Final answer:
Raffinose found in legume seeds can cause flatulence but is also a prebiotic used in healthy food supplements. Lack of enzymes like lactase for lactose or alpha-galactosidase for raffinose can lead to intestinal gas due to fermentation by colon bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
In legume seeds, Raffinose is the oligosaccharide responsible for causing flatulence. However, it is also used as a healthy food supplement due to its prebiotic properties, which can promote good digestive health. This substance, along with others like stachyose and fructo-oligosaccharides, can lead to intestinal gas when they are fermented by bacteria in the colon. The production of gas can sometimes be mitigated through the addition of enzymes like alpha-galactosidase to the diet, which helps break down these complex sugars.
Other related sugars that may cause flatulence when not properly digested include lactose, which can lead to symptoms of lactose intolerance such as bloating, cramps, and abdominal discomfort. This is due to the absence or insufficiency of the lactase enzyme, which is needed to digest lactose properly.