Lamberts FOS (Fructo-Oligosaccharides) 500g Powder is a food supplement made from fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), a soluble fibre derived from chicory root. The powder dissolves easily, so it can be stirred into hot drinks, sprinkled on cereals or eaten off the spoon, and a heaped teaspoon is 5g, which makes it simple to build up to the amount you want.

Key Features

• Single ingredient: The only ingredient is FOS derived from chicory root, providing 19g of carbohydrate (FOS) per 20g serving.
• Adjustable amount: The directions give an initial dose and a maintenance dose, from 5g up to a maximum of 20g a day for adults, and advise building up gradually if the powder causes flatulence.
• Directions for children aged 4 and over: A lower amount is given for children from 4 years, starting at 2.5g and going up to a maximum of 10g a day.
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans: Lamberts states that the powder is suitable for both.

What is FOS and where does it come from?

FOS stands for fructo-oligosaccharides, a special carbohydrate that is present in small quantities in some vegetables. Lamberts makes this product from FOS derived from chicory root.

How long does a 500g tub of Lamberts FOS last?

At 20g a day, a 500g tub lasts about 25 days. At 15g a day it lasts about 33 days. At a lower daily amount it lasts longer.

Is Lamberts FOS suitable for children, pregnant women and people taking medication?

Lamberts states that FOS is suitable for all ages, including children and pregnant women, and for people on yeast-free diets or taking medication. The directions give amounts for children aged 4 years and over.

• Vegetarian
• Vegan

Ingredients: Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) derived from chicory root.

Nutrition information: Per 20g serving, this provides 164kJ/41kcal of energy and 19g of carbohydrate (FOS). Per 100g, it provides 822kJ/204kcal of energy and 95g of carbohydrate (FOS).

Allergen information: Lamberts states that wheat, barley, soya, eggs, milk (and milk products), lactose, nuts, sulphites and gluten are excluded.

Recommended daily intake varies depending on the level of fibre in your diet. A heaped teaspoon is 5g. Mix the powder into hot drinks, sprinkle it on cereals or eat it off the spoon.

For specific requirements:

• Adults: initial dose 5g, then a maintenance dose of 10g.
• Children aged 4 years and over: initial dose 2.5g, then a maintenance dose of 5g.

For general maintenance:

• Adults: 5g a day for the first 3 days, then try 15g a day, up to a maximum of 20g a day.
• Children aged 4 years and over: 2.5g a day for the first 3 days, then try 5g a day, up to a maximum of 10g a day.

If an intake level causes excessive flatulence, reduce the dose and gradually build up again. For intakes over 10g (or 5g in children), dividing the intake into 2 daily doses, 1 at each end of the day, will help reduce flatulence. If bloating continues for more than 3 days, reduce the daily intake.

Drink at least 2 litres of fluids a day. Take as above, or as directed by a practitioner or pharmacist.

Please note the following:

• Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
• Keep away from children.
• Food supplements should not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Flatulence may occur at first. Lamberts states that this is a sign the FOS has reached the bowel, where a gas is produced, and that it will disappear after a few days. FOS may also cause temporary bloating, which Lamberts describes as a short-term effect that goes away once your system adjusts. This information may not include every possible effect.