Skip to content

Fructooligosaccharides

Fructooligosaccharides(oligofructose) consist of plant sugars that are linked to form chains. They are obtained from asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes and soybeans or produced synthetically in the laboratory. These sugars are used in the manufacture of medicines. Fructooligosaccharides are used to treat constipation, traveler's diarrhea and high cholesterol levels. Fructooligosaccharides are also used as prebiotics. Prebiotics serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Prebiotics should not be confused with probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria and Saccharomyces, which are living organisms that are good for your health. Probiotics are taken orally to increase their numbers in the gut. Fructooligosaccharides are used as sweeteners in food.

How do fructooligosaccharides work?

Fructooligosaccharides enter the intestine undigested, where they increase the bulk of the stool and promote the growth of certain bacteria that are considered beneficial for health.

How effective are fructooligosaccharides?

Fructooligosaccharides may be ineffective when used to treat traveler's diarrhea. There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of fructooligosaccharides for constipation. There is some evidence that fructooligosaccharides may relieve constipation by increasing the amount of solid waste excreted by the body. There is also insufficient scientific data on the efficacy of fructooligosaccharides in promoting the growth of bacteria in the intestine and on high cholesterol levels. Further scientific research is needed to assess the effectiveness of fructooligosaccharides in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Fructooligosaccharides appear to be safe and harmless when less than 30 grams per day are used. They can cause flatulence, stomach rumbling, a bloated feeling, stomach cramps and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild if the amount used is less than 10 grams per day.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of fructo oligosaccharides during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid benzoin.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions between fructooligosaccharides and medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of fructooligosaccharides depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for fructooligosaccharides. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Alles MS, et al. Fate of fructo-oligosaccharides in the human intestine. Br J Nutr 1996;76:211-21.
  2. Bornet FR. Undigestible sugars in food products. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59:763S-9S.
  3. Bouhnik Y, Ouarne FF, Riottot M et al. Effects of prolonged ingestion of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on colonic bifidobacteria, fecal enzymes and bile acids in humans. Gastroenterology 1994;106:A598.
  4. Bouhnik Y, Vahedi K, Achour L, et al. Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide administration dose-dependently increases fecal bifidobacteria in healthy humans. J Nutr 1999;129:113-6.
  5. Briet F, et al. Symptomatic response to varying levels of fructo-oligosaccharides consumed occasionally or regularly. Eur J Clin Nutr 1995;49:501-7.
  6. Chen HL, Lu YH, Lin JJ, Ko LY. Effects of fructooligosaccharide on bowel function and indicators of nutritional status in constipated elderly men. Nutr Res 2000;20:1725-33.
  7. Cummings JH, Christie S, Cole TJ. A study of fructo oligosaccharides in the prevention of travelers' diarrhoea. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2001;15:1139-45.
  8. Cummings JH, Macfarlane GT, Englyst HN. Prebiotic digestion and fermentation. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:415S-420S.
  9. Gibson GR. Dietary modulation of the human gut microflora using prebiotics. Br J Nutr 1998;80:S209-12.
  10. Losada MA, Olleros T. Towards a healthier diet for the colon: the influence of fructooligosaccharides and lactobacilli on intestinal health. Nutr Res 2002;22:71-84.
  11. Menne E, Guggenbuhl N, Roberfroid M. Fn-type chicory inulin hydrolysate has a prebiotic effect in humans. J Nutr 2000;130:1197-9.
  12. Mitsouka T, Hidaka H, Eida T. Effect of fructo-oligosaccharides on intestinal microflora. Nutrition 1987;31:427-36.
  13. Pierre F, et al. Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides reduced the occurrence of colon tumors and develop gut-associated lymphoid tissue in Min mice. Cancer Res 1997;57:225-8.
  14. Pierre F, Perrin P, Bassonga E, et al. T cell status influences colon tumor occurrence in min mice fed short chain fructo-oligosaccharides as a diet supplement. Carcinogenesis 1999;20:1953-6 .
  15. Roberfroid M. Dietary fiber, inulin, and oligofructose: a review comparing their physiological effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1993;33:103-48.
  16. Stone-Dorshow T, Levitt MD. Gaseous response to ingestion of a poorly absorbed fructo-oligosaccharide sweetener. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;46