Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), also known as oligogalactosyllactose, oligogalactose, oligolactose or transgalactooligosaccharides (TOS), belong to the group of prebiotics.
Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotic carbohydrates derived from lactose, composed of galactose chains with a terminal glucose unit.
They are produced through enzymatic conversion using β-galactosidase and are found in dairy products, beans, and certain root vegetables.
GOS resist digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, reaching the colon intact.
GOSVpromote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, supporting gut health and immune function.
Its health Applications: GOS are used for conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, colic, and food allergies.
They also mimic human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in infant formulas to improve gut microbiota composition.
GOS fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which regulate gut flora, enhance nutrient absorption, and strengthen the intestinal barrier.
They improve taste, texture, and shelf life of food products while providing health benefits.
Prebiotics are defined as non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon.
GOS occurs in foods for both infants and adults.
The composition of the galactooligosaccharide fraction varies in chain length and type of linkage between the monomer units.
Galactooligosaccharides are produced through the enzymatic conversion of lactose, a component of bovine milk.
The yield and type of GOS produced is associated with factors:
enzyme source enzyme dosage lactose concentration
Structurally diverse, GOS mixtures vary in chain length and glycosidic linkages, affecting bacterial utilization.
Research suggests potential anxiolytic effects via gut-brain axis modulation of GOS.
GOS generally comprise a chain of galactose units that arise through consecutive transgalactosylation reactions, with a terminal glucose unit.
Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotic fibers derived from lactose through enzymatic conversion, acting as non-digestible substrates for beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
Galactooligosaccharides occur naturally in human milk and are used in infant formulas and supplements to support gut health, immune function, and relieve constipation.
GOS supplementation may influence gene expression in colonic inflammation but shows mixed clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis.
The degree of polymerization of GOS varies, ranging from 2 to 8 monomeric units, depending mainly on the type of the enzyme used and the conversion degree of lactose.
Because of the configuration of their glycosidic bonds, galactooligosaccharides largely resist hydrolysis by salivary and intestinal digestive enzymes.
Galactooligosaccharides are classified as prebiotics.
Non-digestible food ingredients as substrate for the host by stimulating the growth and activity of bacteria in the colon.
The increased activity of colonic bacteria results in various effects including bacteria themselves or indirectly by producing short-chain fatty acids as byproducts via fermentation.
Galactooligosaccharide effects are stimulation of immune functions, absorption of essential nutrients, and synthesis of certain vitamins.
Galactooligosaccharides are a substrate for bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Studies with infants and adults have shown that foods or drinks enriched with galactooligosaccharides result in a significant increase in Bifidobacteria.
Galactooligosaccharide sugars can be found naturally in human milk, known as human milk oligosaccharides.
Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) support natural defenses of the human body via the gut microflora, indirectly by increasing the number of bacteria in the gut and inhibiting the binding or survival of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridia.
GOS can positively influence the immune system indirectly through the production of antimicrobial substances, reducing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
Constipation is a potential problem, particularly among infants, elderly and pregnant women with galactooligosaccharidesIn.
Infant formula feeding may be associated with constipation and hard stools, and Galactooligosaccharides may improve stool frequency and relieve symptoms related to constipation.