Explore the benefits of functional oligosaccharides in foods for digestive health, immune support, and as natural sweeteners and preservatives.

Oligosaccharides, defined as carbohydrates composed of 2-10 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds, are also known as oligomers or oligosugars. They can be categorized into conventional oligosaccharides, which can be directly digested and absorbed by the body (such as sucrose, lactose, maltose, maltotriose, etc.), and functional oligosaccharides. Functional oligosaccharides, consisting of linear or branched chains of monosaccharides, cannot be broken down by the upper digestive tract. They exert unique physiological functions in the intestines to maintain host health. Compared to sucrose, they offer advantages in taste, moisture stability, viscosity, solubility, and acid stability, with a sweetness only 30%-60% that of sucrose. Common examples include isomaltose, cottonseed sugar, isomaltooligosaccharide, lactulose, fructooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharides, and others.

Physiological Functions of Oligosaccharides:

• Regulate intestinal flora and maintain the intestinal environment. Oligosaccharides stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, thus improving the intestinal microecology and preventing colorectal cancer. Studies show that bifidobacteria can produce short-chain fatty acids like acetate and lactate from oligosaccharides, promoting intestinal movement and increasing stool moisture. A daily intake of 6-12g of functional oligosaccharides can relieve constipation within a week.
• Enhance the absorption of vitamins in the intestines. As a proliferation factor for beneficial gut bacteria, functional oligosaccharides promote the synthesis of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, and niacin, ensuring a supply of these vitamins.
• Improve the absorption of mineral elements in the small intestine. Functional oligosaccharides, resistant to breakdown by enzymes in the mouth and stomach, can enhance the solubility and absorption of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron by reducing the intestinal pH through the metabolic activities of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Enhance immune and anti-cancer capabilities. Studies have shown that oligosaccharides can delay the absorption of antigens, enhancing the body’s antibody response. Some oligosaccharides also enhance the efficacy of immunomedicines and antigen immunity, strengthening the body’s immune functions.
• Reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Oligosaccharides promote the growth of bifidobacteria, whose metabolites bind with bile acids to reduce cholesterol synthesis. Additionally, research indicates a negative correlation between systolic blood pressure and the proportion of bifidobacteria in feces, suggesting that functional oligosaccharides can effectively lower blood pressure.
• Prevent dental caries. Mutans streptococci cannot utilize functional oligosaccharides, thus their application in oral care can inhibit the synthesis and adhesion of insoluble glucans, preventing dental plaque formation.
• Anti-inflammatory activity. Inflammation is a defense response to external irritants, beneficial in moderation. However, excessive inflammation can lead to inflammatory diseases. Functional oligosaccharide formulations can alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by regulating inflammation markers.

Applications of Oligosaccharides in Functional Foods:

• As sweeteners and natural preservatives in food processing, meeting the needs of individuals who require low-sugar diets, such as those with diabetes or obesity.
• In infant formula, oligosaccharides, replicating those found in human milk, support the development of a healthy intestinal environment and immune system for infants who cannot be breastfed.
• In elderly formula, to improve digestive, metabolic, and excretory functions, and enhance calcium absorption, reducing the risk of diseases and osteoporosis.
• During pregnancy, to support maternal intestinal health and nutrient absorption, and manage gestational weight, hypertension, and diabetes.
• In weight management and health foods, as a low-calorie sweetener that does not spike blood sugar, promoting fat metabolism and energy release.

Oligosaccharides in Other Fields:

• As alternatives to antibiotics in animal feed, to maintain animal health without contributing to antibiotic resistance or harmful residues.
• In agriculture, as a safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, addressing issues like pesticide residues and pest resistance.

For broader application in food, feed, and agriculture, it’s crucial to establish a comprehensive safety evaluation system for functional oligosaccharides, characterize their structural features, and understand the relationship between structure and function to standardize and commercialize these products effectively.

Discover ETprotein’s Rice Protein

In your journey towards a healthier lifestyle, consider integrating ETprotein’s premium rice protein into your diet. As a natural complement to the benefits of functional oligosaccharides, our rice protein offers a plant-based, allergen-free protein source, perfect for enhancing nutrition in any meal. Its high digestibility and neutral taste make it an excellent choice for those looking to support muscle growth, weight management, and overall health. Embrace the synergy of oligosaccharides and rice protein with ETprotein, and take a step forward in achieving your wellness goals.

About ETprotein:

ETprotein, a reputable rice protein Chinese factory manufacturer and supplier, is renowned for producing, stocking, exporting, and delivering the highest quality organic bulk vegan protein and plant proteins. They include Organic rice protein, clear rice protein, pea protein, clear pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, sunflower seed protein, mung bean protein, etc. Our offerings, characterized by a neutral taste, non-GMO, allergen-free attributes, cater to a diverse range of industries. We serve nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, veterinary, as well as food and beverage finished product distributors, traders, and manufacturers across Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Brazil, and Chile, among others.

Our specialization includes exporting and delivering tailor-made protein powder and finished nutritional supplements. Our extensive product range covers sectors like Food and Beverage, Sports Nutrition, Weight Management, Dietary Supplements, Health and Wellness Products, and Infant Formula, ensuring comprehensive solutions to meet all your protein needs.

As a trusted company by leading global food and beverage brands and Fortune 500 companies, ETprotein reinforces China’s reputation in the global arena. For more information or to sample our products, please contact us and email sales(at)ETprotein.com today.