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Research by modern scientists has proven the importance of prebiotics for the human body. Such substances stimulate the growth of microorganisms that form a beneficial microflora in the intestine. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are important members of this group of substances.
Foods rich in fructooligosaccharides:
General characteristics of fructooligosaccharides
Fructo-oligosaccharides are low-calorie carbohydrates that are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, but stimulate the colon.
They activate beneficial bacteria (Lactobacilus and Bifidobacterium) in the area of the large intestine. The chemical formula of fructooligosaccharides is represented by the alternation of short chains of glucose and fructose.
The main natural sources of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are cereals, vegetables, fruits and some beverages. The use of FOS helps to strengthen the immune system, increase the absorption of calcium, which affects the strengthening of the skeletal system of the body.
The low-calorie carbohydrates that make up fructooligosaccharides cannot be fermented in the human body. Their main purpose is to create microflora in the intestines for the development of beneficial bacteria.
Carbohydrates of fructo-oligosaccharides are part of baby food and dietary supplements. Our “smaller brothers” have not been forgotten either – the composition of food for cats and dogs also contains fructo-oligosaccharides.
Daily requirement for fructooligosaccharides
The amount of FOS in food is usually insufficient for therapeutic treatment. Therefore, for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, it is advisable to take fructooligosaccharides in the form of an extract (syrup, capsule or powder).
For prophylactic purposes, it is recommended to take ¼ teaspoon per day – for habituation of the body and the formation of “native” bacteria in the large intestine. Such a daily dose is prescribed in the absence of serious diseases, to maintain immunity and the smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
The need for fructooligosaccharides increases:
- with hypertension;
- diabetes;
- peptic ulcer disease;
- with low acidity;
- for the treatment of colon cancer;
- with high cholesterol levels;
- osteoporosis;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- osteochondrosis;
- hernia of the spine;
- decreased attention;
- SHU.
The need for fructooligosaccharides decreases:
- with increased gas production;
- in the presence of allergic reactions to one of the components of fructooligosaccharides.
Digestibility of fructooligosaccharides
Fructooligosaccharides belong to the category of low-calorie carbohydrates that cannot be absorbed by the body. The carbohydrates that make up the FOS are linked to each other using beta-glycosidic bonds.
The human enzyme system does not contain such an enzyme that is capable of cleaving the beta-glycosidic bond, therefore, FOS carbohydrates are not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Once in the intestine, FOS carbohydrates are hydrolyzed and improve its microflora, becoming a breeding ground for beneficial bacteria.
Useful properties of fructo-oligosaccharides
Scientists from many countries of the world have proven the positive effect of FOS on the human body. Daily use of fructooligosaccharides for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes improves the functioning of individual systems and the whole organism as a whole.
Fructooligosaccharides are members of the prebiotic group. The main purpose of FOS is to normalize the intestines, increase the body’s immune resistance.
Regular use of FOS is recommended in the treatment of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteochondrosis and vertebral hernias. In the treatment of such diseases as: dysbiosis, diarrhea, candidiasis and constipation – individual dosage of fructooligosaccharides is prescribed.
Clinical studies have shown positive results of taking FOS in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, distracted attention and hyperactivity.
The main task of FOS is to create a healthy intestinal microflora from the first days of a person’s life.
Daily intake of fructo-oligosaccharides helps to strengthen immunity and bone growth, which is especially important after 45 years, when calcium is “washed out” from the body.
Daily use of FOS prevents the occurrence of ulcers and the development of cancers in the intestines. Taking a prebiotic such as fructooligosaccharide reduces the risk of diarrhea during antibiotic treatment.
Interaction with other elements
Medical research shows that the interaction of FOS with natural sugar makes the use of fructo-oligosaccharides completely useless.
The use of FOS for medicinal purposes:
- with hypertension and diabetes, the daily dose of FOS is 0,5 – 1 teaspoon;
- for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, you can take from 1 to 2 teaspoons per day;
- in case of cancerous lesions of the colon, up to 20 g of fructo-oligosaccharides are added to the daily diet of patients;
- to lower cholesterol levels, the daily intake of FOS can be from 4 to 15 g, depending on the severity of the disease.
Signs of a lack of fructooligosaccharides in the body
- the occurrence of an imbalance in the work of the intestines;
- decreased immunity of the body as a whole;
- the occurrence of diarrhea when taking antibiotics;
- increased fragility of bones (accelerated leaching of calcium);
- development of “chronic fatigue syndrome”;
- the presence of “hormonal disruptions” in the body.
Signs of excess fructooligosaccharides in the body
With prolonged use of fructo-oligosaccharides or an increase in a single dose, short-term diarrhea is possible. Clinical studies have not registered a critical accumulation of FOS in the human body.
Fructooligosaccharides for beauty and health
Proper bowel function affects appearance – which is why many women include FOS in their daily diet. The most effective are FOS derived from Jerusalem artichoke, chicory and garlic. They contain trace elements such as Mn, Zn, Ca, Mg, K.
Daily consumption of products containing fructooligosaccharides helps to increase immunity, performance, strengthen the skeletal system, prolong life and improve skin condition.
The importance of FOS as a prebiotic can hardly be overestimated, but one should not forget that everything is good in moderation and a “golden mean” is needed in everything.