FOS can be found naturally in fruit and vegetable extracts such as chicory, and can help to promote gastrointestinal health. Dietary FOS cannot be digested by the small intestine and reaches the large intestine structurally unchanged, where it is metabolised by the friendly gut bacteria to form short-chain fatty acids.
The short-chain fatty acids produced by this process in the gastrointestinal tract stimulate mucosal and cell growth within the small intestine. By feeding and supporting the bacteria in the gut, FOS is beneficial for digestive health.
FOS may also help to reduce stool odour by reducing the number of unpleasant smelling compounds (e.g ammonia) in the faeces.