Fructan

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.

Structure and Types

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.

Sources

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.

Health Effects

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.

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

• Carbohydrate
• Fructose
• Inulin
• Prebiotic (nutrition)
• Fructose malabsorption

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