Fructooligosaccharides and Other Fructans: Structures and Occurrence, Production, Regulatory Aspects, Food Applications, and Nutritional Health Significance

摘要

The non-digestible fructans, particularly inulin and their subset the fructooligosaccharides (FOS), possess a number of highly desirable attributes, such as no carigenicity, safe for diabetics, low calories, selective source of dietary fiber, and strong bifidus-stimulation. They further add to the functionality in food products by adding texture, mouthfeel, taste improvement, and can help replace sugar and/or fat. These healthy ingredients are widely distributed in nature, being only second to starch in their occurrence, and can positively contribute to the health of individuals in several physiological areas. These molecules have been shown to be excellent prebiotic fiber sources, selectively enhancing the growth of healthy gut microflora, while suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria, to demonstrate several key health implications.