Raffinose

Raffinose is a complex carbohydrate, or trisaccharide, composed of galactose, glucose, and fructose. It can be found in a variety of plants and seeds, including beans, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, other vegetables, and whole grains. Raffinose is also present in lower amounts in certain fruits and vegetables, and in higher amounts in certain seeds, grains, and legumes.

Structure and Properties

Raffinose is a trisaccharide composed of three monosaccharides: galactose, glucose, and fructose. It is a white crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water. The molecule is a member of the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs), which also includes stachyose and verbascose.

Sources

Raffinose is found in a wide variety of plants and seeds. It is particularly abundant in beans, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, other vegetables, and whole grains. Raffinose is also present in lower amounts in certain fruits and vegetables, and in higher amounts in certain seeds, grains, and legumes.

Health Effects

Raffinose is not digestible by humans because the human body does not produce the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, which is necessary to break down raffinose into its component sugars. As a result, consumption of foods high in raffinose can lead to flatulence and bloating. However, some studies suggest that raffinose may have prebiotic effects, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

See Also

• Oligosaccharide
• Trisaccharide
• Galactose
• Glucose
• Fructose
• Alpha-galactosidase

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