Gastrointestinal Tolerance of Short-Chain Fructo-Oligosaccharides from Sugar Beet: An Observational, Connected, Dose-Ranging Study in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

Dietary fibres are important in the human diet with multiple health benefits. This study aimed to determine the gastrointestinal tolerance of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS), well-known prebiotic fibres, at doses up to 40 g/d. An observational, connected, dose-ranging trial was conducted in 116 healthy volunteers. During the first week, the participants were instructed to consume their usual diet. During the second week, half of the subjects consumed 15 g scFOS per day, and the other half consumed 20 g scFOS per day. For the third week, the scFOS dose was doubled for all subjects. Gastrointestinal symptom severity was reported daily, as well as stool consistency and frequency. The results show that scFOS are well tolerated up to 40 g/d; all reported symptoms remained very mild from a clinical perspective. Stool consistency stayed normal, between 3 and 5 on the Bristol stool scale, confirming that no diarrhoea appeared after scFOS intake. Stool frequency also remained within the normal range. In conclusion, scFOS intake is well tolerated up to 40 g/d in healthy subjects. Thanks to their short chains and unique composition, scFOS prebiotic fibres are much better tolerated than other types of inulin-type fructans with longer chains. The digestive tolerance of fibres should be considered when added to foods and beverages.