Fructooligosaccharides

4 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Overview

Fructooligosaccharides are a group of (non-digestible) Oligosaccharides composed of short-chain polymers of Fructose. They are composed of one molecule of Sucrose and one to three molecules of Fructose.

Fructooligosaccharides are produced either through fermentation by enzymes produced by the Fungus Aspergillus niger acting on Sucrose or by the enzymatic hydrolyis of Inulin. Most FOS supplements are derived from Chicory root.

Health Benefits of Fructooligosaccharides

Cardiovascular System

 FOS may lower elevated Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients.  [1]

Digestive System

 FOS may alleviate Constipation by stimulating healthy peristalsis.  [2]

 FOS may reduce the severity of Crohn's Disease.  [3]

 FOS may alleviate Intestinal Permeability.  This occurs from the hydrolyzation and fermentation of FOS by Bifidobacteria to produce Acetic Acid and Lactic Acid.  This Lactic Acid is then further metabolized by other Beneficial Bacteria to form Butyric Acid and Propionic Acid.  This Butyric Acid enhances the function of the Intestinal Wall.  [4]

Immune System

 FOS may enhance the ability of the Immune System to counteract Antigens (by nourishing the Beneficial Bacteria that reside in the Gastrointestinal Tract).

 FOS may help to prevent (carcinogen-induced) Cancer - Breast.  [5]

 FOS (3,000 mg per day) may help to prevent Cancer - Colon (by reducing the activity of detrimental enzymes such as Ornithine Decarboxylase in the Colon).  [6]

Keep reading Fructooligosaccharides

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  • Fructooligosaccharides may Enhance the Function of these Substances
  • Immune System Chemicals
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