Can Xylo-Oligosaccharides Fight Aging?

One research has brought us an unexpected surprise: the "sugar" in desserts not only does not accelerate aging, but may actually help us stay young. The study, published in the journal Food & Function, reveals the anti-aging potential of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS).

The intestinal and skin microbiota are the two major microbial barriers of the human body. They work together to resist foreign harmful microorganisms and maintain internal homeostasis. In recent years, scientists have discovered that dysbiosis in the gut and skin microbiota is closely related to the aging process.

Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are a type of prebiotic that have gained attention in recent years for their benefits on intestinal health. Studies have found that XOS can not only improve intestinal health, but also directly act on the skin to bring anti-aging effects. The research team recruited 79 women aged 30-45 and divided them into four groups for an 8-week trial. The experimental groups received oral XOS, topical XOS, oral plus topical XOS, and a control group that only used a placebo. The test results show that the combination of oral administration and external application of XOS has the best effect, significantly improving various aging indicators of the skin, including wrinkles, spots, pores, etc.

The results show that xylo-oligosaccharides have many advantages

1. Improve skin flora: Studies have found that oral and external application of XOS can significantly increase the diversity of skin flora, reduce the abundance of harmful bacteria, and increase the number of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia.

2. Regulate sebum synthesis: XOS inhibits skin lipid synthesis and triglyceride production by reducing fructose phosphorylation, thereby reducing the occurrence of acne.

3. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oil: Bifidobacteria can increase tryptophan metabolism, regulate immune response and sebum synthesis, and have anti-inflammatory and anti-oil effects.

4. Reduce the volume and number of facial pores: By inhibiting the galactose metabolism pathway, XOS reduces fibroblast damage, leading to a reduction in the volume and number of facial pores.

In addition to its skin benefits, xylo-oligosaccharides have the following properties

Moderate sweetness: The sweetness is only 25% of sucrose, suitable for use as a sugar substitute.

Ultra-low energy: Since the human body cannot digest it, it does not provide calories and helps control blood sugar.

Wide range of functions: It has various biological activities such as regulating immunity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.

Unique flavor: It has unique flavors such as honey flavor and sour taste.

Wide range of sources: naturally occurring in a variety of foods, it can also be extracted from agricultural by-products.

Despite the many benefits of xylo-oligosaccharides, high doses may cause diarrhea and bloating, as the recommended daily intake does not exceed 7.5 grams. Future research may explore how to incorporate xylo-oligosaccharides into our diets more safely and effectively, in order to achieve the dual goals of enjoying the pleasure of desserts while staying young. The recommended dosage of xylo-oligosaccharides in the Chinese national standard is no more than 3 grams per person per day.

This study provides us with a new perspective, allowing us to re-examine the "sugar" in desserts. In the future, we are expected to enjoy delicious and healthy desserts, making anti-aging no longer a problem. Let us look forward to it, desserts can also become our little secret to stay young.