galactooligosaccharide

Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) is a prebiotic carbohydrate composed of galactose units, typically produced through the enzymatic treatment of lactose. It functions by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of health-promoting gut bacteria, particularly *Bifidobacterium* and *Lactobacillus* species. By modulating the gut microbiota, GOS helps maintain intestinal barrier integrity, reduces colonic permeability, and may lower systemic inflammation. It has been investigated in clinical trials for its potential to manage ulcerative colitis, improve metabolic markers in obese individuals, and provide neuroprotective effects in conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by influencing B-vitamin absorption and homocysteine levels. GOS is frequently utilized in synbiotic formulations to support the establishment of probiotic strains in the human gastrointestinal tract.

Brand names

Vivinal GOSVivinal

Other names

GOStrans-galactooligosaccharidesgalacto-oligosaccharidesoligogalactose