Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) are alpha-galactosyl derivatives of sucrose or glucose. They are found in a large variety of seeds from many different families such as beans, vegetables and whole grains. Due to absence of alpha-galactosidase in the digestive tract of humans and other monogastric animals, RFOs are responsible for intestinal disturbances (flatulence) following the ingestion of legume-derived products. Structural relationships of RFOs and their enzymatic degradation mechanism are described. Concentration and distribution from various seed sources are introduced. The pres...
