Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS)

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are a class of non-digestible carbohydrates consisting of galactose units linked together, often with a terminal glucose molecule. They are primarily recognized as prebiotics that promote a healthy gut microbiome by selectively fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli (Davani-Davari et al., 2019). In the colon, GOS are fermented into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and modulating systemic immune responses (Monson et al., 2022). Clinically, GOS are utilized in infant formulas to mimic the prebiotic effects of human milk oligosaccharides and are investigated for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (Vulevic et al., 2015). Furthermore, GOS can competitively inhibit the binding of enteric pathogens to the intestinal epithelium by acting as molecular decoys (Shoaf et al., 2006). While generally safe, high doses can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including gas and bloating, particularly in individuals sensitive to fermentable carbohydrates.

Other names

OligogalactoseOligogalactosyl-lactoseTrans-galactooligosaccharidesTOSBeta-galactooligosaccharides

Galacto-oligosaccharides act as prebiotics by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial colonic bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. They resist enzymatic digestion in the small intestine and are fermented in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which lower intestinal pH and provide energy for colonocytes (Davani-Davari et al., 2019). Additionally, GOS can act as decoy receptors, mimicking the carbohydrate structures on intestinal cells to which pathogens bind, thereby preventing infection (Shoaf et al., 2006).