This product consists of a special carbohydrate called Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), a form of soluble fibre, which is found in many vegetables such as chicory and onions. When you take FOS, it passes through your digestive system undigested until it reaches your bowel where the friendly bacteria use it as a food source. The result is a rapid growth in the ‘friendly’ bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species. This is what is called the ‘prebiotic’ effect, and as the friendly beneficial bacteria multiply, the harmful pathogenic bacteria and yeasts are suppressed. This leads to better bowel tone, more regular movements and a reduction in digestive ‘upsets’.
After just 2 weeks of taking 8g of FOS daily, research has shown that FOS can significantly increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut by up to 10 times. This is why many researchers working in this area believe that prebiotic products are greatly undervalued compared to the popularity of probiotics.
FOS is extracted from chicory roots and is suitable for all ages, including children and pregnant woman, as well as those on yeast-free diets and those on medication, and can be used on a long term basis. It is a sweet soluble powder that can be mixed in to cold or hot drinks, sprinkled on cereals or eaten of the spoon.
Daily intake: 2.5g to 10g
A soluble white powder.
Nutrition Information:
|
per 100g |
per 20g |
|
| Energy |
646kJ/152kcal |
126kJ/30kcal |
|
| Protein |
0g |
0g |
|
| Carbohydrate (Fructo-oligosaccharides) |
95g |
19g |
|
| Fat |
0g |
0g |
|
Suitable for vegetarians.
(1 heaped teaspoon = 5g)
This product may be used in one of two ways: (i) At low doses FOS acts as a prebiotic (bowel-‘conditioner’) and (ii) At larger doses FOS conditions the bowel and also helps maintain regularity.
Prebiotic dose
(bowel‘conditioner’): Initial Dose: Maintenaince Dose:
Adults: 5g 10g
Children 4 years & up: 2.5g 5g
To condition the bowel
and help maintain
regularity : Initial 3 day Dose: Normal Full Dose: Max Daily Dose:
Adults: 5g Try 15g 20g
Children 4 years & up: 2.5g Try 5g 10g
Dissolve in hot drinks or sprinkle onto cereal. Alternatively simply take it ‘off the spoon’. Be sure to drink at least 2 litres of fluids a day.
Cautions
If any of these intake levels cause excessive flatulence then reduce the dose and gradually build up. The flatulence is a positive sign that FOS has reached the bowel and is feeding your ‘friendly’ bacteria. As the bacteria consume FOS a gas is produced which can lead to some flatulence at first however after a few days this will disappear as further ‘friendly’ bacteria develop and absorb the gases. For intakes over 10g (or 5g in children); dividing the intake into 2 daily doses 1 at each end of the day will help reduce flatulence.
FOS may cause temporary bloating. This is a short-term effect and once your system ‘speeds up’ the bloating will disappear. If bloating continues for more than 3 days then reduce the daily intake of FOS.
Storage instructions
To be stored in a cool dry place and protected from light.
