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What are Fructo Oligosaccharides (FOS)?

Fructooligosaccharides, which can also be referred to as FOS, oligofructose, or oligofructan, refers to a class of non-digestible carbohydrates or sugars that occur naturally in a wide variety of foods and used as an artificial or alternative sweetener. Fructooligosaccharides became widely used in the 1980s in response to consumers clamoring for healthier and calorie-reduced foods. The term oligosaccharide pertains to a short chain of sugar molecules (in the case of FOS, fructose molecules). Literally speaking, Oligo means few, and saccharide means sugar.

FOS are short-chain polysaccharides consisting of D-Fructose and D-Glucose and are naturally sweet, mostly non-digestible, and low-caloric fiber. FOS has sweetness levels around 30 to 50 percent of sucrose in commercially-prepared syrups. Since they are non-digestible, they remain unaltered even after passing through the human digestive. When the FOS reach the colon, they are synthesized by the good bacteria found there (known as bifidobacteria or bifidus) for growth and multiplication. A healthy population of these beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract promotes the digestion and absorption of nutrients, detoxification and elimination processes, and helps strengthen the immune system.

Since FOS are non-digestible, they provide almost no calories and are thus useful as alternative low-calorie sweeteners. Having approximately one-half the sweetness of sugar, FOS are also being added to a variety of food products because they provide a combination of sweetness and low calories plus the additional health benefits that have been mentioned. Although FOS occur naturally in many foods, a large proportion of these products are now manufactured in laboratories for commercial use.

What is FOS used for and who uses it?

FOS is sometimes blended with high-intensity artificial or natural sweeteners, such as Stevia P.E., whose sweetness profile and aftertaste it improves. As a prebiotic, FOS functions as a substrate for many beneficial bacteria species in the large intestine and assists in improving overall gastrointestinal tract function and health. FOS can also be taken as a supplement to fight off yeast infections. As a sweetener, FOS is about half as sweet as sucrose and with less than 1 calorie per gram (about 2.5 calories per level teaspoon).

FOS are starches that the human body cannot completey metabolize. When a person ingests FOS, the undigested portions give nourishment for bacteria in the digestive tract. Good bacteria (probiotics) will respond particularly well to this nourishment. With respect to FOS providing nourishment to probiotics, they are aptly called a prebiotic. As a prebiotic, FOS can selectively promote the proliferation of many intestinal probiotics including bifidobacteria (bifidus). FOS is extracted from fruits and vegetables such as bananas, onions, chicory root, garlic, asparagus, barley, wheat, and leeks. The Jerusalem artichoke have been found to have the highest concentrations of FOS of cultured plants.

The use of probiotic products containing beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria organisms in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics is increasingly gaining widespread recognition. Many of these commercial products also contain FOS, which enhance the benefits of the beneficial bacteria. Because of its chemical structure, FOS has the capability to resist hydrolysis by salivary and intestinal digestive enzymes. In the colon, anaerobic bacteria ferments FOS. In other words, they have a lower caloric value, while still contributing to the dietary fiber fraction of the diet. FOS are more soluble than inulins and are therefore sometimes used as an additive to yoghurt and other (dairy) products.

FOS can also help maintain a healthy balance of the "good" bacteria with the "bad" bacteria in the digestive tract. When the "bad" bacteria outnumbers the good ones, a condition known as "dysbiosis" can occur. Dysbiosis can consequently cause other problems throughout the body. Without FOS, the likelihood of this occurring is much greater. FOS may also be of benefit in helping to relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders, including problems related to irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and lactose intolerance. Another benefit of FOS supplementation is in weight loss primarily by losing fat mass independently from any lifestyle changes and could also help manage caloric intake in overweight and obese adults.

How exactly FOS works in yielding its beneficial effects is not certain. However, increasing the numbers of beneficial bacteria in the lower intestine, changes in the pH of the intestinal contents, together with higher enzyme levels that may be related to the detoxification of carcinogens in the diet all have been cited as reasons to increase the FOS levels in the diet. Our health depends largely on a healthy digestive system, and that is exactly what FOS can do. It can do more than just feed friendly bacteria: it can help maintain regular bowel movements, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy immune system, break down hormones and rebuild them again, and keep down the cholesterol and fatty acid levels in the blood.

How pure is your Fructo Oligosaccharide (FOS)?

This food grade pure bulk powder saccharide fiber, Fructo Oligosaccharide, is assayed by the manufacturer to be 50.3% GF2 (1-kestose), GF3 (nystose), and GF4 (1F-ß-fructofuranosyl nystose), (GF: G=Glucose and F=Fructose). You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy-duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this white powder product. If all you want are the health benefits made possible with FOS, buying this product in bulk is the best way to get this prebiotic and low-calorie sweetener. Buying in bulk is also your best bet for saving money because for sure you'll pay more at a local nutrition store. Bulk costs are cheaper in the long run and you will receive a great deal at or below wholesale prices for a high purity bulk quantity of this product.

What is the daily suggested dose of FOS?

When taken simply for promoting healthy bacteria, FOS are often taken at a dose of 4-6 g daily. When used for therapeutic purposes, the typical dose of FOS is 10-20 g daily, divided into three doses and taken with meals. One half level tablespoon will supply approximately 4299 milligrams, or just about 4.3 grams for the bulk density of this FOS powder. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for FOS here. Taking 1/2 level tablespoon 3 times per day will supply a total daily dose of 12.9 or about 13 grams.

Potential side effects of FOS

FOS appear to be generally safe. However, FOS may cause bloating, flatulence, and upset stomach at doses of 15 g or higher. People who are lactose intolerant may be particularly susceptible from these side effects.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of FOS

This product dissolves quickly in water and has sweet taste, like sugar (sucrose), but only about half the sweetness. Just mix your usual dose with water, a hot beverage, or juice and drink.

FOS is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

NOW Nutra FloraTM FOS, Rhino Chewable FOS & Acidophilus (Nutrition Now), Ready Fiber (Health Direct), Premium Acidophilus (Olympian Labs), Nutrilean (Genuine Health), Ultimate Fiber (Nature's Secret), Frutafit®, Frutalose®, Jarro-Dophilus + FOS, Complete Body Cleanse Kit (Life-flo), Fiber-3 and Gr8-Dophilus (NOW), ShowStopper (Animal Naturals), Lean Body Instant Breakfast Shake (Labrada), UltraMet Low Carb (Champion), Vega Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer (Sequel Naturals), Micell Edge (Iron-Tek), Glyco Nitric (STS), MuscleON (NxLabs)

References & Further Research

Effects of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides on glucose and lipid metabolism in mild hypercholesterolaemic individuals
The intake of 10 g/day of short-chain-fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS) has been shown to increase significantly bifidus counts and to produce high amounts of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), presumed to influence glucose and lipid metabolism.

Effects of a milk product, fermented by Lactobacillus acidophilus and with fructo-oligosaccharides added, on blood lipids in male volunteers
The aim of this study was to investigate in adult male volunteers the effect of a new fermented milk product, fermented by Lactobacillus acidophilus and with FOS added, on blood lipids. As compared to traditional yogurt, daily consumption of three times 125 ml of test product specifically lowered serum LDL-cholesterol levels in normal healthy male adult subjects with borderline elevated levels of serum total cholesterol within three weeks.

Fructo Oligosaccharide (FOS) for International Customers

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Buying Fructo Oligosaccharide (FOS) Bulk or Wholesale

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