oligoszacharid

Oligoszacharid, also known as an oligosaccharide, is a carbohydrate consisting of a few monosaccharide units linked together by glycosidic bonds. The term "oligo" comes from the Greek word "oligos," meaning "few," and "saccharide" refers to sugars. Oligosaccharides are typically found in nature and are often used as prebiotics in dietary supplements. They can be classified based on their structure and the type of monosaccharides they contain. For example, raffinose is an oligosaccharide composed of galactose, fructose, and glucose. Oligosaccharides play various roles in biological systems, including acting as signaling molecules, participating in cell recognition, and influencing the gut microbiome. They are also used in food processing to improve texture and stability. In the context of human health, oligosaccharides like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are known for their prebiotic effects, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The study of oligosaccharides is an active area of research in biochemistry, nutrition, and medicine.