Category Archives: Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)

The Post-Antibiotic Era: Probiotics and Predatory Bacteria

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Robert Barrington

It is undeniable that the advent of antibiotics saved a large number of lives of people who would otherwise have died of bacterial infection. Penicillin was the first widely available antibiotic, but since this time a large number of antibiotics … Continue reading →

Posted in Bacteria, Fibre, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Garlic, Prebiotics, Probiotics | Comments Off on The Post-Antibiotic Era: Probiotics and Predatory Bacteria

Gut Instinct: The Gut-Liver Axis

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Robert Barrington

The gut-liver axis describes the physiological links between the gut and the liver and how one affects the other. In this regard the health of the gut has a direct influence on the health of the liver and vice versa. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bacteria, Bifidobacteria, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Galacto-oligosaccharides, Gut Health, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Prebiotics, Probiotics | Comments Off on Gut Instinct: The Gut-Liver Axis

Anatomy of A Bean: On The Nutritional Composition of Legumes

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Legumes or are the fruits or pod of plant belonging to the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. The seeds within such pods can be harvested and dried, and the resultant product is called a pulse or grain legume. Because they are not … Continue reading →

Posted in Amylase, Amylase Inhibitors, Beans, Fibre, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Galacto-oligosaccharides, Glycaemia, Peanut, Phytic Acid, Polyphenols, Pulses / Legumes, Soy, Tannins, Weight Loss | Comments Off on Anatomy of A Bean: On The Nutritional Composition of Legumes

Gut Health And Metabolic Syndrome

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Robert Barrington

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of disorders that includes aberrations to blood sugar control, lipid imbalances, abdominal obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance and reduced force output from skeletal muscle. The cause of the metabolic syndrome is thought to result from … Continue reading →

Posted in Bacteria, Cholesterol, Fibre, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Galacto-oligosaccharides, HDL, Insulin, Metabolic Syndrome | Comments Off on Gut Health And Metabolic Syndrome

Lipopolysaccharides

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Robert Barrington

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are a component of Gram-negative bacteria (e.g. bacteroides) that have been implicated in triggering low grade inflammation. Reducing Gram-negative bacteria (by increasing Gram-positive strains; i.e. bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) may therefore reduce inflammation. Fibre such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and … Continue reading →

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Arabinoxylan Oligosaccharides: Beneficial Sugars?

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Robert Barrington

Arabinoxylan (AX) is a major hemicellulose fibre component of cereal grains, which makes up around 15 to 30 % of the bran layer and around 1 to 3 % of the endosperm. The polysaccharide is a copolymer of the pentose … Continue reading →

Posted in Arabinoxylan Oligosaccharides, Colonic Microflora, Fibre, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Galacto-oligosaccharides | Comments Off on Arabinoxylan Oligosaccharides: Beneficial Sugars?

Arabino-xylooligosaccharides as Prebiotics?

Posted on December 25, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates, that are able to act as a food source for colonic microorganisms and favourably influence populations of beneficial bacteria. Fructooligsaccharides (FOS) have been extensively studied for their prebiotic effects and beneficial properties have been reported. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in Colonic Microflora, Fibre, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Immune System | Comments Off on Arabino-xylooligosaccharides as Prebiotics?

Fructo-oligosaccharides and Calcium Absorption

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are non-digestible plant components that comprise of fructose residues linked by β(2-1), creating fructosyl to fructose chains of various lengths. Fructo-oligosaccharides are classed as fructans, and if the polymerisation increases further, inulin is formed. Because FOS are not … Continue reading →

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The Downside of High Protein Diets

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Evidence suggests that high protein diets are effective at aiding weight loss. The mechanisms by which increased dietary protein may decrease body weight include improved postprandial satiety and better control of insulin and glucose levels. During periods of intense exercise, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fibre, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Galacto-oligosaccharides, Phenolic Acids, Protein, Short Chain Fatty Acids | Comments Off on The Downside of High Protein Diets

Fructooligosaccharide Metabolism

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are short chain di-, tri- and polysaccharides that are composed of a glucose unit bonded to between 1 and 4 β(1-2) linked fructose units. A number of plant foods contain FOS (e.g. onion, leek, asparagus, garlic and artichoke) … Continue reading →

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