Wizard of Vitamins

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides Vitamin

What is Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides?

The term “oligosaccharide” refers to a short chain of sugar molecules (“oligo” means “few” and “saccharide” means “sugar.”) Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, which are found in many vegetables, consist of short chains of fructose molecules. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which also occur naturally, consist of short chains of galactose molecules. These compounds can be only partially digested by humans. When oligosaccharides are consumed, the undigested portion serves as food for “friendly” bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides in Diets

FOS and inulin are found naturally in Jerusalem artichoke, burdock, chicory, leeks, onions, and asparagus. FOS products derived from chicory root contain significant quantities of inulin, a fiber widely distributed in fruits, vegetables and plants, which is classified as a food ingredient (not as an additive) and is considered to be safe to eat. In fact, inulin is a significant part of the daily diet of most of the world’s population. FOS can also be synthesized by enzymes of the fungus Apergillus niger acting on sucrose. GOS is naturally found in soybeans and can be synthesized from lactose (milk sugar). FOS, GOS, and inulin are available as nutritional supplements in capsules, tablets, and as a powder.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides Medicinal Treatments

Elevated triglyceride levels Pre- and post-surgery health Type 2 diabetes

Known Consequences of Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides Deficiency

As FOS, GOS, and inulin are not essential nutrients, no deficiency state exists.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides Recommended Dosages

The average daily intake of oligosaccharides by people in the United States is estimated to be about 800 to 1,000 mg. For the promotion of healthy bacterial flora, the usual recommendation for FOS, GOS, or inulin is 2,000 to 3,000 mg per day with meals. In the studies on diabetes and high blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), amounts ranged from 8 to 20 grams per day.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides Side Effects

Generally, oligosaccharides are well tolerated. Some people reported increased flatulence in some of the studies. At higher levels of intake, that is, in excess of 40 grams per day, FOS and the other oligosaccharides may induce diarrhea. There is a report of a 39-year old man having a life-threatening allergic reaction after consuming high amounts of inulin from multiple sources, including FOS. Allergy to inulin in this person was confirmed by laboratory tests. Such sensitivities are extremely rare. People with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin should probably avoid FOS. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides.