Adult bowel studies use FOS or GOS 2.5–10 g/day for 2–8 weeks; assess each type separately
Reviewed · Published
Oligosaccharides
An umbrella term for nondigestible carbohydrates such as FOS and GOS, not one ingredient.
Established functions
- An umbrella term for nondigestible carbohydrates such as FOS and GOS, not one ingredient.
Dietary sources
- onions
- bananas
- soybeans
Claims and evidence
Claims that Oligosaccharides alone prevents or treats disease, or invariably improves health without deficiency, are unsupported.
Japanese reference amounts
- Japanese adults (age and sex as specified): No ingredient DRI; consider within fiber goals
Amounts studied
- Adult bowel studies use FOS or GOS 2.5–10 g/day for 2–8 weeks; assess each type separately
Tolerable upper limits
- No specific UL; gastrointestinal tolerance limits use
Forms and bioavailability
Supplement forms: fructooligosaccharides FOS, galactooligosaccharides GOS
- Fermentability and sweetness vary by structure; start low.
Safety and interactions
Adverse effects
- gas
- cramps
- diarrhea
Medicine and nutrient interactions
- check product carbohydrate with diabetes medicines
Contraindications and cautions
- Use caution during low-FODMAP elimination and with galactosemia depending on type.
Practical selection
- Compare Oligosaccharides amount per serving, form, allergens, and batch testing; prefer a single-ingredient product suited to the intended use.
Sources and review
- Dietary fibre and health outcomes: systematic reviewsWorld Health Organization
Daiki Minaki (editorial and evidence review) ·