Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Oligosaccharides in Food and Agriculture

  • Reference work entry
Glycoscience

Abstract

Oligosaccharides are an integral part of the daily diet for humans and animals. They are primarily used for their nutritional properties, however they are currently receiving much attention due to their physiological effect on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Galacto‑oligosaccharides and the fructan‐type oligosaccharides, namely FOS and inulin are well established as beneficial to the host and are classified as prebiotic based on data from clinical studies. These compounds dominate this sector of the market, although there are oligosaccharides emerging which have produced very interesting in vitro results in terms of prebiotic status and human trials are required to strengthen the claim. Such compounds include pectic oligosaccharides, gluco‐oligosaccharides, gentio‐oligosaccharides, kojio‐oligosaccharides, and alternan oligosaccharides. The raw materials for production of these prebiotic compounds are derived from natural sources such as plants but also from by products of the food processing industry. In addition to being prebiotic these compounds can be incorporated into foodstuffs due to the physiochemical properties they possess.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

DGGE:

denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

FAB-MS:

fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

NMR:

nuclear magnetic resonance

qRT-PCR:

quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction

SCFA:

short chain fatty acids

References

  1. Olano-Martin E, Mountzouris KC, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2001) J Food Sci 66:966

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Mountzouris KC, Gilmour SG, Rastall RA (2002) J Food Sci 67:1767

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Barreteau H, Delattre C, Michaud P (2006) Food Technol Biotechnol 44:323

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Monsan P, Paul F (1995) FEMS Microbiol Rev 16:187

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Gibson GR, Berry Ottaway P, Rastall RA (2000) Prebiotics: New Developments in Functional Foods. Chandos Publishing Limited, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  6. Gibson GR, Roberfroid MB (1995) J Nutr 125:1401

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Gibson GR, Willems A, Reading S, Collins MD (1996) Proc Nutr Soc 55:899

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Finegold SM, Sutter VL, Mathisen GE (1983) Normal indigenous intestinal flora. In: Hentges DJ (ed) Human Intestinal Microflora in Health and Disease. Academic Press, London, p 3

    Google Scholar 

  9. Conway PL (1995) Microbial ecology of the human large intestine. In: Gibson GR, Macfarlane GT (eds) Human Colonic Bacteria: Role in Nutrition, Physiology and Pathology. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, p 1

    Google Scholar 

  10. Rastall RA, Gibson GE, Gill HS, Guamer F, Klaenhammer TR, Pot B, Reid G, Rowland IR, Sanders ME (2005) FEMS Microbiol Ecol 52:145

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Tuohy KM, Rouzaud GCM, Brück WM, Gibson GR (2005) Curr Pharm Design 11:75

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Suzuki M, Chatterton NJ (eds) (1993) Science and Technology of fructans. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl

    Google Scholar 

  13. Roberfroid M (2005) Inulin Type Fructans: Functional Food Ingredients. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl

    Google Scholar 

  14. Schutz K, Muks E, Carle R, Schieber A (2006) Biomed Chromatogr 20:1295

    Google Scholar 

  15. Incoll LD, Bonnett GD (1993) The occurrence of fructan in food plants. In: Fuchs A (ed) Inulin and inulin containing crops. Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, p 309

    Google Scholar 

  16. Van Loo J, Coussement P, De Leenheer L, Hoebregs H, Smits G (1995) Critic Rev Food Sci Nutr 35:525

    Google Scholar 

  17. Carpita NC, Kanabus J, Housley TL (1989) J Plant Physiol 134:162

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Hendry GAF, Wallace RK (1993) The origin, distribution and evolutionary significance of fructans. In: Suzuki M, Chatterton NJ (eds) Science and Technology of Fructans. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl, p 119

    Google Scholar 

  19. Niness KR (1999) J Nutr 129:1402

    Google Scholar 

  20. Kono T (1993) Fructooligosaccharides. In: Nakakuki T (ed) Oligosaccharides. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers, New York, p 50

    Google Scholar 

  21. Chien CS, Lee WC, Lin TJ (2001) Enzyme Microb Technol 29:252

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Lee WC, Chiang CJ, Tsai PY (1999) Ind Eng Chem Res 38:2564

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Nishizawa K, Nakajima M, Nabetani H (2000) Biotechnol Bioeng 68:92

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Cheng CY, Duan KJ, Sheu DC, Liu CT, Li SY (1996) J Chem Technol Biotechnol 66:135

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Park MC, Lim JS, Kim JC, Park SW, Kim SW (2005) Biotechnol Lett 27:127

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Sheu DC, Lio PJ, Chen ST, Lin CT, Duan KJ (2001) Biotechnol Lett 23:1499

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Yun JW (1996) Enzyme Microb Technol 19:107

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Gibson GR, Wang X (1994) Food Microbiol 11:491

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Roberfroid MB, Van Loo JAE, Gibson GR (1998) J Nutr 128:11

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Marx SP, Winkler S, Hartmeier W (2000) FEMS Microbiol Lett 182:163

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Yamamoto Y, Takahashi Y, Kawano M, Lizuka M, Matsumoto T, Saeki S, Yamaguchi H (1999) J Nutr Biochem 10:13

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Kaplan H, Hutkins RW (2000) Appl Environ Microbiol 66:2682

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Rossi M, Corradini C, Amaretti A, Nicolini M, Pompei A, Zanoni S, Matteuzzi D (2005) Appl Environ Microbiol 71:6150

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Simon GL, Gorbach SL (1984) Gastroenterolgy 86:174

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Rumbey CJ, Rowland IR (1992) Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 34:229

    Google Scholar 

  36. Gibson GR, Wang X (1994) FEMS Microbiol Lett 118:121

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Gibson GR, Wang X (1994) J Appl Bacteriol 77:412

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Alles MS, Hautvasti JGA, Nagengast FM, Hartemink R, Van Laere KMJ, Jansen JBMJ (1996) Brit J Nutr 76:211

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Cummings JH (1984) Proc Nutr Soc 43:35

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Bouhnik Y, Vahedi K, Achour L, Attar A, Salfati J, Pochart P, Marteau P, Flourie B, Bornet F, Rambaud J (1999) J Nutr 129:113

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Kruse HP, Kleessen B, Blaut M (1999) Brit J Nutr 82:375

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Tuohy KM, Kolida S, Lustenberger AM, Gibson GR (2001) Brit J Nutr 86:341

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Moro G, Minoli I, Mosca M, Fanaro S, Jelinek J, Stahl B, Boehm G (2002) J Pediatric Gastro Nutr 34:291

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Guesry PR, Bodanski H, Tomsit E (2000) J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 31:252

    Google Scholar 

  45. Scholz-Ahrens KE, Ade P, Marten B, Weber P, Timm W, Asil Y, Glüer CC, Schrezenmein J (2007) J Nutr 137:S838

    Google Scholar 

  46. Thelwall LAW (1985) Developments in the chemistry and chemical modification of lactose. In: Fox PE (ed) Developments in Dairy Chemistry 3: Lactose and Minor Constituents. Elsevier, London, pp 35–67

    Google Scholar 

  47. Holsinger VH (1997) Physical and chemical properties of lactose. In: Fox PE (ed) Advanced Dairy Chemistry 3: Lactose, Water, Salts and Vitamins. Chapman and Hall, London

    Google Scholar 

  48. Playne MJ, Crittenden R (1996) Bull IDF 313:10

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Toba T, Adachi S (1978) Dairy Sci 61:33

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Toba T, Tomita Y, Itoh T, Adachi S (1981) Dairy Sci 64:185

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Yanahira S, Kobayashi T, Suguri T, Nakakoshi M, Miura S, Ishikawa H, Nakajima I (1995) Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 59:1021

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Asp NG, Burvall A, Dahlqvist A, Hallgren P (1980) Food Chem 5:147

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Pazur JH, Tipton CL, Budovich T, Marsh JM (1958) J Am Chem Sci 80:119

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Greenberg NA, Mahoney RR (183) 10:195

    Google Scholar 

  55. Huberm RE, Kurz G, Wallenfels K (1976) Biochemistry 15:1994

    Google Scholar 

  56. Splechtna B, Nguyen TH, Steinbock M, Kulbe KD, Lorenz W, Haltrich D (2006) J Agric Food Chem 54:4999

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Rabiu BA, Jay AJ, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2001) Appl Environ Micro 67:2526

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Boon MA, Janssen AEM, van't Riet K (2000) Enzyme Microb Tech 26:271

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Kunz C, Rudloff S (1993) Acta Paediatrica 82:903

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Yanahira S, Kobayashi T, Suguri T, Nakakoshi M, Miura S, Ishikawa H, Nakajimab I (1995) Biosci Biotech Biochem 59:1021

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Usui T, Kubota S, Ohi H (1993) Carbohydr Res 244:315

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Rastall RA (2006) Galactooligosaccharides as prebiotic food ingredients. In: Gibson GR, Rastall RA (eds) Prebiotics Development and Application. Wiley, Chichester, West Sussex, p 101

    Google Scholar 

  63. Tanaka R, Takayama H, Morotomi M, Kuroshima T, Ueyama S, Matsumoto K, Kuroda A, Mutai M (1983) Bifidobacteria Micro 2:17

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Ito M, Deguchi Y, Miyamori A, Matsumoto K, Kikuchi H, Kobayashi Y, Yajima T, Kan T (1993) Micro Ecol Health Dis 3:285

    Google Scholar 

  65. Ito M, Kimura M, Deguchi Y, Miyamori-Watabe A, Yajima T, Kan T (1993) J Nutr Sci Vita 39:279

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Bouhnik Y, Flourie B, D'Agay-Abensour L, Pochart P, Gramet G, Durand M, Rambaud JC (1997) J Nutr 127:444

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Teuri U, Korpela R, Saxelin M, Montonen L, Salminen S (1998) J Nutr Sci Vita 44:465

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. McCartney AL (2002) Brit J Nutr 88:S29

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Alles MS, Hartemink R, Meyboom S, Harryvan JL, Van Laere KMJ, Nagengast FM, Hautvast JGA (1999) Am J Clin Nutr 69:980

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Alander M, Mättö J, Kneifel W, Johansson M, Kögler B, Crittenden R, Mattila-Sandholm T, Saarela M (2001) Int Dairy J 11:817

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Satokari RM, Vaughan EE, Akkermans ADL, Saarela M, de Vos W (2001) Sys Appl Micro 24:227

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Robyt JF (1998) Essentials of Carbohydrate Chemistry. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York

    Google Scholar 

  73. Kohmoto T, Fukui F, Takaku H, Machida Y, Arai M, Mitsuoka T (1988) Bifidobact Microflora 7:61

    Google Scholar 

  74. Pan Y, Lee C (2005) Biotech Bioeng 89:797

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Goulas AK, Fisher DA, Grimble GK, Grandison AS, Rastall RA (2004) Enzyme Microb Tech 35:327

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Kuriki T, Yanase M, Takata H, Takesada Y, Imanaka T, Okada S (1993) Appl Environ Microbiol 59:953

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Lee HS, Auh JH, Yoon HG, Kim MJ, Park JH, Hong SS, Kang MH, Kim TJ, Moon TW, Kim JW, Park KH (2002) J Agric Food Chem 50:2812

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Kurimoto M, Nishimoto T, Nakada T, Chaen H, Fukuda S, Tsujisaka Y (1997) Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 61:699

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Duan KJ, Sheu DC, Lin MT, Hsueh HC (1994) Biotechnol Lett 16:1151

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Sheu DC, Huang CI, Duan KJ (1997) Biotechnol Tech 11:287

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Yun JW, Lee MG, Song SK (1994) Biotechnol Lett 16:1145

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Olano-Martin E, Mountzouris KC, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2000) Brit J Nutr 83:247

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Kohomoto T, Fukui F, Takaku H, Mitsuoka T (1991) Agric Biol Chem 55:2157

    Google Scholar 

  84. Kaneko T, Yokoyama A, Suzuki M (1995) Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 59:1190

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Thakur BR, Singh RK, Handa AK (1997) Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 37:47

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. American Association of Cereal Chemists Report (2001) Cereal Foods World 46:112

    Google Scholar 

  87. MacCarthy RE, Kotarski SF, Slayers AA (1985) J Bacteriol 161:493

    Google Scholar 

  88. Jensen NS, Canale-Parola E (1985) Appl Environ Microbiol 50:172

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Matsuura Y (1991) Agric Biol Chem 55:885

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Nakajima N, Ishihara K, Tanabe M, Matsubara K, Matsuura Y (1999) J Biosci Bioeng 88:33

    Google Scholar 

  91. Fuller R (1989) J Appl Bact 66:365

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Araki Y, Andoh A, Fujiyama Y, Takizama J, Takizawa W, Bamba T (2002) Int J Mol Med 9:53

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  93. Fishman ML, Walker PN, Chau HK, Hotchkiss AT (2003) Biomacromolecules 4:880

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Olano-Martin E, Gibso GR, Rastall RA (2002) J Appl Microbiol 93:505

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. Manderson K, Pinart M, Tuohy KM, Grace WE, Hotchkiss AT, Widmer W, Yadhav MP, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2005) Appl Environ Microbiol 71:8383

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. Mandalari G, Nueno Palop C, Tuohy K, Gibson GR, Bennett RN, Waldron KW, Bisigano G, Narbad A, Faulds CB (2007) Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 73:1173

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  97. Yamaguchi F, Shimizu N, Hatanaka C (1994) Biosci Biotech Biochem 58:679

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  98. Bishop PD, Pearce G, Byrant JE, Ryan CA (1984) J Biol Chem 259:13172

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Iwasaki K, Inoue M, Matsubara Y (1998) Biosci Biotech Biochem 62:262

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Olano-Martin E, Williams MR, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2003) FEMS Microbiol Lett 218:101

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Olano-Martin E, Rimbach GH, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2003) Anticancer Res 23:341

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Rycroft CE, Jones MR, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2001) Lett App Microbiol 32:156

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Rycroft CE, Jones MR, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2001) J Appl Microbiol 91:878

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  104. Mountzouris KC, Gilmour SG, Jay AJ, Rastall RA (1999) J Appl Microbiol 87:546

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Wichienchot S, Prasertsan P, Hongpattarakere T, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2006) Curr Issues Intest Microbiol 7:13

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  106. Wichienchot S, Prasertsan P, Hongpattarakere T, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2006) Curr Issues Intest Microbiol 7:7

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Palframan R, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2003) Curr Issues Intest Microbiol 4:71

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Côté GL, Holt SM, Miller-Fosmore C (2003) ACS Symposium Series February 18, 1

    Google Scholar 

  109. Holt SM, Miller-Fosmore CM, Côté GL (2005) Lett App Microbiol 40:385

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  110. Sanz ML, Côté GL, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2005) J Agric Food Chem 53:5911

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  111. Sanz ML, Gibson GR, Rastall RA (2005) J Agric Food Chem 53:5192

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  112. Crittenden R (2006) Emerging prebiotic carbohydrates. In: Gibson GR, Rastall RA (eds) Prebiotics Development and Applications. Wiley, Chichester, UK

    Google Scholar 

  113. Maertens L, Aerts J, De Boever J (2004) World Rabbit Sci 12:235

    Google Scholar 

  114. Tzortzis G, Athanasios KG, Gee JM, Gibson GR (2005) J Nutr 135:1726

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  115. Smiricky-Tjardes MR, Grieshop CM, Flickinger EA, Bauer LL, Fahey GC (2003) Am Soc Animal Sci 81:2535

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  116. Smiricky-Tjardes MR, Flickinger EA, Grieshop CM, Bauer LL, Murphy MR, Fahey GC (2003) Am Soc Animal Sci 81:2505

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  117. Krueger M, Schroedl W, Isik K, Lange W, Hagemann L (2002) Eur J Nutr 41:26

    Google Scholar 

  118. Levy SB (2002) J Antimicrob Chemoth 49:25

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  119. Patterson JA, Burkholder KM (2003) Poultry Sci 82:627

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  120. Franck A, Coussement PAA (1997) Food Ingred Anal Int October, 8

    Google Scholar 

  121. Franck A (2002) Br J Nutr 87:287

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Biosciences, The University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AP, UK

    Michelle E. Collins & Robert A. Rastall

Authors
  1. Michelle E. Collins
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Robert A. Rastall
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert A. Rastall .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Natural Products and Glycotechnology Research Institute Inc., North Caroline State University, 4118 Swarthmore Road, Durham, NC, 27707, USA

    Bertram O. Fraser-Reid Prof. Dr.

  2. University Graduate School of Science and Engineering, 3-4-1 Ohkubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

    Kuniaki Tatsuta Prof. Dr.

  3. Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany

    Joachim Thiem Prof. Dr.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York

About this entry

Cite this entry

Collins, M., Rastall, R. (2008). Oligosaccharides in Food and Agriculture. In: Fraser-Reid, B.O., Tatsuta, K., Thiem, J. (eds) Glycoscience. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-30429-6_27

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation