. The prebiotic effects of biscuits containing partially hydrolysed guar gum and fructo-oligosaccharides--a human volunteer study. Br J Nutr. Sep2001;86(3):341-8.
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8 Cockram DB, Hensley MK, Rodriguez M, et al. Safety and tolerance of medical nutritional products as sole sources of nutrition in people on hemodialysis. J Ren Nutr. Jan1998;8(1):25-33.
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9 Alles MS, et al. Bacterial fermentation of fructooligosaccharides and resistant starch in patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Am J Clin Nutr. Nov1997;66(5):1286-92.
View Abstract
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www.nhiondemand.com
This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
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