058: Comparative Analysis of Oligosaccharide Composition in Two Fructooligosaccharide Sources: Short Chain vs. Inulin-Derived

Introduction

Prebiotics are increasingly recognized in the development of functional foods, driven by consumer interest in using food to improve health. As beneficial compounds for gut health, prebiotics can positively influence overall well-being, including mood, sleep quality, and immune function. Oligosaccharides, particularly fructooligosaccharides (FOS), have gained popularity as prebiotics. Commercially available FOS often comprise complex mixtures with varied oligosaccharide profiles. The Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) has published a Fructooligosaccharides, Short Chain (scFOS) monograph. scFOS are indigestible carbohydrates synthesized from sucrose and fructose. Recently, a new monograph, Fructooligosaccharides from Inulin, was proposed in the June 2024 FCC Forum. Produced by a partial hydrolysis of inulin, this FOS variant contains a broader array of oligomers compared to scFOS, leading to distinct carbohydrate profiles and necessitating separate monographs.

Methods

Oligosaccharides with varying degrees of polymerization (DP) are separated using high performance liquid chromatography with refractive index (HPLC-RI) detection. scFOS separation is achieved using a hydrophilic column with an aminopropylsilane-bonded silica gel, while FOS from inulin is separated via two connected cation-exchange resin columns. Identification of saccharides is based on either matching retention times with known standards or using approximate relative retention times (RRTs) as outlined in the monographs. Total fructooligosaccharide content is quantified by summing individual oligosaccharide components.

Results

The assay acceptance criteria for total fructooligosaccharide content are similar between the two FOS types. The primary oligomers in scFOS are the trimer (DP3) and tetramer (DP4), comprising over 90% of the total oligosaccharide content. In contrast, FOS from inulin displays a more diverse profile, with a significant presence of higher DP oligomers. For example, scFOS contains less than 5% pentamers (DP5) and FOS from inulin includes over 30% of oligomers ranging from DP5 to DP10. This difference is visually observed in the chromatograms of the two ingredients.

Significance

The establishment of specific standards for scFOS and FOS from inulin is crucial in ensuring ingredient identity and authenticity, supporting the quality and reliability of prebiotic formulations.

Author: Chamali Kodikara, Dainna Drul, Nandika Bandara, Sheryl A. Tittlemier