Can Fructooligosaccharides Promote The Growth Of Probiotics?

Sweetness is undoubtedly the most popular in our daily lives. When we talk about "sugar" in our daily lives, we often think of white sugar, brown sugar, rock sugar… But eating too much of some sugars is bad for your health. Excessive sugar will lead to excess energy and can easily lead to obesity, which can lead to a high incidence of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. It can also easily lead to dental caries, multivitamin deficiencies, etc.

There is a kind of "sugar" that not only satisfies the taste buds' thirst for sweetness, but is also beneficial to human health when consumed in moderation. It is fructooligosaccharides (FOS).

Fructooligosaccharides, are functional oligosaccharides with fructose groups linked by β(2→1) glycosidic bonds and with a degree of polymerization of 2 to 9. Fructo-oligosaccharide is made from inulin as raw material and refined through the hydrolysis of inulin endonuclease. In nature, fructooligosaccharides are contained in vegetables and fruits such as chicory, garlic, cabbage, asparagus, banana, wheat, barley, and oats.

FOS is a probiotic growth agent that is not digested and absorbed by the human body, reaches the large intestine directly, and rapidly proliferates bifidobacteria in the intestine, also known as bifidus factor. According to reports, the human body's daily intake of 5 to 20 grams of fructooligosaccharides for several weeks can increase the number of bifidobacteria in the intestines by 10 to 100 times, making it one of the most effective bifid factors. With the widespread recognition of the concept of probiotics, children's intake of fructo-oligosaccharides plays an important role in improving intestinal health, improving the body's immunity, and promoting children's growth and development.

Due to its unique biological structure and physiological functions, FOS, as a microecological non-live bacteria preparation, is different from general probiotic live bacteria supplements. When used together with antibiotics, it will not be inhibited by antibiotics, but can also effectively prevent and treat them. Many adverse reactions such as disturbance of intestinal flora caused by antibiotics are prevented before they occur, so it is called "a good partner of antibiotics".

Other powerful features of fructooligosaccharides

Reduce blood sugar: Fructooligosaccharides are indigestible oligosaccharides in the body and cannot be hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes in the human body. They can reach the colon intact and be fully metabolized by microorganisms in the colon. They can also produce short-chain fatty acids to increase digestion. The secretion of tract hormones improves insulin sensitivity, thereby achieving the purpose of lowering blood sugar.

Promote calcium absorption: Fructooligosaccharide is a water-soluble dietary fiber that cannot be digested and absorbed by the stomach and small intestine. After entering the large intestine, it is fermented to produce organic acids, which lowers the pH of the intestine, forming an acidic environment, acidifying the luminal contents, and increasing Calcium solubility, thereby promoting calcium absorption in the body.

Improve blood lipid health: Studies have shown that the intake of FOS has a good adsorption effect on cholesterol, which can reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract, reduce serum cholesterol and blood lipid concentrations, and improve blood lipid health.

In addition to taking FOS from natural foods, people can also take fructooligosaccharide-related products directly to supplement it. However, it should be noted that although fructooligosaccharide is relatively safe, excessive intake can also cause flatulence, abdominal discomfort or pain, diarrhea and other reactions.

Early population surveys and human intake dose research data showed that diarrhea did not occur when men consumed ≤17 grams at one time and women consumed ≤14 grams at one time; when the intake reached 15-30 grams per day, subjects showed more symptoms of bloating and exhaust; when the intake reached 40g per day, the subjects began to experience bowel sounds and abdominal cramps; when the intake reached 55g at one time, most subjects developed diarrhea symptom.

In order to avoid adverse reactions, people who need to take fructooligosaccharide-related products as dietary nutritional supplements must strictly follow the product instructions. People with underlying diseases need to consult a doctor in the relevant field first.