Galacto-oligosaccharides: a Prebiotic Suitable for All Ages

Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) is one of the three internationally recognized prebiotics. It is derived from animal milk and is also a functional oligosaccharide with natural properties. In nature, animal milk contains less, while human breast milk contains more. Galacto-oligosaccharide is the only oligosaccharide that exists in breast milk and can be used by most beneficial bacteria in the human intestine at the same time, so it is known as the "milk gold prebiotic". Galacto-oligosaccharide has a relatively pure sweetness, low caloric value, 20% to 40% of the sweetness of sucrose, and is extremely moisturizing. It has high thermal stability under neutral pH conditions. After heating at 100°C for 1 hour or 120°C for 30 minutes, galactooligosaccharide does not undergo any decomposition. Galacto-oligosaccharide has strong acid resistance and heat resistance. It will not lose its original characteristics due to high-temperature sterilization and decomposition by human gastric acid during processing. It is easily soluble in water and insoluble in ethanol.

The gut microbiota is considered an additional “organ” that maintains host health. Many studies have shown that gut microbiota disturbances are associated with inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and diabetes. The diversity of intestinal flora is closely related to dietary intake, and many oligosaccharides affect the structure and composition of intestinal flora. Therefore, the type and quantity of oligosaccharides are crucial to the construction of intestinal flora. Galacto-oligosaccharide can significantly improve intestinal morphology, promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, increase the expression of tight junction proteins, and reduce intestinal inflammation levels. In particular, high doses of GOS have a certain slowing effect on intestinal damage caused by antibiotics. Dietary GOS regulate homeostasis in the aging intestine by promoting changes in microbial composition and host gene expression that translate into reduced intestinal permeability and increased mucus production.

The physiological and other properties of three oligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharide (GOS), fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), were compared. Among the three types of oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides are the only ones that can be utilized by the eight beneficial bacteria in the human intestine. Galacto-oligosaccharide is an excellent nutrient source and effective proliferation factor for beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus in the human intestine, which can improve the digestion and absorption function of the human intestine. The digestive function of newborns is relatively weak, so the nutritional ingredient galactooligosaccharide is added to infant milk powder.

Galactooligosaccharide is an oligosaccharide composed of galactose molecules and has a variety of functions and effects:

1. Maintain intestinal health: Galacto-oligosaccharide can be decomposed and utilized by probiotics in the human body, promotes the growth and reproduction of probiotics, inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, maintains the balance of intestinal flora, and improves intestinal health.

2. Enhance immunity: GOS has the function of regulating immune function, which can increase the number and activity of immune cells in the body, enhance the body's resistance, and prevent the occurrence of infections and diseases.

3. Promote calcium absorption: GOS can increase the absorption rate of calcium in the intestine, improve calcium utilization, and help prevent osteoporosis and other diseases related to calcium metabolism.

4. Regulate blood sugar levels: GOS can regulate the release and utilization of blood sugar, reduce blood sugar peaks and blood sugar fluctuations, and help prevent and control diabetes.

5. Promote intestinal peristalsis: GOS can increase the water content in the intestine, increase intestinal peristalsis, promote food digestion and excretion, and prevent constipation and other digestive system diseases.

In general, galacto-oligosaccharides have various functions and effects such as maintaining intestinal health, enhancing immunity, promoting calcium absorption, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting intestinal peristalsis, and have a positive impact on human health.