Inulin is a polysaccharide and water-soluble dietary fiber. Fructooligosaccharides are fructose with low polymerization, also known as FOS or sucrose trisaccharide oligosaccharides. They are also water-soluble dietary fibers. Today, learn with Nutri Avenue that Fructooligosaccharides VS Inulin: Which One Is Better?
What Is Inulin?
Inulin powder is extracted from the pure natural plant chicory root or Jerusalem artichoke. This ingredient originated in Europe. In 1804, it was extracted for the first time by the Germans. It has been widely used in Europe for more than 20 years. Inulin is a food raw material recognized by China, the European Union, and the United States. It is widely used in various foods.
Inulin is a linear linear polysaccharide composed of fructose linked together. It often has glucose at the end. The degree of polymerization is usually between 2 and 60. Inulin is actually a mixture of fructans with different degrees of polymerization.
It is a water-soluble dietary fiber. At the same time, it is also one of the most representative prebiotics recognized by science. It is a relatively comprehensive basic prebiotic, including short, medium, and long chains. Among them, short-chain inulin dissolves better and tastes sweeter. It is one-tenth as sweet as sucrose and contains no calories. The body itself does not digest it. When it enters the large intestine, it is used by intestinal bacteria. Because inulin has good selectivity, it is basically only used by beneficial bacteria.
What Are Fructooligosaccharides?
Fructans with a lower degree of polymerization are often called fructooligosaccharides. Fructans with a degree of polymerization of 10-30 are usually called polyfructose. Its molecular formula is G-F-Fn, n=1~3. Among them, G is the glucose group, and F is the fructose group. Inulin endo-enzyme produces it from inulin or sucrose through acid hydrolysis or enzymatic hydrolysis. Its taste is slightly sweet.
Fructooligosaccharide is a highly efficient medium for bifidobacteria. It increases intestinal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. It also stimulates intestinal flora to restore balance. It supports the elimination of toxins and improves constipation. Like inulin, it is not easily absorbed by the body, so diabetics can also take it.
Fructooligosaccharides VS Inulin: Which One Is Better?
Both inulin and fructooligosaccharides are soluble dietary fibers. Both can help the body obtain a more balanced diet. Therefore, they are often used as ingredients in high-fiber foods. At the same time, the flavor and quality of food are improved. So, Fructooligosaccharides VS Inulin: Which One Is Better?
In comparison, inulin and fructooligosaccharides are both used to promote the growth and reproduction of probiotic bacteria in the intestines. However, fructo-oligosaccharides act on the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria, in the front part of the colon, that is, in the ascending colon. Inulin is a relatively comprehensive basic prebiotic. It acts on the entire colon. It is an ingredient favored by many beneficial bacteria. Therefore, relatively speaking, inulin is better.
Fructooligosaccharides VS Inulin: Can They Be Used Together?
Inulin and fructooligosaccharides are both prebiotics. Their effects and metabolic pathways in the human body are also similar. The combination of inulin and fructooligosaccharides has a good effect on reproducing intestinal probiotics and balancing the intestinal flora environment. Fructooligosaccharides are very useful against bifidobacteria. Inulin proliferates a variety of beneficial bacteria. Therefore, combining the two is more beneficial to the human body.
It is worth noting that the daily intake must be controlled, whether it is inulin or fructooligosaccharides. It avoids side effects on the body from overdose. When inulin and fructooligosaccharides are taken together, the daily intake of healthy adults is 10g/d. For people with severe intestinal flora imbalance, the amount can be increased to 15g/d-20g/d.
Conclusion
Inulin and fructooligosaccharides FOS are two safe prebiotics. They are also water-soluble dietary fibers. Whether used alone or in combination, both have good benefits for the intestines, such as the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and so on. However, inulin powder is a relatively comprehensive basic prebiotic. It acts on the entire colon. It is effective against a variety of beneficial bacteria. Therefore, inulin is relatively better. Nutri Avenue offers these two ingredients to support gut health supplements. Welcome to contact us for product information, such as COA and the latest quotation.
