Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) are a type of functional oligosaccharide, often hailed for their prebiotic properties. IMOs are composed of short chains of glucose molecules. However, their structure makes them resistant to digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to reach the colon where they serve as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria.
Here are three health benefits of isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) :
- Prebiotic effect: IMOs promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, particularly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Their fermentation in the colon can result in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which have numerous health benefits.1Sorndech, W. Isomaltooligosaccharides as Prebiotics and their Health Benefits. 361-377. doi: 10.1002/9781119702160.ch152Wu, Q., Pi, X., Liu, W., Chen, H., Yin, Y., Yu, H. D., Wang, X., & Zhu, L. (2017). Fermentation properties of isomaltooligosaccharides are affected by human fecal enterotypes. Anaerobe, 48, 206-214. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2017.08.016
- Improved bowel regularity: By increasing the growth of beneficial bacteria and the production of SCFAs, IMOs can contribute to improved bowel regularity and a healthier gut environment.3Yen, C., Tseng, Y., Kuo, Y., Lee, M., & Chen, H. (2011). Long-term supplementation of isomalto-oligosaccharides improved colonic microflora profile, bowel function, and blood cholesterol levels in constipated elderly people—A placebo-controlled, diet-controlled trial. Nutrition, 27(4), 445-450. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2010.05.012
- Natural sweetener/sugar replacement: There’s evidence suggesting that IMOs can be used as a natural sweetener/sugar replacement with good gastrointestinal tolerance and minimal impact on glycaemic response/blood sugar levels.4Qiang, X., YongLie, C., & QianBing, W. (2009). Health benefit application of functional oligosaccharides. Carbohydrate Polymers, 77(3), 435-441. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2009.03.0165Mitmesser, S., & Combs, M. (2017). Prebiotics: Inulin and Other Oligosaccharides. The Microbiota in Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, 201-208. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-804024-9.00023-9
Which bacteria are involved in the metabolism of isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs)
Beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli are particularly adept at fermenting IMOs, making these compounds a targeted source of nutrition for these specific strains in the gut ecosystem.6Plongbunjong, V., Graidist, P., Bach Knudsen, K. E., & Wichienchot, S. (2017). Starch-based carbohydrates display the bifidogenic and butyrogenic properties in pH-controlled faecal fermentation. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 52(12), 2647-2653. 10.1111/ijfs.135537Hu Y, Ketabi A, Buchko A, Gänzle MG. Metabolism of isomalto-oligosaccharides by Lactobacillus reuteri and bifidobacteria. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2013 Aug;57(2):108-14. doi: 10.1111/lam.12076.
How can you get more isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) in your diet?
Our Complete Prebiotic provides a good source of IMOs. They are composed of short chains of glucose molecules. They occur in tiny amounts in nature and are naturally found in some foods, such as honey and miso, but are often commercially produced from starch through enzymatic processes.
Where to find your IMOs score in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test
You will find your isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) score in the “Prebiotics” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results. Guidance on how to work with your IMOs 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 IMOs on your health.
Synonyms: Isomalto-oligosaccharides, IMOs
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
- 1Sorndech, W. Isomaltooligosaccharides as Prebiotics and their Health Benefits. 361-377. doi: 10.1002/9781119702160.ch15
- 2Wu, Q., Pi, X., Liu, W., Chen, H., Yin, Y., Yu, H. D., Wang, X., & Zhu, L. (2017). Fermentation properties of isomaltooligosaccharides are affected by human fecal enterotypes. Anaerobe, 48, 206-214. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2017.08.016
- 3Yen, C., Tseng, Y., Kuo, Y., Lee, M., & Chen, H. (2011). Long-term supplementation of isomalto-oligosaccharides improved colonic microflora profile, bowel function, and blood cholesterol levels in constipated elderly people—A placebo-controlled, diet-controlled trial. Nutrition, 27(4), 445-450. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2010.05.012
- 4Qiang, X., YongLie, C., & QianBing, W. (2009). Health benefit application of functional oligosaccharides. Carbohydrate Polymers, 77(3), 435-441. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2009.03.016
- 5Mitmesser, S., & Combs, M. (2017). Prebiotics: Inulin and Other Oligosaccharides. The Microbiota in Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, 201-208. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-804024-9.00023-9
- 6Plongbunjong, V., Graidist, P., Bach Knudsen, K. E., & Wichienchot, S. (2017). Starch-based carbohydrates display the bifidogenic and butyrogenic properties in pH-controlled faecal fermentation. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 52(12), 2647-2653. 10.1111/ijfs.13553
- 7Hu Y, Ketabi A, Buchko A, Gänzle MG. Metabolism of isomalto-oligosaccharides by Lactobacillus reuteri and bifidobacteria. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2013 Aug;57(2):108-14. doi: 10.1111/lam.12076.