Cereal grain fructans: Structure, variability and potential health effects

• Cereal grain fructans comprise a complex mixture of mostly branched structures.
• When yeast is used for bread making, considerable fructan degradation takes place.
• Cereal grain fructans are both dietary fibers and potential prebiotics.
• These fructans may have a profound impact on colon health.

Fructans are carbohydrates with health promoting potential consisting mainly or exclusively of fructose. This review focuses on cereal grain fructans as cereals and cereal based products are by far the most important fructan source in our daily diet. Current knowledge on cereal grain fructan structure and occurrence is discussed and compared between cereals. In addition, their degradation during food processing is considered together with their potential health benefits. Recently published data suggest that cereal grain fructans are not only dietary fibers but may have prebiotic effects as well. Due to the high consumption of cereal products, cereal grain fructans may have a profound impact on colon health.