Product Uses and Usage Instructions of Fructooligosaccharides

1. Product Uses of Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructooligosaccharides, also known as oligofructose, are natural water-soluble dietary fibers and prebiotics that are widely used in food, health care, infant nutrition, and other fields due to their unique physiological properties. They are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have been approved for use in various products in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide.

1.1 Food Industry

As a functional food additive, FOS can improve food quality, enhance nutritional value, and extend shelf life, with the following specific applications:

• Dairy Products: Added to yogurt, lactic acid bacteria drinks, flavored fermented milk, and other products, FOS can promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli during fermentation, enhance the probiotic activity of products, improve taste, and reduce uncomfortable reactions in people with lactose intolerance.

• Beverages: Used in fruit juices, carbonated drinks, plant protein drinks, etc., FOS can replace part of sucrose as a sweetener (its sweetness is about 30%-60% of sucrose), reduce product calories, and has good solubility that does not affect the clarity and stability of beverages, making it suitable for the development of low-sugar and functional beverages.

• Baked Goods: Added to bread, biscuits, cakes, and other baked products, FOS can improve the water retention and gas retention of dough, make the finished products softer, and extend the shelf life. At the same time, its characteristic of not being easily fermented by yeast will not affect the swelling effect during the baking process.

• Candy and Jelly: Used in gummies, hard candies, jellies, etc., FOS can reduce the sweetness and calories of products, and has good moisture retention and anti-crystallization properties, which can prevent candies from returning to sand and jellies from hardening, maintaining the delicate taste of products.

• Other Foods: It can also be added to jams, preserves, ice cream, breakfast cereals, sauces, gravies, condiments, and snacks to enhance the functionality of products and improve texture and flavor.

1.2 Infant and Toddler Nutrition

FOS is widely used in infant formula milk powder, rice noodles, complementary foods, and other products. It can mimic the oligosaccharides in breast milk, promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the intestines of infants and young children, help establish a healthy intestinal microecology, enhance immunity, and reduce the occurrence of diarrhea. It is also used as a prebiotic in non-exempt infant formula, with a maximum addition level of 400 mg FOS/100 ml in starter formula and 500 mg FOS/100 ml in follow-on formula when consumed.

1.3 Health Care Products

As a prebiotic, FOS is the only all-natural ingredient that has both super bifidogenic factors and water-soluble dietary fiber. It can selectively promote the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, improve intestinal flora balance, relieve constipation, reduce liver toxins, and enhance human immunity. It is often used as a core ingredient in health care products for intestinal regulation, blood sugar control, and weight management, suitable for people with constipation, diabetes, and obesity.

1.4 Other Fields

In addition to the above fields, FOS is also used in cosmetics and feed. In cosmetics, it can moisturize the skin and regulate the microecology of the skin surface; in feed, it can improve the intestinal health of livestock and poultry, enhance their disease resistance, and improve the quality of meat, eggs, and milk.

2. Usage Instructions of Fructooligosaccharides

2.1 Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage of FOS varies according to different groups of people and usage scenarios, and it is necessary to follow the principle of starting with a low dosage and gradually increasing to avoid digestive discomfort caused by excessive intake:

• Adults: For daily intestinal health maintenance, the recommended dosage is 2.5-10 grams per day; for relieving constipation, the dosage can be appropriately increased to 5-15 grams per day, but it should not exceed 20-30 grams per day at most.

• Infants: For infant formula, the addition amount is 4-8 grams per liter of formula milk; for infants under 1 year old, the daily intake should not exceed 4.2 grams, and for infants aged 12-24 months, it can be adjusted according to the type of complementary food (refer to the product manual).

• Food Processing: The addition amount in most foods is 0.4%-6.7% of the total raw materials; the specific amount can be adjusted according to product needs, such as 10% addition in high-fiber biscuits and appropriate addition in low-sugar beverages to replace sucrose.

2.2 Usage Methods

• Direct Consumption: Take the recommended dosage of FOS powder with warm water (below 60℃) or cold water, stir well until dissolved, and it can be taken before or after meals. It can also be added to milk, soy milk, juice, porridge, and other foods for consumption without affecting the taste and efficacy.

• Food Processing: When used in food production, FOS can be added together with other raw materials, and it is suitable for various processing technologies. It should be noted that in acidic foods (pH < 4), it should be added after high-temperature processing to avoid decomposition caused by high temperature and acid environment; in neutral or near-neutral foods, it can withstand high temperatures up to 120℃ without decomposition.

2.3 Precautions

• Tolerance Reminder: FOS is not easily digested and absorbed by the human body, and excessive intake may cause bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other digestive discomforts, which are usually relieved automatically after reducing the dosage or stopping consumption. It is recommended to start with 2-3 grams per day and gradually increase to the target dosage within 2 weeks.

• Contraindicated Groups: People with short bowel syndrome and acute intestinal obstruction are prohibited from using FOS, as it may increase the risk of hyperosmolarity and aggravate the condition.

• Drug Interaction: FOS can enhance the absorption of calcium and magnesium, so it is suitable for taking together with calcium supplements; it does not affect the efficacy of antibiotics, and people taking antibiotics can use it normally (it is recommended to take it 1-2 hours apart from antibiotics).

• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature and humidity environment, and seal it tightly after opening to prevent moisture absorption and deterioration. The shelf life is usually 12-24 months under proper storage conditions (refer to the product label).

• Special Groups: Pregnant women, lactating women, and people with chronic diseases (such as severe diabetes, intestinal diseases) should consult a doctor or dietitian before using FOS as a health supplement.

Note: FOS is a food ingredient and health supplement, not a drug, and cannot replace drugs to treat diseases. If you have severe intestinal discomfort or other health problems, please seek medical advice in time.