Galacto-oligosaccharide

DS585886

Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), also known as trans-oligosaccharide (TOS) and trans-galacto-oligosaccharide (TGOS) in the literature, is a kind of oligosaccharide formed by β-galactosidase transgalactosylation. Galacto-oligosaccharides are similar to oligosaccharides naturally present in human milk and may be one of the factors that protect human infants from gastrointestinal pathogenic bacteria ^[1]. The commercial production of galacto-oligosaccharides is often carried out from lactose by β-galactosidase ^[2]. As an indigestible food component, GOS is also considered a typical prebiotic. This is because it has the ability to regulate the colonic microbiota-human health balance.
CAS No: 585-88-6

Require

DescriptionSpecificationFunctionApplication

Description

Galacto-oligosaccharide is not only a prebiotic, but also a low molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber. It is found in dairy products, legumes, and certain root vegetables. GOS has low viscosity, strong moisture retention, low calorific value (only 8 kJ/g), and low sweetness (only 20%-40% of sucrose), making it the best choice as an ingredient for developing low-calorie foods. Meanwhile, galacto-oligosaccharides have strong stability to acid and heat, and do not decompose under the conditions of pH 3.0, 160℃, and heating for 15 minutes.

Description

In terms of function, GOS can effectively proliferate both beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) in the human body. So it is an excellent bifidogenic factor. A form of complex prebiotics combined with fructo-oligosaccharides has been widely used in the infant formula because of the similar composition of galacto-oligosaccharides to oligosaccharides in the human body.

Specification

Items	Powder			Syrup
Appearance	White or light yellow powder			Colorless or light yellow syrup
Type	GOS 57	GOS 70	GOS 90	GOS 57	GOS 70
GOS Content (on drying substance), w/%	≥57.0	≥70.0	≥90.0	≥57.0	≥70.0
Lactose+Monosaccharide (on dry matter), w/%	≤43.0	≤30.0	≤10.0	≤43.0	≤30.0
Solid Substance, %	/			74.0-76.0
Moisture, %	≤5.0			/
PH Value	2.8-6.0			2.8-6.0
Arsenic, (mg/kg)	≤0.5			≤0.5
Lead(Pb), (mg/kg)	≤0.5			≤0.5
Ash, w/%	≤0.3			≤0.3
Yeast and Mold, cfu/g	≤25			≤25
Package	25 kg			/
Shelf time	2 years			2 years

Function

Similar to other functional oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides also play a significant role in gut health and intestinal immune system. Depending on their functional properties, galacto-oligosaccharides can benefit different groups of people.

Pregnant women

During pregnancy, the secretion of hormones is strong and the expanding uterus compresses the intestines, both of which affect peristalsis and lead to abnormal defecation. Moreover, a too refined diet of pergnant women causes the intestinal microbial environment to be unbalanced, so the incidence of constipation is extremely high. Consumption of galacto-oligosaccharides over an extended period of time may change the intestinal microenvironment, increase the proliferation and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, and relieve constipation.

Pregnant women

Children

As a child grows and develops, the gut microbiota in the body gradually develops. At this time, supplementing galacto-oligosaccharides and other prebiotics can establish beneficial intestinal flora with bifidobacteria as the main flora, which is conducive to enhancing the body's immunity.

The elderly

The elderly have fewer beneficial bacteria in their intestines, and their digestive and secretion systems are weakened, both causing large quantities of "intestinal waste" to form. An intake of galacto-oligosaccharides for the elderly may prevent the occurrence of some digestive diseases.

Application

Due to its incomparable advantages over other sugars, GOS is widely used in the food and beverage industry. It is mainly used in infant foods, meal replacers, fermented milk, flavored milk, confectionary products, and bakery products. Infant formula milk powder is commonly added to it to promote the intestinal health of infants and strengthen their immune system. Besides, GOS is often added to fruit juices, baby juices, sports drinks, lactobacillus beverages, and other beverages in the beverage industry.

References

Fanaro, S.; et al. Galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides as prebiotics in infant formulas: a review. Acta Paediatr Suppl. 2005, 94: 22–6.
Macfarlane, S.; et al. Review article: prebiotics in the gastrointestinal tract. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006, 24: 701–14.

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