Prebiotic Preticx Xylooligosaccharides
Also known as: XOS, Prebiotic Xylooligosaccharides, PreticX, Xylooligosaccharides
Overview
Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are short-chain carbohydrates derived from xylan-rich plant materials like corncobs and sugarcane bagasse. They are classified as a prebiotic dietary fiber, with PreticX being a branded form. XOS function by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly *Bifidobacterium*, in the colon. Unlike many other prebiotics, XOS are resistant to digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to reach the colon intact where they are fermented. This fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are crucial for gut health. XOS are recognized for their good tolerance and minimal gastrointestinal side effects compared to other prebiotics, making them a promising supplement for improving gut health, metabolic parameters, and immune function.
Benefits
XOS supplementation offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily centered around gut health. It significantly modulates gut microbiota by increasing *Bifidobacterium* abundance without negatively impacting overall microbial diversity, promoting a healthier gut environment. This effect is well-supported by multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews. XOS also improves gut function, particularly by alleviating functional constipation, with studies showing efficacy at lower doses compared to other prebiotics like FOS. While more research is needed, XOS has shown potential metabolic benefits, such as reversing dysbiotic changes associated with prediabetes by reducing harmful genera and increasing beneficial species like *Blautia hydrogenotrophica*. Furthermore, XOS contributes to immune modulation by enhancing immune markers (IgA, IgM, TNF-α, IL-2) and increasing SCFA production, which supports gut barrier integrity and immune health. These benefits are observed in healthy adults, individuals with prediabetes, functional constipation, and those with ulcerative colitis in remission. Significant increases in *Bifidobacterium* and SCFA levels, along with statistically significant improvements in constipation symptoms, have been documented within 4 to 8 weeks of supplementation.
How it works
Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) exert their beneficial effects primarily in the colon. They are resistant to enzymatic digestion in the stomach and small intestine, allowing them to reach the large intestine intact. Once in the colon, XOS are selectively fermented by beneficial gut bacteria, most notably *Bifidobacterium*. This fermentation process leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate. These SCFAs serve as a primary energy source for colonocytes, help lower colonic pH, which inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and play a crucial role in modulating immune responses. The interaction with gut microbial enzymes that metabolize XOS and the subsequent production of SCFAs are key molecular targets, influencing various immune signaling pathways and contributing to overall gut and systemic health.
Side effects
Xylooligosaccharides (XOS), including the branded form PreticX, are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, exhibiting a favorable safety profile in clinical studies. Unlike some other prebiotics, XOS are associated with minimal gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas or bloating, largely due to their distinct fermentation pathways by specific gut bacteria. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, may include mild and transient gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly in sensitive individuals. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of users, have not been reported as serious adverse events in clinical trials. There are no significant drug interactions reported for XOS. Contraindications have not been established, though caution is advised for individuals with severe gastrointestinal disorders until more comprehensive data becomes available. While generally considered safe, data on XOS use in special populations such as pregnant or immunocompromised patients is limited.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) has been observed in clinical studies to be as low as 1.4 grams per day. The optimal dosage range for achieving gut microbiota modulation and relief from constipation typically falls between 1.4 to 4 grams per day. While higher doses, up to 10 grams per day, have been reported in trials without significant adverse effects, they are not always necessary to achieve desired benefits, and individual tolerance may vary. For best results and to optimize fermentation and tolerance, daily intake of XOS is recommended, preferably with meals. XOS are commonly available in powder or capsule forms, and ensuring the stability and purity of the product is important for its efficacy. Since XOS are not absorbed in the upper GI tract, their effects are mediated locally in the colon, and their fermentation is dependent on the existing gut microbiota composition. No specific cofactors are required, but a general healthy dietary fiber intake can support its effects.
FAQs
Is PreticX XOS safe for long-term use?
Current evidence suggests XOS is safe for prolonged use, but extensive long-term large-scale studies are still limited. It is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
How soon can benefits be expected from XOS?
Changes in gut microbiota composition and improvements in symptoms, such as constipation, are typically observed within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent XOS supplementation.
Does XOS cause gas or bloating?
XOS generally causes fewer gastrointestinal symptoms like gas or bloating compared to other prebiotics, due to its specific fermentation profile by beneficial gut bacteria.
Can XOS be combined with probiotics?
Yes, XOS can be effectively combined with probiotics. Such synbiotic formulations may enhance the overall benefits for gut health and microbial balance.
Is XOS effective for metabolic health?
Preliminary evidence suggests XOS may offer benefits for metabolic health, particularly in addressing gut dysbiosis related to prediabetes. However, more robust clinical trials are needed for conclusive evidence.
Research Sources
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2025/fo/d5fo00169b – This systematic review, published in 2025, analyzed multiple human studies on XOS. It concluded that XOS effectively modulates gut microbiota, reducing harmful bacteria and showing potential metabolic benefits, though some metabolic outcomes lacked statistical significance. The review is considered high-quality and comprehensive.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10867466/ – This 2023 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) involved healthy adults with constipation. It demonstrated that XOS increased *Bifidobacterium* and significantly improved constipation symptoms at low doses. Despite a small sample size and short duration, the study was well-controlled and of moderate quality.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9703693/ – This 2023 meta-analysis focused on prebiotic/probiotic supplementation in overweight adults, including PreticX. It indicated that combined interventions could reduce visceral fat and inflammation markers. While promising, the study had a small sample size and involved combined interventions, classifying it as moderate quality and preliminary.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07388551.2025.2460852?af=R – This article discusses the immune-modulating effects of XOS. It highlights how XOS enhances immune markers like IgA, IgM, TNF-α, and IL-2, and increases SCFA production, thereby supporting gut barrier function and overall immune health.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.778542/full – This research explores the potential of XOS in managing ulcerative colitis. It suggests that XOS can be beneficial for individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission, likely through its effects on gut microbiota and SCFA production, contributing to gut health maintenance.