long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides

Long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates that function as prebiotics. They are typically derived from chicory inulin and consist of linear chains of fructose units linked by beta(2-1) glycosidic bonds, generally characterized by a degree of polymerization (DP) greater than 10. lcFOS are not hydrolyzed by human digestive enzymes in the upper gastrointestinal tract but are selectively fermented by beneficial colonic bacteria, such as *Bifidobacterium* and *Lactobacillus* species. This fermentation process results in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which support intestinal barrier integrity and modulate systemic immune responses. In clinical applications, lcFOS are most frequently utilized in infant formulas, often in a specific 9:1 ratio with short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS), to mimic the prebiotic profile of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Research has demonstrated their efficacy in improving stool consistency and frequency, managing cow's milk allergy, and potentially providing neuroprotective or anti-inflammatory benefits in conditions such as allergic asthma and preterm birth complications.

Other names

long-chain inulinlong-chain fructanslcFOSfructo-oligosaccharides