NANP Board Practice Exam 2025 - Free NANP Board Practice Questions and Study Guide

Oligosaccharides are a class of carbohydrates that consist of a small number of sugar molecules, typically ranging from three to ten monosaccharides linked together. Fructooligosaccharides, specifically, are made up of short chains of fructose units and are classified under oligosaccharides. They serve as prebiotics because they are not digestible by human enzymes and instead act as food for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting gut health.

Each oligosaccharide plays a crucial role in the gut microbiome, showcasing their importance in dietary sources and health. In contrast, complex carbohydrates encompass larger molecules, often containing multiple sugar units such as starch and fiber, but they include a broader category and are not specifically limited to oligosaccharides. Disaccharides, on the other hand, consist of only two monosaccharide units (like sucrose and lactose) and do not qualify as prebiotics in the same way. Simple carbohydrates refer to basic sugars, like glucose and fructose, which are quickly absorbed and do not provide the same benefits associated with oligosaccharides. Thus, the inclusion of fructooligosaccharides within the oligosaccharide category highlights the specific functional properties that distinguish them from other carbohydrate types.