galacto-oligosaccharides + fructo-oligosaccharides

Galacto-oligosaccharides + fructo-oligosaccharides is a combination of two non-digestible carbohydrates classified as prebiotics. Both components are oligosaccharide fibers that resist digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract and reach the colon intact, where they selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli[1][5][6]. This synbiotic effect can improve gut health by enhancing digestion, increasing stool frequency, supporting immune function, improving mineral absorption (such as calcium), and potentially reducing inflammation[5][6][7]. The combination is commonly used in infant formulas to mimic some functional properties of human milk oligosaccharides and may help prevent or relieve constipation, eczema (atopic dermatitis), colic in infants, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis/pouchitis after surgery for UC, osteoporosis prevention via improved mineral absorption, and other digestive disorders[1][9]. Both GOS and FOS are also used as low-calorie sweeteners due to their mild sweetness[2].\n\nMechanistically, these compounds act primarily by serving as fermentable substrates for commensal bacteria in the colon. Their fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids that further support gut barrier integrity and modulate immune responses. They do not directly interact with human cellular targets but exert effects through modulation of microbiota composition (“microbiome therapy”)[5][6].

Other names

GOS + FOSgalactooligosaccharides + fructooligosaccharidesprebiotic oligosaccharide blend