Xylooligosaccharides (XOS)

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are a type of prebiotic fibre made up of a short chain of xylose sugar units. They are considered non-digestible oligosaccharides, meaning that they pass through the digestive system largely intact until they reach the colon, where they are fermented by specific gut bacteria.¹²

What are the health benefits of xylooligosaccharides (XOS)?

Digestive health. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. XOS increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which are beneficial for gut health and have anti-inflammatory properties, improving bowel regularity and reducing symptoms of constipation.³⁴⁵
Immune support. Xylooligosaccharides modulate the immune response and enhance gut barrier function.⁶⁷
Cardiometabolic support. XOS supplementation suppots blood glucose control and reduces glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as well as fructosamine, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and apolipoprotein B levels.⁸ Additionally, Prebiotic XOS may be beneficial in reversing changes in the gut microbiota during the development of diabetes.⁹

Which bacteria are involved in the metabolism/fermentation of xylooligosaccharides?

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species are the principal beneficial bacteria known to be involved in the metabolism and fermentation of xylooligosaccharides in the gut, breaking them down into beneficial byproducts such as short-chain fatty acids.¹⁰¹¹

How can you get more xylooligosaccharides in your diet?

Our Complete Prebiotic provides a good source of XOS. It can also be naturally found in bamboo shoots, fruits, vegetables, milk, and honey. They can also be commercially produced from sources like corn cobs and sugar cane bagasse for use as food additives or specialised prebiotic supplements.¹²

Where to find your XOS score in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test

You will find your xylooligosaccharides score in the “Prebiotics” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results. Guidance on how to work with your xylooligosaccharides 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 xylooligosaccharides on your health.

Synonyms: XOS syrup, XOS powder, xylo-oligosaccharide, xylose-based oligosaccharides.

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
Lin SH, Chou LM, Chien YW, Chang JS, Lin CI. Prebiotic Effects of Xylooligosaccharides on the Improvement of Microbiota Balance in Human Subjects. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2016;2016:5789232. doi: 10.1155/2016/5789232.
2
Santibáñez L, Henríquez C, Corro-Tejeda R, Bernal S, Armijo B, Salazar O. Xylooligosaccharides from lignocellulosic biomass: A comprehensive review. Carbohydr Polym. 2021 Jan 1;251:117118. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117118.
3
Tateyama I, Hashii K, Johno I, Iino T, Hirai K, Suwa Y, Kiso Y. Effect of xylooligosaccharide intake on severe constipation in pregnant women. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2005 Dec;51(6):445-8. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.51.445.
4
Ayyappan P, Abirami A, Anbuvahini NA, Tamil Kumaran PS, Naresh M, Malathi D, Antony U. Physicochemical properties of cookies enriched with xylooligosaccharides. Food Sci Technol Int. 2016 Jul;22(5):420-8. doi: 10.1177/1082013215617567.
5
Lin SH, Chou LM, Chien YW, Chang JS, Lin CI. Prebiotic Effects of Xylooligosaccharides on the Improvement of Microbiota Balance in Human Subjects. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2016;2016:5789232. doi: 10.1155/2016/5789232.
6
Childs CE, Röytiö H, Alhoniemi E, Fekete AA, Forssten SD, Hudjec N, Lim YN, Steger CJ, Yaqoob P, Tuohy KM, Rastall RA, Ouwehand AC, Gibson GR. Xylo-oligosaccharides alone or in synbiotic combination with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis induce bifidogenesis and modulate markers of immune function in healthy adults: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, factorial cross-over study. Br J Nutr. 2014 Jun 14;111(11):1945-56. doi: 10.1017/S0007114513004261.
7
Chen Y, Xie Y, Ajuwon KM, Zhong R, Li T, Chen L, Zhang H, Beckers Y, Everaert N. Xylo-Oligosaccharides, Preparation and Application to Human and Animal Health: A Review. Front Nutr. 2021 Sep 8;8:731930. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.731930.
8
Sheu WH, Lee IT, Chen W, Chan YC. Effects of xylooligosaccharides in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2008 Oct;54(5):396-401. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.54.396.
9
Yang J, Summanen PH, Henning SM, Hsu M, Lam H, Huang J, Tseng CH, Dowd SE, Finegold SM, Heber D, Li Z. Xylooligosaccharide supplementation alters gut bacteria in both healthy and prediabetic adults: a pilot study. Front Physiol. 2015 Aug 7;6:216. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00216.
10
Finegold SM, Li Z, Summanen PH, Downes J, Thames G, Corbett K, Dowd S, Krak M, Heber D. Xylooligosaccharide increases bifidobacteria but not lactobacilli in human gut microbiota. Food Funct. 2014 Mar;5(3):436-45. doi: 10.1039/c3fo60348b.
11
Lin SH, Chou LM, Chien YW, Chang JS, Lin CI. Prebiotic Effects of Xylooligosaccharides on the Improvement of Microbiota Balance in Human Subjects. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2016;2016:5789232. doi: 10.1155/2016/5789232.
12
Valladares-Diestra KK, de Souza Vandenberghe LP, Vieira S, Goyzueta-Mamani LD, de Mattos PBG, Manzoki MC, Soccol VT, Soccol CR. The Potential of Xylooligosaccharides as Prebiotics and Their Sustainable Production from Agro-Industrial by-Products. Foods. 2023 Jul 12;12(14):2681. doi: 10.3390/foods12142681.