FOS are short-chain fructose polymers (2-10 units) that selectively feed Bifidobacterium. Found in chicory root, garlic, onion, asparagus. Dose: 5-10g/day increases Bifidobacterium 5-10x within 2 weeks. More selective than inulin (which FOS is a subset of). GI tolerance: start at 3g/day — gas/bloating common initially. Synergy with calcium (FOS increases calcium absorption by 20% via SCFA-mediated pH reduction in colon). --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.