We often see the term "fructooligosaccharide syrup" (FOS) on the nutritional labels of various foods. If you haven't studied nutrition or are not particularly concerned with it, you may be unfamiliar with what fructooligosaccharide syrup is and what role it plays.

What is Fructooligosaccharide Syrup and Its Applications

Fructooligosaccharide syrup (FOS), also known as fructooligosaccharides or sucrose-based oligosaccharides, is a water-soluble dietary fiber and a functional oligosaccharide. It is considered a prebiotic and is widely used in the food and health supplement industries. It can serve as a food sweetener, moisturizer, and raw material for health supplements, being widely applied in various products today.

Applications in Dairy Products

In fermented dairy products, fructooligosaccharide syrup is used as a nutrient source for probiotics like Bifidobacteria, extending the shelf life and increasing the active bacteria count in the products. 

In non-fermented dairy products (such as milk and milk powder), it helps alleviate symptoms like constipation and excessive heat in the body, commonly experienced by older adults and children when supplementing their nutrition.

Applications in Cereal Foods

In cereals, fructooligosaccharide syrup undergoes the Maillard reaction, enhancing the flavor and giving baked goods an attractive color. It also improves food crispness and makes it puffier. 

Additionally, it helps retain moisture, delays starch aging, and prevents cereals from becoming hard, keeping them soft and tasty while extending shelf life.

Applications in Candies and Beverages

In candies and beverages, fructooligosaccharide syrup is mainly used to enhance flavor and reduce the caloric content of food products.

Applications in Alcoholic Beverages

It prevents sedimentation in alcoholic beverages, improves clarity, enhances flavor, and makes the drink smoother and more refreshing.

Applications in Health Supplements

Fructooligosaccharide syrup improves the efficacy of health supplements and enhances their taste.

Functions of Fructooligosaccharide Syrup

Relieve and Prevent Constipation

Fructooligosaccharide syrup, being a water-soluble dietary fiber, has water-absorbing and swelling properties. It increases the volume of stool and makes it softer, promoting bowel movements. For those who often suffer from constipation, supplementation with fructooligosaccharide syrup can be beneficial.

Research has shown that fructooligosaccharide syrup can be effective in improving constipation. A study was conducted with 307 chronic constipation patients who were given 5 grams of fructooligosaccharide syrup daily for one week.

The results indicated that, compared to before the treatment, the subjects experienced a significant increase in the frequency of bowel movements, noticeable improvements in bowel conditions, and better stool characteristics. Additionally, the water content of the stool was significantly increased.

This is because fructooligosaccharide syrup cannot be broken down by digestive enzymes in the intestines, nor is it absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. It directly reaches the large intestine, where it undergoes fermentation, producing organic acids that lower the pH of the intestine, stimulate intestinal peristalsis, and promote bowel movements.

Maintain Immunity

The balance of gut microbiota directly impacts overall health. Fructooligosaccharide syrup serves as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus to inhibit harmful bacteria, enhancing the body's resistance to infections and improving immunity.

Stabilize Blood Sugar

Generally, blood sugar levels rise due to the consumption of added sugars, most of which contain sucrose. Sucrose is a "disaccharide" that, when consumed, is broken down into two monosaccharides—glucose and fructose—before being absorbed by the body, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels.

However, fructooligosaccharide syrup is not absorbed by the human digestive system, so it does not cause a rise in blood sugar. It slows the absorption rate of carbohydrates, helping to maintain blood sugar balance. This makes it particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, as it aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Promote Nutrient Absorption

Fructooligosaccharide syrup increases the solubility of calcium, promoting its absorption. This occurs because it creates an acidic environment in the intestine, aiding in the utilization of calcium.

Improve Blood Lipid Health

As a type of soluble dietary fiber, fructooligosaccharide syrup helps control blood lipids, making it beneficial for maintaining healthy blood lipid levels.

Gut health plays a crucial role in overall wellness. The advantage of fructooligosaccharide syrup lies in its ability to be utilized by beneficial gut bacteria, promoting the growth of probiotics such as Bifidobacteria. This contributes to a balanced gut microbiota, leading to numerous health benefits beyond just digestive health.