Evidence supporting the use of: Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS)
For the health condition: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are short-chain prebiotic fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria. Their use in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is primarily based on the modulation of the gut microbiota, as dysbiosis is thought to contribute to IBS symptoms. Several small clinical trials and some systematic reviews have explored the effects of prebiotics, including FOS, in IBS patients. The findings are mixed: while some studies demonstrate modest improvements in symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and stool consistency, others show little to no benefit, and some patients experience worsening of symptoms, especially at higher doses due to increased gas production. A 2016 systematic review (Wilson et al., 2016, Aliment Pharmacol Ther) found that low doses of prebiotics like FOS may improve IBS symptoms, but higher doses often exacerbate symptoms. The evidence base is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity of study design, and variability in the types and doses of prebiotics studied. Current clinical guidelines do not universally recommend FOS for IBS, but they may be considered in selected patients, especially those with constipation-predominant IBS. In summary, the use of FOS for IBS has some scientific grounding, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent, justifying a moderate evidence rating. FOS may help some IBS patients, but can worsen symptoms in others, particularly when consumed in large amounts.
More about Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS)
More about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Other ingredients used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
2'-Fucosyllactoseakkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
alpha-pinene
amino acids
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
Indian frankincense
butyrate triglyceride
chen pi
chia seed
chlorella
cinnamon
turmeric
curcumin
fennel
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
ginger
green banana
green tea
guar gum
cellulose
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lovage
marshmallow
oat
pectin
peppermint oil
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
butyric acid
psyllium
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
vitamin D
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
hyssop
atractylodes
ferula assafoetida
anise
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
chrysanthemum
senna
white oak
algae
Agastache
Asafoetida
Alexandrian senna
Agrimonia pilosa
Betony
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Boswellia
Bacillus licheniformis
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Cumin
Coriander
Citron
Cannabidiol
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Enterococcus
Enzyme Blend
Fig
Fiber
Quince
Rhubarb
Other health conditions supported by Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS)
Cholesterol (high)Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome