Fructan

Fructan isn't actually a single medical substance, but rather a type of carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. Here's a breakdown of what fructans are and their significance:

• Type of Carbohydrate: Fructans are polymers, essentially chains, of fructose molecules. Fructose is a simple sugar found in fruits and other plant sources.
• Presence in Food: A wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and even some prebiotic supplements contain fructans. Examples include wheat, onions, garlic, artichokes, asparagus, bananas, and chicory root.
• Digestive Impact: Unlike regular sugars, humans lack the enzymes to fully digest fructans in the small intestine. As a result, they reach the large intestine where gut bacteria ferment them.
• Potential Benefits: Fermentation of fructans by gut bacteria can produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids that nourish gut lining cells and potentially contribute to gut health.
• Potential Downsides: For some individuals, fructan fermentation can lead to digestive issues like gas, bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea. This is often referred to as fructan intolerance.

Fructans and FODMAPs: Fructans are one component of a group of fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols). Following a low-FODMAP diet can be helpful in managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for some people.

Key Points:

• Fructans are naturally occurring carbohydrates in many plants.
• They can be beneficial for gut health but may cause digestive problems in some individuals.
• If you experience digestive issues after consuming foods high in fructans, consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietician might be helpful to determine if fructan intolerance is a possibility.