Inulin and fructooligo-saccharides (FOS) are soluble prebiotic fibers that promote intestinal and general health through their fermentation by intestinal flora to produce important metabolites, including lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids acetate, propionate, and butyrate.
These metabolites help maintain proper pH in the gut, discourage the growth of unfriendly bacteria, and increase the solubility of dietary calcium. In addition, acetate, propionate, and butyrate promote the integrity of the intestinal cells that line the colon and can promote healthy lipid metabolism.
