Low-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are low-calorie, non-digestible carbohydrates that can only benefit the food as a supplement. Fructooligosaccharides can improve its taste, durability and density and at the same time have a beneficial effect on the immune system , bone health and the balance of important bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Fructooligosaccharides are found in many natural sources - blue bile, onions, asparagus, wheat, tomatoes and other fruits, vegetables and grains, as well as in milk. They can also be extracted from algae, as a sweetener and a very low-calorie supplement.
As they are responsible for 30% to 50% of the taste of ordinary sugar, they can also be used to sweeten foods by completely replacing the sugar in them.
In addition, these compounds are considered prebiotics . Once ingested, they are directed to the large intestine, where they actively stimulate the reproduction of the gastrointestinal microbiota - beneficial microorganisms that support the absorption of nutrients and are important for normal digestion. The term prebiotic should not be confused with the term probiotic , which usually refers to live bacteria with health benefits for human health.
It is the gastrointestinal microbiota that should be thanked for: the production of vital compounds synthesized in the human body, such as short-chain fatty acids ; strengthening intestinal immunity ; successful fight against infections in the gastrointestinal tract; prevention of inflammation, diarrhea and other dangerous conditions. This small, miniature "inner ecosystem" is one of the main pillars of the balance between health and disease in the human body. By feeding on fructooligosaccharides, the scales tilt only for the benefit of health.
Fructooligosaccharides have another beneficial effect: they increase the absorption of calcium by the body. This can be extremely beneficial for postmenopausal women who, due to hormonal imbalances, begin to lose bone density and are at high risk of osteoporosis and difficult to heal bone fractures .
Regular and moderate use, according to a doctor's prescription , of low-chain fructooligosaccharides as a dietary supplement is an ideal way to maintain bone mineral density and resilience. In addition, fructooligosaccharides are pure, stable, powdered products that lend themselves to the side effects of pasteurization and baking and are suitable for addition to non-carbonated beverages.
The only side effects that occur only in case of overdose , in amounts over 30 grams per day, are mild stomach upsets, such as gas, bloating and, if too much is taken, upset stomach. However, fructooligosaccharides are completely safe if taken in amounts of 10 to 20 grams per day, and the dose is twice as low for pregnant women.