Research

FOS (Fructooligosaccharides)

33 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

2
Meta-analyses
1
Systematic reviews
30
RCTs
0
Other studies
Meta-analyses (6%)
Systematic reviews (3%)
RCTs (91%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2025·mSphere·Lisa G Pell, Huma Qamar, Diego G Bassani, et al

Neonatal administration ofATCC 202195 with or without fructooligosaccharide in Bangladesh: a placebo-controlled randomized trial.

RCTn = 519

RCT in Dhaka, Bangladesh, testing neonatal administration of ATCC 202195 (LP202195) with or without fructooligosaccharide (FOS) in 519 infants. LP202195 stool abundance increased from 14 to 60 days of age but did not persist beyond 2 months. FOS did not affect LP202195 abundance or persistence. All regimens were well-tolerated and safe.

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2025·Inflammatory bowel diseases·Berkeley N Limketkai, Gala Godoy-Brewer, Neha D Shah, et al

Prebiotics for Induction and Maintenance of Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysisGut Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of prebiotics for induction and maintenance of remission in inflammatory bowel disease. FOS was effective for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis, while germinated barley foodstuff trended toward preventing clinical relapse. Other prebiotics showed no significant effects, and adverse events were similar to controls.

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2022·Nutrients·Yuqi Dou, Xue Yu, Yuanli Luo, et al

Effect of Fructooligosaccharides Supplementation on the Gut Microbiota in Human: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 388Gut Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) supplementation on gut microbiota and gastrointestinal symptoms. FOS increased Bifidobacterium spp. counts, with greater effects observed in adults, longer intervention durations, and higher doses. No significant adverse gastrointestinal symptoms were reported.

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2022·Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)·Valentina De Cosmi, Alessandra Mazzocchi, Carlo Agostoni, et al

Fructooligosaccharides: From Breast Milk Components to Potential Supplements. A Systematic Review.

Systematic reviewGut Health Immunity

This systematic review summarizes the role of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) in human milk and their potential as supplements in infant nutrition. The review concludes that FOSs are crucial for infant gut development and may provide immune benefits, though more human data is needed.

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2025·The journal of nutrition, health & aging·Meina Li, Qi Zhang, Wen Zhao, et al

Effects and Persistence of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-99 and Fructooligosaccharides on Older Adults with Functional Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

RCTn = 67Gut Health

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated a 4-week synbiotic intervention with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-99 and fructooligosaccharides in 67 older adults with functional constipation. The synbiotic group showed significant improvements in bowel movements, gut transit time, and rectal discomfort, with benefits sustained 2 weeks post-intervention. Fecal microbiome analysis indicated increased beneficial Bifidobacterium species.

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2025·Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)·Yue Xiao, Yangqian Xiao, Xinyi Wang, et al

Novel formulated food for the elderly regulates specific gut bacterial taxa and improves host physiology.

RCTGut Health Longevity

RCT of a Novel Formulated Food for the Elderly (NFFE) enriched with prebiotics like fructooligosaccharide and edible fungal β-glucans. The 8-week intervention mitigated age-related physiological decline and enriched SCFA-producing bacteria. Two distinct responder groups were identified, with high responders showing significant improvements in aging-related parameters.

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2024·BMC medicine·Anne Mari Herfindal, Morten Nilsen, Trude E Aspholm, et al

Effects of fructan and gluten on gut microbiota in individuals with self-reported non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity-a randomised controlled crossover trial.

RCTn = 59Gut Health

RCT investigating the effects of FOS-fructans and gluten on gut microbiota in 59 individuals with self-reported non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity. FOS-fructans induced more gastrointestinal symptoms than gluten, but no substantial shifts in microbiota composition or function were found. Individual baseline bacterial composition may influence symptom response.

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2022·Journal of cosmetic dermatology·Jana Kazandjieva, Jenya Dimitrova, Marina Sankeva, et al

Efficacy of a retinoid complex plus anti-inflammatory component cream alone or in combination with prebiotic food supplement in adult acne: A randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group, multicenter trial on 184 women.

RCTn = 184Skin Hair Health

A randomized, assessor-blinded, multicenter trial on 184 women evaluated the efficacy of a cream containing retinoid molecules and Iris Florentina root extract, alone or combined with a prebiotic food supplement, in treating adult female acne. Both treatments significantly reduced acne lesions, with the combination treatment showing greater improvement in inflammatory lesions and acne severity scores.

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2022·Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)·Marcelo Victor Teixeira da Silva, Shirleide Santos Nunes, Walyson Coelho Costa, et al

Acute intake of fructooligosaccharide and partially hydrolyzed guar gum on gastrointestinal transit: A randomized crossover clinical trial.

RCTGut Health

This randomized crossover clinical trial evaluated the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) on gastrointestinal transit in healthy participants. FOS increased gastric emptying, while both FOS and PHGG reduced small intestine transit. No changes were observed in intestinal hormone levels, hunger, satiety, or desire to eat.

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2022·Journal of food biochemistry·Márcio Flávio Moura de Araújo, Maria Wendiane Gueiros Gaspar, Vivian Saraiva Veras, et al

Consumption of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee enriched with cocoa and fructo-oligosaccharides among non-diabetic persons: Double blind randomized clinical trial.

RCTNutrition Physique Heart Health

Double-blind randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee enriched with cocoa and fructo-oligosaccharides on glycemic and anthropometric biomarkers in non-diabetic adults over 10 weeks. Both formulas reduced fasting plasma glucose, fasting capillary blood glucose, waist circumference, arm circumference, and body fat percentage, with the caffeinated formula showing greater fat reduction and the decaffeinated formula more effective in reducing diastolic blood pressure.

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2021·Scientific reports·Audrey M Neyrinck, Julie Rodriguez, Bernard Taminiau, et al

Improvement of gastrointestinal discomfort and inflammatory status by a synbiotic in middle-aged adults: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

RCTGut Health Inflammation

Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial investigating synbiotic supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis lactis and fructo-oligosaccharides in middle-aged adults. Synbiotic treatment significantly decreased abdominal discomfort and plasma proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting improvements in gut health and inflammatory status.

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2020·Gastroenterology·Eleonora Scorletti, Paul R Afolabi, Elizabeth A Miles, et al

Synbiotics Alter Fecal Microbiomes, But Not Liver Fat or Fibrosis, in a Randomized Trial of Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

RCTn = 104Gut Health

A double-blind phase 2 RCT of 104 NAFLD patients in the UK tested a synbiotic combination of fructo-oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12. The synbiotic altered the fecal microbiome but did not significantly reduce liver fat content or markers of liver fibrosis.

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2023·The Journal of nutrition·Annemarie R Mysonhimer, Corinne N Cannavale, Melisa A Bailey, et al

Prebiotic Consumption Alters Microbiota but Not Biological Markers of Stress and Inflammation or Mental Health Symptoms in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial.

RCTn = 24Gut Health Stress -Inflammation -Mental Clarity -

RCT with 24 healthy adults testing the effects of FOS and GOS on stress, inflammation, and mental health. FOS+GOS increased Bifidobacterium but did not affect biological markers of stress, inflammation, or mental health symptoms.

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2022·Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)·Suiani da Silva Sales, Ana Paula Dionísio, Lia Silveira Adriano, et al

Previous gut microbiota has an effect on postprandial insulin response after intervention with yacon syrup as a source of fructooligosaccharides: a randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial.

RCTn = 40Nutrition

This randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial evaluated the effect of yacon syrup, a source of fructooligosaccharides, on postprandial insulin response in 40 young women. The study found that yacon syrup reduced glucose and insulin concentrations compared to placebo, with the intestinal microbiota profile influencing the insulin response.

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2022·The Journal of nutrition·Xuhuiqun Zhang, Anqi Zhao, Amandeep K Sandhu, et al

Red Raspberry and Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplementation, Metabolic Biomarkers, and the Gut Microbiota in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

RCTn = 36Gut Health Heart Health Inflammation

Randomized crossover trial with 36 adults with prediabetes and insulin resistance, testing red raspberry and fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation. Red raspberry reduced hepatic insulin resistance and cholesterol levels, while the combination with FOS improved beta-cell function and altered gut microbiota composition.

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2022·Nutricion hospitalaria·Lucía Arcos Castellanos, Bricia López Plaza, Marina Morato Martínez, et al

[Regular consumption of a functional broth enriched with FOS increases the levels of hormones related to satiety in healthy people. A randomized, controlled clinical trial].

RCTn = 18Nutrition

A randomized, controlled clinical trial with 18 participants evaluated the satiating properties of a functional broth enriched with fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The study found that consumption of the broth increased plasma concentrations of hormones related to satiety and reduced body fat percentage, suggesting potential benefits for overweight prevention and treatment.

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2021·Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association·Rachel G Armani, Aluizio B Carvalho, Christiane I Ramos, et al

Effect of fructooligosaccharide on endothelial function in CKD patients: a randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 46Inflammation Heart Health

This double-blind controlled trial evaluated the effect of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in 46 nondialysis CKD patients. FOS significantly decreased IL-6 levels and preserved endothelial function in patients with less severe endothelial dysfunction, but had no effect on arterial stiffness.

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2020·Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)·Lia Silveira Adriano, Ana Paula Dionísio, Fernando Antônio Pinto de Abreu, et al

Acute postprandial effect of yacon syrup ingestion on appetite: A double blind randomized crossover clinical trial.

RCTn = 40

Double-blind crossover clinical trial with 40 adult women to evaluate the acute postprandial effect of yacon syrup ingestion on appetite. No effect of yacon syrup was observed on postprandial ghrelin and GLP-1 levels or on subjective appetite sensations in the total group or after BMI stratification.

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2019·Scientific reports·Disha Tandon, Mohammed Monzoorul Haque, Manoj Gote, et al

A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response relationship study to investigate efficacy of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on human gut microflora.

RCTn = 80Gut Health

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the dose-response relationship of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on gut microbiota in 80 participants. FOS consumption increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and promoted the proliferation of butyrate-producing bacteria, enhancing bacterial diversity.

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2019·PloS one·Ratna Sudha Madempudi, Jayesh J Ahire, Jayanthi Neelamraju, et al

Efficacy of UB0316, a multi-strain probiotic formulation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study.

RCTn = 79Nutrition

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of UB0316, a multi-strain probiotic formulation, in 79 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. UB0316 significantly reduced HbA1c levels and weight compared to placebo, with no severe adverse events reported.

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2019·Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association·Christiane Ishikawa Ramos, Rachel Gatti Armani, Maria Eugenia Fernandes Canziani, et al

Effect of prebiotic (fructooligosaccharide) on uremic toxins of chronic kidney disease patients: a randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 50Gut Health Inflammation -

A double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT investigated the effect of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on uremic toxins in 50 non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients over 3 months. The study found a trend towards reduced serum total and free p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) with FOS, suggesting potential benefits for gut health, though no significant changes were observed in other secondary outcomes.

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2014·The British journal of nutrition·Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar, Narges Soleimani, Einar Ringø

Effects of dietary fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation on the growth performance, haemato-immunological parameters, gut microbiota and stress resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry.

RCTGut Health Immunity Stress

The study investigated the effects of dietary fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation on common carp fry over 7 weeks. FOS supplementation significantly increased the levels of intestinal bacteria, survival rate, and stress resistance, but had no significant effects on growth performance or most haematological parameters.

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2012·Beneficial microbes·Y Vandenplas, S De Hert

Cost/benefit of synbiotics in acute infectious gastroenteritis: spend to save.

RCTn = 111Gut Health

RCT of 111 children with acute infectious gastroenteritis comparing synbiotic food supplement to placebo. The synbiotic group had a median duration of diarrhea 1 day shorter and required less concomitant medication, resulting in reduced healthcare costs despite the supplement's cost.

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2002·The Journal of nutrition·Kelly S Swanson, Christine M Grieshop, Elizabeth A Flickinger, et al

Fructooligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus modify bowel function and protein catabolites excreted by healthy humans.

RCTn = 68Gut Health

RCT with 68 healthy humans to assess the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC) on bowel function and fecal metabolites. FOS decreased fecal ammonia and isovalerate concentrations, while LAC increased fecal indole and phenol concentrations, indicating mixed effects on gut health.

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2019·Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)·Lia Silveira Adriano, Ana Paula Dionísio, Fernando Antônio Pinto de Abreu, et al

Yacon syrup reduces postprandial glycemic response to breakfast: A randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial.

RCTn = 40Nutrition

A randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial with 40 women assessed the effect of yacon syrup on postprandial glucose, insulin, and triglyceride responses. Yacon syrup intake reduced glucose and insulin concentrations compared to placebo, but had no effect on triglyceride levels.

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2018·Nutrients·Daniela da Silva Souza, Soraia Tahan, Thabata Koester Weber, et al

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Parallel Clinical Trial Assessing the Effect of Fructooligosaccharides in Infants with Constipation.

RCTn = 36Gut Health

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the effect of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in infants with constipation. The FOS group showed a higher frequency of softer stools, fewer episodes of straining, shorter bowel transit time, and higher Bifidobacterium counts compared to the control group, indicating significant improvement in symptoms.

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2018·Clinical nutrition ESPEN·Adriane M Machado, Nayara B M da Silva, José Benício P Chaves, et al

Consumption of yacon flour improves body composition and intestinal function in overweight adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

RCTn = 26Physique Gut Health

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of yacon flour consumption on body composition and intestinal function in 26 overweight adults. The study found that yacon flour consumption increased dietary fiber intake, reduced body weight and body fat, and improved bowel function compared to the control group.

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2016·Neurogastroenterology and motility·T N Hustoft, T Hausken, S O Ystad, et al

Effects of varying dietary content of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates on symptoms, fecal microenvironment, and cytokine profiles in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

RCTn = 20Gut Health

RCT investigating the effects of a low-FODMAP diet versus high-fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) supplementation on IBS symptoms, immune activation, gut microbiota, and SCFAs in 20 patients. IBS symptoms improved with a low-FODMAP diet, with more symptom relief reported in the placebo group compared to FOS. FOS increased certain gut bacteria but did not change cytokine or SCFA levels.

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2016·PloS one·E Wilms, J Gerritsen, H Smidt, et al

Effects of Supplementation of the Synbiotic Ecologic® 825/FOS P6 on Intestinal Barrier Function in Healthy Humans: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

RCTn = 20Gut Health -

RCT of 20 healthy adults assessing the effect of two weeks of synbiotic supplementation (Ecologic® 825/FOS P6) on intestinal permeability, immune function, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The synbiotic increased stool frequency but did not affect intestinal permeability, immune function, or gastrointestinal symptoms.

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2016·Journal of clinical gastroenterology·Ricardo Fernandes, Bruna T S Beserra, Michel C Mocellin, et al

Effects of Prebiotic and Synbiotic Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Anthropometric Indices After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Randomized, Triple-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study.

RCTn = 18Inflammation -Physique

This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study investigated the effects of prebiotic (FOS) and synbiotic supplementation on inflammatory markers and anthropometric indices in individuals undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. FOS supplementation increased weight loss, but neither prebiotics nor synbiotics significantly changed inflammatory markers.

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2014·Peritoneal dialysis international : journal of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis·Kulwara Meksawan, Chorsakon Chaotrakul, Napat Leeaphorn, et al

Effects of Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplementation on Constipation in Elderly Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

RCTn = 9Gut Health

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study examined the effects of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation on constipation in elderly continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. FOS significantly increased defecation frequency and improved feces appearance, with no effects on biochemical parameters. Mild discomforts were reported but were well tolerated after dose adjustment.

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2014·Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology·Tsuneyuki Oku, Sadako Nakamura

Evaluation of the relative available energy of several dietary fiber preparations using breath hydrogen evolution in healthy humans.

RCT

The study evaluated the relative available energy (RAE) of 9 major dietary fiber materials using breath hydrogen excretion in healthy humans, with fructooligosaccharide (FOS) as a reference. The RAE was assessed based on the area under the curve of breath hydrogen excretion, suggesting that a breath hydrogen collection period of 14 hours or more could be used to measure RAE for a range of fiber preparations in vivo.

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2010·Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)·Chi-Hua Yen, Yi-Wen Kuo, Yun-Hua Tseng, et al

Beneficial effects of fructo-oligosaccharides supplementation on fecal bifidobacteria and index of peroxidation status in constipated nursing-home residents--a placebo-controlled, diet-controlled trial.

RCTn = 10Gut Health Inflammation Heart Health

This placebo-controlled, diet-controlled trial assessed the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) supplementation on fecal bifidobacteria, lipid peroxidation index, and nutritional status in constipated nursing-home residents. FOS increased fecal bifidobacteria output and decreased plasma TBARS and cholesterol concentrations, with effects sustained after withdrawal.

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