ALPHA-GLUCAN OLIGOSACCHARIDES

Alpha-glucan oligosaccharides are a prebiotic active ingredient obtained from natural sources such as chicory root. These oligosaccharides consist of a chain of sugar molecules made up of glucose units.

In vitro studies have shown that alpha-glucan oligosaccharides selectively promote the growth of the desired skin bacterial strains Corynebacterium xerosis and Micrococcus kristinae and lead to a competitive growth inhibition of pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. (1)

In combination with inulin, alpha-glucan oligosaccharides can alleviate skin symptoms such as dryness and itching. (2)

(1) Stettler, H., Kurka, P., Lunau, N., Manger, C., Böhling, A., Bielfeldt, S., Wilhelm, K. P., Dähnhardt-Pfeiffer, S., Dähnhardt, D., Brill, F. H., & Lenz, H. (2017). A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora. The Journal of dermatological treatment, 28(2), 173-180. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2016.1214235

(2) Antão H.S., Passerini E., Guimarães J.P., Saldanha J., Coelho J.D., Fortunato M. 2017. Efficacy, tolerability and acceptability of topical regimens containing the prebiotic Biolin in children suffering from atopic dermatitis. Eur. J. Pediat. Dermatol. 27 (2):102-12. 10.26326/2281-9649.27.2.1345