Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic fibre naturally found in various plant sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. FOS provide several beneficial effects for human health as a dietary fibre.¹Tandon D, Haque MM, Gote M, Jain M, Bhaduri A, Dubey AK, Mande SS. A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response relationship study to investigate efficacy of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on human gut microflora. Sci Rep. 2019 Apr 2;9(1):5473. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-41837-3.²Dou Y, Yu X, Luo Y, Chen B, Ma D, Zhu J. Effect of Fructooligosaccharides Supplementation on the Gut Microbiota in Human: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 12;14(16):3298. doi: 10.3390/nu14163298.³Mahdavi M, Laforest-Lapointe I, Massé E. Preventing Colorectal Cancer through Prebiotics. Microorganisms. 2021 Jun 18;9(6):1325. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9061325.⁴Costa GT, Vasconcelos QDJS, Abreu GC, Albuquerque AO, Vilar JL, Aragão GF. Systematic review of the ingestion of fructooligosaccharides on the absorption of minerals and trace elements versus control groups. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021 Feb;41:68-76. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.11.007.⁵Costa GT, Vasconcelos QDJS, Aragão GF. Fructooligosaccharides on inflammation, immunomodulation, oxidative stress, and gut immune response: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2022 Mar 10;80(4):709-722. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuab115.

Here are five key roles of fructooligosaccharides (FOS):

1. Gut health: FOS are a food source for beneficial gut bacteria, stimulating their growth and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
2. Digestive support: FOS help maintain regular bowel movements, supporting regularity and promoting a healthy digestive system.
3. Enhanced nutrient absorption: FOS support the absorption of certain minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
4. Immune system modulation: FOS have the potential to regulate immune responses, supporting healthy immune function.
5. Reduced risk of colon disorders: FOS promote the production of short-chain fatty acids that have been associated with a reduced risk of colon disorders.

What gut bacteria are involved in breaking down/fermenting fructooligosaccharides (FOS)?

Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Faecalibacterium species are among the beneficial bacteria known to be involved in the fermentation of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in the gut, breaking them down into beneficial byproducts such as short-chain fatty acids like butyrate and acetate.⁶Wang, S., Xiao, Y., Tian, F., Zhao, J., Zhang, H., Zhai, Q., Chen, W. (2020). Rational use of prebiotics for gut microbiota alterations: Specific bacterial phylotypes and related mechanisms. Journal of Functional Foods. 66. 103838. 10.1016/j.jff.2020.103838.

How can you get more fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in your diet?

Our Complete Prebiotic provides a good source of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Other rich sources of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) include onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and whole grains. Also, ripe bananas, especially when they have brown spots, are a great source of FOS. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can naturally increase your intake of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and support a healthy gut microbiome.

Where to find your fructooligosaccharide (FOS) score in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test

The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test features your FOS score in the prebiotics report. Guidance on how to work with your FOS score will be featured in your personal action plan. Please note that this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider if you have any questions about the impact of FOS on your health.

Synonyms: Fructo-oligo-saccharides, oligofructose, neosugar, Jerusalem artichoke syrup, chicory root fibre, short-chain fructooligosaccharides (sc-FOS)

Important disclaimer

The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Handbook is an educational resource built to translate complex science into plain English. The information provided on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always check with your GP for interactions with medications/health conditions before changing your diet or starting to take food supplements.

References

• 1
  Tandon D, Haque MM, Gote M, Jain M, Bhaduri A, Dubey AK, Mande SS. A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response relationship study to investigate efficacy of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on human gut microflora. Sci Rep. 2019 Apr 2;9(1):5473. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-41837-3.
• 2
  Dou Y, Yu X, Luo Y, Chen B, Ma D, Zhu J. Effect of Fructooligosaccharides Supplementation on the Gut Microbiota in Human: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 12;14(16):3298. doi: 10.3390/nu14163298.
• 3
  Mahdavi M, Laforest-Lapointe I, Massé E. Preventing Colorectal Cancer through Prebiotics. Microorganisms. 2021 Jun 18;9(6):1325. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9061325.
• 4
  Costa GT, Vasconcelos QDJS, Abreu GC, Albuquerque AO, Vilar JL, Aragão GF. Systematic review of the ingestion of fructooligosaccharides on the absorption of minerals and trace elements versus control groups. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021 Feb;41:68-76. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.11.007.
• 5
  Costa GT, Vasconcelos QDJS, Aragão GF. Fructooligosaccharides on inflammation, immunomodulation, oxidative stress, and gut immune response: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2022 Mar 10;80(4):709-722. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuab115.
• 6
  Wang, S., Xiao, Y., Tian, F., Zhao, J., Zhang, H., Zhai, Q., Chen, W. (2020). Rational use of prebiotics for gut microbiota alterations: Specific bacterial phylotypes and related mechanisms. Journal of Functional Foods. 66. 103838. 10.1016/j.jff.2020.103838.

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