Evidence supporting the use of: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
For the body system: Peyer’s patches

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotic fibers that serve as substrates for beneficial gut bacteria, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids and overall support for gut health. Peyer’s patches are specialized lymphoid tissues in the small intestine that play a key role in the immune response by sampling antigens and facilitating mucosal immunity. Several studies have investigated the indirect effects of FOS on Peyer’s patches. FOS has been shown to modulate gut microbiota composition, and changes in microbiota can enhance immune function, including the activity of Peyer’s patches. Animal studies have demonstrated that dietary FOS increases the size and activity of Peyer’s patches, possibly by promoting the proliferation of immune cells such as IgA-producing B cells. Some research indicates that FOS may increase the secretion of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the gut, which is partly regulated by Peyer’s patches, suggesting an immunomodulatory effect.

However, most evidence comes from animal studies, with limited direct human research confirming these effects. The mechanism is biologically plausible—by improving the gut environment, FOS may enhance Peyer’s patches' immune surveillance and response functions. In summary, while there is supportive scientific evidence (mostly preclinical) that FOS can positively influence the Peyer’s patches through gut-immune interactions, the evidence is not yet robust in humans. Therefore, the strength of evidence is moderate.

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