Fructo-oligosaccharide

DS308066662

Fructose-oligosaccharide (FOS), also known as oligofructose or oligofructan, refers to a kind of oligosaccharide composed of short chains of fructose with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 5. FOS occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as chicory, onions, asparagus, wheat, bananas, and artichokes. FOS is well-known for its use as a prebiotic, since it is not digested until it reaches the colon. And in the colon, they help the growth of good bacteria. Additionally, it can be used as an alternative sweetener since it has a lower sweetness than sugar.
CAS No: 308066-66-2

Require

DescriptionSpecificationFunctionApplication

Description

There are two ways to obtain FOS. The first way is to use inulin as a raw material through enzymatic hydrolysis to obtain the form of FOS Fm, while the other way is to convert sucrose into the form of FOS GFn by β-fructosidase fermented by Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus. FOS has a greater soluble amount than inulin and it has a lower sweetness and higher stability than sucrose. Further, FOS can resist hydrolysis by salivary and intestinal digestive enzymes. Therefore, it is one of the most studied and widely used prebiotics. FOS has been proven to be a safe and non-toxic ingredient, and has been added to many foods as a functional ingredient.

Description

Specification

Items	Powder	Syrup
Appearance	White powder or light yellow granular	Colorless or light yellow syrup
Moisture, %	≤5.0	/
FOS Content (on drying substance), w/%	≥95.0	≥55.0
Solid Substance, %	/	≥75.0
Glucose+fructose+sugar(on dry matter), w/%	≥95.0	/
pH Value	4.5-7.0	4.5-7.0
Arsenic, (mg/kg)	≤0.5	≤0.3
Lead(Pb), (mg/kg)	≤0.5	≤0.5
Ash, w/%	≤0.4	≤0.4
Total Aerobic Count, cfu/g	≤1000	≤1000
Yeast and Mold, cfu/g	≤25	≤25
Coliforms, mpn/100g	≤30	≤30
Package	25 kg	/
Shelf time	2 years	2 years

Function

The main function of fructo-oligosaccharides is to improve the balance of intestinal flora and benefit intestinal health. Since the human body lacks the enzymes to hydrolyze the β_2→1 bond in fructo-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides cannot be digested. Instead of being absorbed by the small intestine, they enter the large intestine directly after consumption. They are utilized by beneficial bacteria in the large intestine as a carbon source and fermented to produce short-chain fatty acids, which are indirectly absorbed by the body as energy. Bifidobacterium is considered beneficial bacteria, as its ability to utilize fructo-oligosaccharides is stronger than other bacteria in the intestinal tract. Fructo-oligosaccharide can stimulate the growth and activity of Bifidobacterium, thereby contributing to intestinal health. Specifically, the role it plays in gut health is shown below.

Inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.
Lowers the pH value of the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits intestinal corruption.
Enhances cellular immunity.
Promotes the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron and other mineral elements.
Lowers the concentration of blood cholesterol and blood fat.
Prevents constipation and diarrhea.

Function

In summary, fructo-oligosaccharides have the function of improving intestinal flora, promoting mineral absorption, improving immunity, improving lipid metabolism and lowering cholesterol. However, more evidence is needed to prove the effectiveness of fructo-oligosaccharides for these uses.

Application

FOS has been widely used in a variety of foods, including dairy products, beverages and health drinks, infant formula, cereals, baked goods, chocolate and candies. As a functional ingredient, fructo-oligosaccharides can improve the balance of intestinal flora, which is suitable for pregnant women, young people, the elderly, and people with heavy mental stress.

The recommended amount of fructo-oligosaccharides is 2,000 to 3,000 mg per day with meals. To avoid side effects, it seems safe to consume less than 30 grams of fructo-oligosaccharides per day.

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.

Online Inquiry