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Xylooligosaccharide

Also known as: Xylo-oligosaccharides, XOS

Overview

Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are prebiotics composed of 2-7 xylose units linked by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. Derived from xylan, a hemicellulose component in plant cell walls, XOS can be produced through enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan-rich materials like corn cobs and sugarcane bagasse. As a prebiotic, XOS enhances gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria, improving nutrient digestibility, and supporting the immune system. They exhibit high water solubility, thermal stability, and resistance to acidic pH, and are considered safe for consumption. Research indicates positive effects on gut health and microbiota, primarily from animal studies and some human trials. More extensive human studies are needed to fully confirm their clinical benefits.

Benefits

XOS supplementation improves gut health by increasing villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum. It enhances nutrient digestibility, particularly in weaned piglets, and significantly elevates the concentrations of butyric acid and other short-chain fatty acids in the cecal and colon contents. XOS also enhances immune function and exhibits antimicrobial properties by reducing pathogenic bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory effects maintain intestinal barrier integrity and reduce inflammation in animal models. In patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), XOS fermentation promotes the growth of beneficial bacterial groups, suggesting its potential in managing UC. Studies show improvements in gut morphology and microbiota composition within 1-12 weeks.

How it works

XOS functions as a prebiotic by selectively nourishing beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting their growth and activity. This process leads to an increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are vital for gut health. SCFAs improve gut barrier function by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins like occludin and ZO-1, enhancing intestinal morphology, and improving nutrient digestibility. XOS is not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract, allowing it to reach the colon intact, where it is fermented by beneficial bacteria, modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing the immune response.

Side effects

XOS is generally considered safe for consumption, with no reported toxicity. There are no common, uncommon, or rare side effects documented in the literature. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been identified. However, caution is advised when considering XOS use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with severe gastrointestinal disorders due to limited specific data. While XOS appears safe, comprehensive clinical trials are needed to fully establish its safety profile across diverse populations and conditions. Current evidence suggests a low risk of adverse effects at tested doses.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of XOS varies, with significant effects observed at concentrations as low as 100 mg/kg in animal feed. Optimal dosages range from 100 to 400 mg/kg in animal feed, with linear improvements in some outcomes observed with increasing doses. There is no established maximum safe dose, but current evidence suggests safety at the tested doses. XOS can be administered continuously as part of the diet. Since XOS is not digested in the upper GI tract, its absorption is not a concern; it is fermented in the colon. No specific cofactors are required for the action of XOS.

FAQs

Is XOS safe to consume?

Yes, XOS is considered safe and non-toxic based on current evidence from animal and limited human studies. However, more research is needed for specific populations.

When and how should I take XOS?

XOS can be administered continuously as part of the diet without specific timing requirements. It is available in various forms and can be added to feed or used as a dietary supplement.

What results can I expect from taking XOS?

Improvements in gut health, nutrient digestibility, and immune function can be expected with XOS supplementation, based on available research. Individual results may vary.

Are there any misconceptions about XOS?

There is no evidence to suggest that XOS has adverse effects on human or animal health at the tested doses. It is generally well-tolerated and considered safe.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1189434/full – This study investigated the effects of xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) on weaned piglets. The key findings showed that XOS reduced diarrhea index, improved nutrient digestibility, enhanced gut microbiota diversity, increased the expression of tight junction proteins, and promoted short-chain fatty acid production, indicating its potential as a prebiotic for improving gut health in piglets.
https://libguides.nus.edu.sg/sysreviews/filters – This URL provides information on systematic review filters, which are tools used to identify and retrieve systematic reviews from databases. While not a study on XOS itself, it is a resource for finding high-quality evidence, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which are considered the gold standard in evidence-based research.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.778542/full – This in vitro fermentation study examined the effects of XOS on patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The study found that XOS promoted the growth of beneficial bacterial groups and relieved dysbiosis in UC patients, suggesting its potential as a prebiotic for managing UC, although further in vivo studies are needed to confirm these findings.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39405830/ – This study evaluated the effects of xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) on laying hens. The results indicated that XOS increased egg production rate, reduced sand-shell egg percentage, improved gut morphology, and elevated short-chain fatty acid concentrations, highlighting its potential as a feed supplement to enhance poultry production.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00071668.2023.2280963 – This research explores the impact of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) on the gut health and performance of broiler chickens. The study highlights that XOS supplementation can positively influence gut microbiota composition, improve nutrient absorption, and enhance overall growth performance in broilers, suggesting its potential as a valuable prebiotic in poultry diets.