Other Prebiotic Fiber Oral

Isomalto-oligosaccharides

A family of short-chain carbohydrates derived from starch, used as a low-calorie prebiotic fiber to support gut health by selectively feeding beneficial bacteria.

Sci.Isomaltooligosaccharides IMO Isomaltooligosaccharides Transgalactooligosaccharides (when derived from lactose)
2 forms
Oral

About Isomalto-oligosaccharides

Isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs) are a family of short-chain carbohydrates composed primarily of glucose units linked by α-(1→6) and some α-(1→4) glycosidic bonds. They are produced industrially from starch via enzymatic processes involving transglycosylation. Marketed as soluble prebiotic fibers, IMOs are partially resistant to human digestive enzymes, reaching the colon where they can be fermented by select gut bacteria, potentially increasing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. They contribute about 1.5–2.5 kcal/g and are used as low-calorie sweeteners and bulking agents in functional foods and supplements.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

At a glance

Approval status

GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) in the US for use in specific food categories.

Compare All Forms

2 forms

Compare supplement forms of Isomalto-oligosaccharides by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Isomalto-oligosaccharides

Prebiotic fiber derived from starch; supports digestive and...

  • CAS: 9005-84-9 (for dextrins, general); specific IMO mixtures may have proprietary identifiers.
  • Label category: Starch derived
 — — — View →
Panose

Prebiotic fiber that supports digestive and gut health.

  • CAS: 33401-87-5
  • Label category: hybrid
 — — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

IMO-3, Isomalto-oligosaccharide, Isomaltooligosaccharide, Isomaltotriose, α-D-Glcp-(1→6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→6)-D-Glc

Type: Prebiotic Fiber

Category for Prebiotic Fiber ingredients

Watch out for

Possible interactions or cautions — talk to a healthcare provider if unsure.

  • May affect blood sugar levels; caution advised for diabetics, especially with products containing digestible sugars.
  • May cause gastrointestinal distress (bloating, gas, diarrhea) at high doses, potentially interacting with gut motility drugs.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Isomalto-oligosaccharides forms:

Gut Health Immune Modulation Metabolic support Prebiotic Effect & Gut Health Improved Bowel Regularity Immune Function Support

And 2 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Isomalto-oligosaccharides forms:

Bloating How serious: Mild Gastrointestinal Discomfort How serious: low

What does the research say?

Panose, as a component of isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs), has been studied primarily in the context of IMO mixtures. Evidence indicates it resists digestion, reaches the colon, and is fermented by gut microbiota, increasing Bifidobacteria populations. Clinical studies show IMO supplementation can improve stool frequency and consistency, modulate immune markers, and potentially improve lipid profiles. Most research is on IMO blends rather than isolated panose, but its specific structure is recognized as a key fermentable prebiotic trisaccharide. The FDA has evaluated certain IMO preparations as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS).