Evidence supporting the use of: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
For the health condition: Leaky Gut Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are short-chain prebiotic fibers found naturally in various plants such as chicory root, onions, and bananas. Their use to support "Leaky Gut Syndrome" is primarily justified by emerging scientific evidence, though it remains preliminary and indirect. "Leaky Gut Syndrome" refers to increased intestinal permeability, which is implicated in various gastrointestinal and systemic conditions, though it is not universally recognized as a formal medical diagnosis. FOS is known to selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, which play key roles in maintaining gut barrier integrity. Several animal and in vitro studies have shown that FOS supplementation can enhance mucosal barrier function, reduce inflammation, and upregulate tight junction proteins, which are critical for preventing increased intestinal permeability. Some small human studies suggest that prebiotics like FOS may improve gut barrier function, but direct evidence for their use in "leaky gut" specifically is limited. Most of the available human research focuses on related outcomes, such as gut microbiota modulation and general digestive health. Overall, while the mechanistic rationale and preliminary evidence are promising, robust clinical trials directly linking FOS supplementation to improved outcomes in "Leaky Gut Syndrome" are lacking. Therefore, the scientific support for FOS in this context is moderate but not definitive, meriting a rating of 2 out of 5.

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