Fructo Oligosaccharide (FOS)
Fructo-Oligosaccharide (FOS) typically refers to short chain oligosaccharide comprised of D-Fructose and D-glucose, containing 3 to 5 monosaccharide units, Similar molecules are obtained by partial enzymatic hydrolysis on inulins. These are called oligosaccharide. FOS is also called Neo sugar or short chain FOS (scFOSO and are produced on a commercial scale from sucrose using Fructosyltansferase enzyme.
It is 0.8 times sweeter than Sugar and contributes less than 1calorie / gm i.e.0.25 times of sugar.
FOS is comprised of one molecule of D-glucose in the terminal position and 2 to 4 D-Fructose units, The linkage between fructose units in FOS is a beta (2-1) glycosidic link.
Taste like honey but low calorie
FOS looks like honey and taste like honey but resistant to digestion in the stomach and small intestine and hence contribute very low calorie to the body. FOS is considered non digestible oligosaccharides. But they are fermented by a limited number of colonic bacteria which is good for health.
FOS works everywhere!
The excellent stability and quality taste of FOS means you can use it in a wide range of foods and beverages. Tests show it doesn't interact with any commonly used food ingredients and because it' s unaffected by ethanol, it's also suitable for use in alcoholic drinks. FOS can be used everywhere. It has been approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by USFDA.
Good for Diabetic
Fermented milk product containing FOS significantly lowers LDL Cholesterol levels in humans with borderline elevated levels of serum total cholesterol. Other studies have credited FOS with lowering both cholesterol and triglyceride levels. FOS has been shown to lower hepatic lipogenesis. There is experimental evidence that FOS inhibit colon cancer. In an experiment FOS were said to "dramatically" reduce the incidence of colon tumors for both familial adenomatous polyposis and sporadic colon cancers.
FOS acts as Dietary Fibre
FOS improves the microbial ecology of the gut and protects against some bacterial pathogens, particularly in the large intestine. FOS selectively stimulates the growth of Bifidobacteria and also has many of the actions and benefits of Dietary fibers.
Improves metal absorption in the body
FOS has also been shown to increase calcium and magnesium absorption and improves elimination of toxic compound in body, FOS overall plays very vital role in rejuvenation, improving strength, stamina, energy level and contribute for fit and healthy life.
Prebiotic
FOS promotes the growth of Beneficial bacteria in the colon which helps in boosting immunity level and also called as Prebiotics. In vitro tests have found that FOS is excellent and selective growth media and energy substrates for Bifidus bacteria. These bacteria have been shown to inhibit the development of a number of harmful bacteria.
Functional Properties of 'SWEETOSTM,
Fructo - Oligosaccharides, due to their short chain oligomers exhibit distinct functional properties like:
Solubility in cold water
Water binding capacity - contributes to viscosity
Binding and texture
Smooth creamy fat like mouth feel
Freezing point depression
Health benefits due to its Probiotic effect
Applications of 'SWEETOSTM, in processed foods
Breads, Cakes, Cookies and Baked Goods.
White bread can be enriched with dietary fibre through the use of FOS. Its water binding capacity affects the dough viscosity.
Dairy and Dairy- like : Yogurt, milk drinks, Ice Creams, Rice Milk Drinks, Soy Milk Drinks.
FOS extract improves the texture and mouth feel of low-Fat yogurts.
Affords high fibre levels without affecting appearance and viscosity of dairy products.
Prebiotic effect and improved bio -availability of minerals such as calcium.
FOS allows for fat and sugar replacement in ice cream formulations, delivering both technological as well as nutritional benefits, such as:
Low Calorie content.
Mouth feel: FOS contributes to a fat-like mouth feel and keeps the ice crystals small.
Cereals & Cereal Bars: In extruded cereals FOS helps to substantially increase the fibre content of products.
SWEETOSTM can replace sugar in Sweetmeats like Soanpappdi, Ladoo, Peda, Jalebi, Gulabjam, Burfi, etc., giving same taste like sugar with lesser calories.
Labeling
We recommend including Sucralose and Fructo Oligosaccarides in the ingredient declaration on the labels of finished foods and beverages. Since it is a natural sweetener made from sugar, it can be included on the label in place of sugar.
FOS complies with the Codex Alimentarius and AOAC definition of dietary fiber and therefore can be included as fiber in the nutritional label of the product.
Food Safety
The large number of published safety data supports the conclusion that the intake of Sucralose or Fruto Oligosaccharides would not be expected to cause adverse effects in humans under the conditions of its intended use in food.
Safe for People with Diabetes
Blood glucose levels and insulin production rise very minimally after products containing FOS are eaten, compared with sugar and glucose. This has been demonstrated in numerous studies. Thus 'SWEETOSTM is safe for consumption by Diabetics, after proper consultation with a medical practitioner about his/her treatment modality and condition.