Glossary

[ Fructan ] A polymer of fructose molecules, typically terminating with a glucose or sucrose unit. Short-chain fructans are called fructooligosaccharides.

[ Fructooligosaccharide, FOS, oligofructose, oligofructan ] An oligosaccharide fructan that is a source of dietary fibre (prebiotic). It is fermented in the upper larger intestine by anaerobic bacteria. As an alternative sweetener, FOS has sweetness levels between 30 and 50… Read More »Fructooligosaccharide

[ Fructose, D-fructose, fruit sugar ] A monosaccharide with the molecular formula C6H12O6, commonly found in fruit. Fructose functions biologically as a sweetener. By itself, it has no nutritional value except when converted into glucose or fat, where it may… Read More »Fructose

[ galactose, D-galactose ] A monosaccharide which, when bonded with glucose produces lactose. The principle dietary source of galactose is the lactose in milk and other dairy products. It is principally metabolised into glucose by the liver. Chronic systemic exposure… Read More »Galactose

[ GLA, gamma-linolenic acid ] GLA. An omega-6 fatty acid which is considered essential to the extent that the ability of humans to synthesise it in the body diminishes with age. It is commercially extracted from the seeds of evening… Read More »Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

[ Gene ] A region of DNA in which the structural sequence encodes a biological trait or characteristic. Genes are replicated by cell division and modified by recombination in sexual reproduction and by mutation. They are the basis of inherited… Read More »Gene

Eugene Wesley Roddenberry (1921 – 1991) was a screenwriter and producer, best known as the creator of the original 1960s Star Trek television series. See Wikipedia.

[ genetics ] The field of study of genes, genetic variation and inherited biological traits and characteristics. Also see epigenetics.