Fructan: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:02, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Fructans are a group of naturally occurring carbohydrates composed of chains of fructose molecules. They are found in a variety of plants and serve as a storage form of energy. Fructans are classified based on the length of their fructose chains, with the most common types being inulin and oligofructose.

Structure[edit]

Fructans are polymers of fructose units, typically linked by _(2_1) glycosidic bonds. The degree of polymerization (DP) can vary, with inulin having a DP ranging from 2 to 60 or more. The structure of fructans can influence their solubility and digestibility.

Sources[edit]

Fructans are found in a wide range of plants, including wheat, onion, garlic, banana, and chicory. Inulin, a well-known fructan, is particularly abundant in chicory root and is often extracted for use as a dietary supplement and food ingredient.

Function[edit]

In plants, fructans serve as a reserve carbohydrate, providing energy during periods of low photosynthetic activity. They also play a role in osmoregulation, helping plants to tolerate drought and cold conditions.

Health Implications[edit]

Fructans are considered a type of dietary fiber and have been associated with various health benefits. They are prebiotics, meaning they promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. However, some individuals, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may experience digestive discomfort when consuming high amounts of fructans.

Industrial Uses[edit]

Inulin and other fructans are used in the food industry as fat replacers, texture enhancers, and to improve the nutritional profile of products. They are also used in the production of low-calorie sweeteners.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Fructan''' is a type of [[carbohydrate]] composed of a chain of [[fructose]] molecules. Fructans are found in a variety of plants, including [[wheat]], [[onion]], [[garlic]], and [[agave]]. They are also used as a food ingredient due to their prebiotic effects.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Fructan}}
-== Structure and Types ==
+== Overview ==
+[[File:Inulin_strukturformel.svg|thumb|right|Structural formula of inulin, a type of fructan.]]
+'''Fructans''' are a group of naturally occurring carbohydrates composed of chains of [[fructose]] molecules. They are found in a variety of plants and serve as a storage form of energy. Fructans are classified based on the length of their fructose chains, with the most common types being inulin and oligofructose.
-Fructans are polymers of fructose, with a terminal [[glucose]] molecule. They are classified based on their linkage type into inulin, levan, and graminan. [[Inulin]] is the most common type and is characterized by beta (2-1) linkages. [[Levan]] fructans have beta (2-6) linkages, while [[graminan]] fructans have both types of linkages.
+== Structure ==
+Fructans are polymers of fructose units, typically linked by _(2_1) glycosidic bonds. The degree of polymerization (DP) can vary, with inulin having a DP ranging from 2 to 60 or more. The structure of fructans can influence their solubility and digestibility.
 == Sources ==
+Fructans are found in a wide range of plants, including [[wheat]], [[onion]], [[garlic]], [[banana]], and [[chicory]]. Inulin, a well-known fructan, is particularly abundant in chicory root and is often extracted for use as a dietary supplement and food ingredient.
-Fructans are found in a variety of plants. Some of the richest sources include wheat, onion, garlic, and agave. They are also found in significant amounts in [[barley]], [[rye]], [[Jerusalem artichoke]], and [[asparagus]].
+== Function ==
+In plants, fructans serve as a reserve carbohydrate, providing energy during periods of low photosynthetic activity. They also play a role in osmoregulation, helping plants to tolerate drought and cold conditions.
-== Health Effects ==
+== Health Implications ==
+Fructans are considered a type of [[dietary fiber]] and have been associated with various health benefits. They are prebiotics, meaning they promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the [[gut microbiome]]. However, some individuals, particularly those with [[irritable bowel syndrome]] (IBS), may experience digestive discomfort when consuming high amounts of fructans.
-Fructans are considered [[prebiotics]], as they are not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract and reach the colon intact, where they are fermented by the gut microbiota. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, which have various health benefits, including improving gut health and immune function.
+== Industrial Uses ==
+Inulin and other fructans are used in the food industry as fat replacers, texture enhancers, and to improve the nutritional profile of products. They are also used in the production of low-calorie sweeteners.
-However, some people may have difficulty digesting fructans, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. This condition is known as [[fructose malabsorption]].
-== Use in Food Industry ==
-Due to their prebiotic effects, fructans are used as a food ingredient in products such as yogurt, bread, and cereal. They can also be used to replace fat or sugar in food products, as they provide a sweet taste and creamy texture.
-== See Also ==
+== Related pages ==
 * [[Carbohydrate]]
-* [[Fructose]]
+* [[Dietary fiber]]
-* [[Inulin]]
 * [[Prebiotic (nutrition)]]
-* [[Fructose malabsorption]]
+* [[Gut microbiome]]
 [[Category:Carbohydrates]]
-[[Category:Nutrition]]
+[[Category:Dietary fibers]]
-[[Category:Food science]]
-{{carbohydrate-stub}}