Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)

FOS, inulin, prebiotics: what are the differences?

These three terms are often used interchangeably. Yet they do not mean exactly the same thing:

Which foods contain FOS?

FOS are found in many plants: chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, onion, garlic, leek, asparagus, artichoke, banana and wheat. The amounts supplied by an everyday diet nevertheless remain modest.

The FOS used in food supplements are obtained in two ways: by partial breakdown of chicory inulin, or enzymatically from sucrose. This second method produces short-chain FOS (short-chain FOS or scFOS), such as those sold under the Actilight® brand.

FOS and the microbiota: what does the science say?

Because they are fermented in the colon, FOS are the subject of a great deal of research. Researchers are particularly interested in how they are used by the various bacteria of the gut microbiota and in the compounds produced during this fermentation.

To date, no health claim relating to fructo-oligosaccharides is authorised in the European Union. This research therefore does not allow any particular effect to be attributed to FOS or to a food supplement containing them.

How to choose a FOS supplement?

Our products containing FOS