Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are oligosaccharides that occur naturally in plants such as onion, chicory, garlic, asparagus, banana, artichoke, among many others. They are composed of linear chains of fructose units, linked by beta (2-1) bonds.
According to a review published in Veterinary and Human Toxicology, FOS are not linked to cancer, and are not toxic to humans or animals.
New research has focused on the health benefits of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS), which are low-calorie, non-digestible carbohydrates that can improve food taste and texture while aiding immunity, bone health and the growth and balance of important bacteria in the digestive track.