Functional and nutraceutical properties of fructo-oligosaccharides derivatives: a review

Abstract

Prebiotics are good source of dietary fiber or a group of nutrients or non-digestible short chain carbohydrates which human body cannot digest and it stimulates the growth and activity of some friendly bacteria in your intestinal tract. Prebiotics fibers are linked to β-(2→1) fructosyl units and are universally agreed to be fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or oligofructose or oligosaccharide or inulin. FOS are oligosaccharides that occur naturally in a variety of plants such as garlic and onions, wheat, rye, chicory roots, jerusalem artichokes, nectarine, seaweed, sugar cane bagasse, cassava waste, rice bran, rice straw, apple pomace, papaya, beet root peels, flaxseed, cereals, and banana peels among many others. These are extracted from fruits, vegetables, seeds and cereals using the various novel techniques such as membrane ultra-filtration method, microwave extraction, Ultrasonic Microwave Assisted Extraction, and high-pressure solvent extraction method. FOS are non-digestible carbohydrates with low-calorie that improve the taste and texture of food products while immunity booster, nutraceutical properties, bone health, microbial properties and its prebiotic activity in digestive track are the limelight of current review article. In addition, the main beneficial physiological effects of FOS such as low carcinogenicity, improved mineral absorption in gut and a reduction in serum cholesterol levels, triacylglycerols and phospholipids are the major part of this review. Moreover, FOS is beneficial for long-term blood glucose and its sensitivity to insulin due to the higher contents of plasma-free fatty acids using low tissue glucose. Conclusively, FOS improves intestinal flora, with subsequent relief of constipation, reduce the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers, improved blood lipids in hyperlipidemia, suppressed the production of intestinal putrefactive-substances and make your digestive work better.