Probiotics with FOS

FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES (FOS)

Natren has taken a strong stand against the use of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in probiotics since we introduced our own line of probiotics in early 1980 and our position has not changed since then. We have formulated all Natren products so that they retain the supernatant. Since the supernatant already provides specifically designed food for the beneficial bacteria in Natren probiotics, there is no need to add fillers such as FOS. There are many other reasons why we would never add FOS to our products and why we do not advocate their use.

What are fructooligosaccharides and how are they produced?
Fructooligosaccharides are a class of simple carbohydrates found naturally in plants like the Jerusalem artichoke. Extracting FOS from the heart of the Jerusalem artichoke yields natural FOS at up to 70 per cent. However, a Japanese chemical process uses the action of a fungal enzyme to turn white, bleached cane sugar into an artificial FOS resulting in a 98% yield. Since a 98% yield is commercially more attractive, virtually all FOS added to probiotic products in the U.S. are produced by this artificial process.
Known in Japan as Meioligo and in the scientific literature as Neosugar, FOS are used in that country as artificial sweetening agents primarily because the human body cannot digest them; therefore, they add no calories to one’s diet. They are also used as flavor enhancers, bulking agents and humectants. They are added to some Japanese health foods to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the lower gastrointestinal tract. In Japan, FOS is primarily used as a low calorie sucrose replacement in cookies, cakes, bread, candies, drinks, health foods and dairy products.
In 1990, a U.S. company submitted a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) petition for FOS as a human food ingredient. I have not seen any updates on this petition. It would be far too dangerous and costly for them to challenge the established artificial sweetener market; therefore, the probiotic market was chosen as an easier non-threatening way to introduce FOS into the U.S. food chain. Several years of safe FOS food sales are helpful getting U.S. approval for the GRAS petition to use FOS as a human food ingredient. The health food industry provides an ideal test market.
With this in mind, Natren has chosen to keep FOS out of all its products for these reasons:

1. Commercially produced FOS is derived from cane sugar. Probiotics are meant to help the body maintain proper levels of yeast and since yeast like sugar/sugar derivatives, why would anyone take a supplement that contains a sugar derivative? The FOS could easily influence the growth of yeast and counteract any help the probiotics might provide.

2. Chemically manufactured FOS is not natural and we consider it a chemical additive. Because the substance is not natural, it may pose danger, toxicologically.

3. The stability of FOS is poor. The industrial production of purified natural FOS is a problem and still in the developmental stage.

4. FOS is inert in the mouth and small intestine because it is not digestible (similar to the fat olestra). It is digested in the colon by the bacteria and may, therefore, change the metabolic activity of the colon resulting in abnormal functions.

5. Safety on the usage of FOS is an issue. Consumption of FOS causes intestinal problems and produces adverse effects such as fullness (bloating), abdominal pain and meteorism (production of copious amounts of gas) according to a study conducted by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the Food and Agricultural Organization and World Health Organization (FAO/WHO).

6. FOS stimulates the growth of klebsiella and possibly other pathogenic organisms. In one study, Klebsiella was found to be associated with the autoimmune disease known as ankylosing spondylitis.

7. FOS is known to be species specific as well as strain specific (not all beneficial bacteria are compatible with FOS). You have to know if the bacteria will be able to use FOS as nourishment, and if the FOS will stimulate the growth of the particular bacteria present in the product. Why should the manufacturer include FOS in their product if they cannot prove that the bacteria will utilize it?