Abstract
This work aimed to present the fundamentals on fructooligosaccharides (FOS), their methods of production, stability in processed foods and nutritional aspects. FOS are natural carbohydrates present in several species of plants, composed by 2 to 10 monomers of saccharides. In addition to the natural obtaining, which occurs through extraction in vegetable sources, these carbohydrates can be obtained by the enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin, carried out by inulinases, or further synthesized from sucrose residues. The FOS are stable in the majority of food processes, undergoing major degradation in thermal processes involving high temperature and/or extreme pH. This characteristic favors the industrialization of products rich in FOS and the addition of these compounds as ingredients. These groups of carbohydrates have gained more and more prominence in the last years due to the capacity to perform various functions beneficial to the organism, since they are considered as prebiotics and soluble fibers. The intake of FOS is associated with reduced risk of colon cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and increased absorption of some minerals. In addition, they are characterized by good sensory acceptance, solubility and water retention capacity. However, consumption should be moderate, because in large portions can cause some discomfort to the individual, such as flatulence.
Keywords:
Oligosaccharides; Prebiotics; Soluble fiber; Healthiness; Functional foods; Technological properties
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