Oligosaccharides (such as lactulose) オリゴ糖類（ラクチュロースなど）
Several sugar units linked together. In Foods with Function Claims (FFC), notifications are made for lactulose, galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides and others.
In Japan: Foods with Function Claims notifications
Functions claimed (counted from notifications with this ingredient alone)
| Function | Notifications |
|---|---|
| Gut condition | |
| Bowel movements | |
| Stomach |
Examples of notified claims (our translation)
The lactulose in this product has been reported to reach the large intestine and improve the intestinal environment (by increasing bifidobacteria, a representative beneficial bacterium).
The lactulose in this product has been reported to increase stool volume and to improve the intestinal environment.
This product contains lactulose. Lactulose is not broken down or absorbed in the stomach or small intestine and reaches the large intestine as it is. It has been reported to improve the intestinal environment (by increasing bifidobacteria, a representative beneficial bacterium, or raising their proportion) and to increase stool volume (increase the frequency of bowel movements).
Cautions written in the notifications (most common)
- “Drinking too much, or your constitution or physical condition, may cause loose stools.” (9 notifications)
- “Taking too much, or your constitution or physical condition, may cause loose stools.” (9 notifications)
- “Taking too much, or your constitution or physical condition, may cause loose stools.” (4 notifications)
Under Foods with Function Claims, the company notifies the Consumer Affairs Agency of the scientific evidence on its own responsibility; the government does not review or approve it. You can look up each product's notification by the number on the package in the Consumer Affairs Agency's database (Japanese).
In Japan: Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU)
Approved claims by category: Gut condition 67, Body fat 32, Triglycerides 30, Bowel movements 11, Teeth and mouth 7, Bones 1
This beverage is made from lactulose. It appropriately increases bifidobacteria in the intestine and keeps your stomach in good condition.
This food is mainly composed of lactosucrose (milk oligosaccharide). It appropriately increases bifidobacteria in the intestine and keeps your stomach in good condition.
FOSHU products are reviewed and approved one by one by the government (Consumer Affairs Agency) for effectiveness and safety. The counts are of products whose functional ingredient matches this ingredient. Source: Consumer Affairs Agency, list of approved FOSHU products (Japanese). Claims are our translation.
In the EU: the register of health claims
EU-authorised claim
- The claim "contributes to accelerated intestinal transit" for lactulose is authorised (condition: 10 g once a day).
- The claim on intestinal bacteria for galactooligosaccharides was not authorised (2011 opinion).
In the EU, only health claims whose evidence has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and authorised by the European Commission may be used on food. “Not authorised” means the evidence for that claim was not established under EU standards — not that the ingredient is dangerous.
Find products PR
These are Japanese online shops (affiliate links).
Example of a product notified with this ingredient
カイテキオリゴ （株式会社北の達人コーポレーション）
Food with Function Claims, notification No. D674. Chosen from products sold on Rakuten whose names match a current notification to the Consumer Affairs Agency, picking one with many reviews.
See on Rakuten (origotou)See on Amazon.co.jpThis database does not guarantee any product's effect. For Foods with Function Claims, check the notification number on the package; for Foods with Nutrient Function Claims, check the amount per daily serving.
Compare “オリゴ糖 機能性表示食品” products on RakutenCompare “オリゴ糖 機能性表示食品” products on Amazon.co.jpOther ingredients in the same categories
This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.