Galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) are substances that promote the growth of normal intestinal flora. These compounds do not exist in foods and are produced by specific methods. They are not digested or absorbed in the small intestine and introduced into the colon without change and consumed by beneficial bacteria (such as bifidobacteria). "Galactooligosaccharides" resemble breast milk oligosaccharides. "Galactooligosaccharides" consist of "glucose" binding to several units (2 to 8 units) of "galactose" (Figure below).
Benefits of GOSs:
- Stimulating the growth of normal intestinal flora.
- Increasing the number of times of disposal (someone defecate).
- Increasing mineral uptake.
- Boosting the immune system.
References:
Bruzzese,E.,Volpicelli,M.,Squeglia,V.,Bruzzese,D.,Salvini,F.,Bisceglia,M.,&Guarino, A. (2009). A formula containing galacto-and fructo-oligosaccharides prevents intestinal and extra-intestinal infections: an observational study. Clinical Nutrition, 28(2), 156-161.
Arslanoglu, S., Moro, G.E., & Boehm, G. (2007). Early supplementation of prebiotic oligosaccharides protects formula-fed infants against infections during the first 6 months of life. The Journal of nutrition, 137(11), 2420-2424.