Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Synopsis: Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are non-digestible oligosaccharides considered prebiotics, which means they can selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The interest in XOS for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is based on emerging scientific research exploring the gut microbiome’s role in metabolic health. Multiple animal studies have demonstrated that XOS supplementation can modulate gut microbiota, increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and improve markers of MetS, including body weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. Early human clinical trials provide preliminary support: for instance, a small number of short-term studies have reported modest improvements in fasting glucose, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers in individuals at risk for MetS upon XOS supplementation.

However, the evidence in humans remains limited, with small sample sizes and short durations. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews acknowledge potential but call for larger, long-term studies to confirm clinical efficacy and safety. Unlike some other compounds, XOS does not have a foundation in traditional medicine for treating MetS; its use is driven by modern nutritional science and gut microbiome research. In summary, while there is promising scientific rationale and preliminary data supporting XOS for metabolic health, the overall evidence is moderate and not yet conclusive, thus meriting a rating of "2" on the evidence scale.

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Products containing xylooligosaccharides

Vitabase 7 Day Colon Cleanse
Pure Encapsulations Poly-Prebiotic Powder
Designs For Health PrebioMed™ XOS
Vitabase Probiotic Blend
Pure Encapsulations PureLean® Fiber