View the Latest Application Notes

The Raffinose Family of Oligosaccharides (RFO) are low molecular weight non-reducing sugars. The sugars are connected through α-1, 6-galactosyl extensions of sucrose starting with Raffinose, Stachyose, and Verbascose. These highly water soluble sugars are universally distributed throughout the plant kingdom in roots, seeds, stems, tubers, and some leaves. RFOs are most commonly found in dehydrated legumes, like lentils, soybeans, and chickpeas, and are thought to exist mainly to protect the seed from degradation while awaiting optimal germination conditions. RFO consumption is not generally considered nutritional due to the indigestibility of α-galactosidic linkages by monogastric animals which include humans. When large amounts of under hydrated legumes are consumed by monogastric animals, multiple breakdown pathways are initiated. The gut breaks the molecules down into gases, primarily hydrogen, carbon dioxide, small amounts of methane, and short chain fatty acids.¹ The large production of gastric gasses leads to an increase in osmotic pressure in the gut and promotes diarrhea, cramps, bloating, and overall discomfort.