Fructo Oligosaccharides are widely distributed in plants such as onions, wheat, chicory,
barley, and banana and are obtained from Sucrose by the action of fructosyltransferase.
FOS is virtually undigested by the human digestive system so arrives in the colon unaltered
providing a food source of beneficial bacteria.
The human digestive tract lacks the enzymes necessary to break down fibers, allowing
them to pass through the digestive tract and provide many of the health benefits. Its acts
like a fiber, passing undigested to the large intestine where it is extensively fermented by
the colonic bacteria.
Prebiotic fibers like short chain FOS are known to selectively modulate the composition
of the intestinal microbiota and also stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora in the
gut. FOS has a Low Calorific Value and it also enhances the absorption of magnesium and
calcium.
