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Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are a type of prebiotic fibre that is derived from lactose.
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome; bacteria known to support key areas of health and wellbeing.
With the prebiotic market set to continue its strong growth as consumers take a more proactive interest in their wellbeing and gut health in particular, health and nutrition brands are exploring the potential for their use in new product developments. However, there are several subcategories under the oligosaccharides umbrella that formulators can choose from.
Oligosaccharides are a carbohydrate that consist of chained monosaccharide units. Most prebiotics are in the oligosaccharides category, but not all.
The most well-known in this group are Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and to a lesser extent Xylooligosaccharides (XOS), which are typically plant-based, and GOS which is dairy based, and thus shares a connection with HMOs, or human milk oligosaccharides.
What is GOS?
Galactooligosaccharides, abbreviated as GOS, are a type of prebiotic fibre comprised of sugars that are specifically linked in chains. A great choice for formulators looking to introduce prebiotics into their product range, GOS is a non-digestible fibre that reaches the gut microbiome intact, where it nourishes resident beneficial bacteria.
Galactooligosaccharides can be synthesized from lactose, derived from cows’ milk. It shares a connection with oligosaccharides found naturally occurring in human breast milk, leading to GOS being a popular choice of prebiotic in infant nutrition formulations. As one of the most versatile types of prebiotic fibre, galactooligosaccharides are commonly found in prebiotic supplements and functional foods as well as the aforementioned infant formulas.
The multi award-winning ingredient, Bimuno® GOS, is an example of a galactooligosaccharide. Directly meeting the consumer demand for science-backed solutions, Bimuno GOS is the most studied ingredient of its kind, backed by more than 100 scientific publications, including more than 20 clinical trials, with benefits showcased across immunity, gastrointestinal health, cognitive wellbeing and more.
Showcasing the versatility of prebiotics, Bimuno GOS is extremely stable and resistant to a wide range of heat and acidity levels. This stability means it can be implemented in manufacturing processes and recipes at almost any point, providing outstanding versatility for new product development, and further benefits in terms of a long shelf-life period. One of the most significant advantages of Bimuno GOS is the dosage required to achieve a ‘prebiotic effect’ or ‘bifidogenic effect’ with identifiable benefits, which begins with an intake at just 1.37g per day.
What is FOS?
Fructooligosaccharides, abbreviated as FOS, are a prebiotic fibre made up of plant sugars and carbohydrates in linear chains. FOS can be found in certain fruits and vegetables, such as chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas and garlic.
Fructooligosaccharides tend to have a sweet flavour, typically 0.3 to 0.6 times that of sugar, leading to its use as an alternative sweetener. While a benefit in some applications, this sweetness tends to make FOS less versatile in other applications where flavour-free is a benefit.
FOS is perhaps one of the most-known prebiotic fibre types and has been commercially available for the longest period of time. As a result, with a large number of companies involved, there is a substantial amount of scientific study across the variations and grades and its effect on the gut microbiome. FOS is often considered for products that target gastrointestinal health and immune function.
With FOS, a measurable prebiotic effect typically begins at 3-4g, significantly higher than Bimuno GOS in comparison. For formulators, this means much higher quantities of the ingredient are required to achieve a comparable prebiotic effect. In addition, excessive intake has been associated with intestinal discomfort.
What is XOS?
Xylooligosaccharides, abbreviated as XOS, are a fibre polymer that like FOS, is made up of plant fibres. In the health and nutrition market, XOS is less prevalent than GOS or FOS, although it has been commercially available for a considerable time. The research portfolio behind it is considered less strong than that of FOS or GOS.
The dosage required for XOS is generally between 1g and 3g, and the most common applications for xylooligosaccharides are gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health.
With gut health continually on the public health agenda, prebiotics are becoming ever more attractive as a functional ingredient category.
The prebiotic category is one of the most rapid and exciting in the health and nutrition field, and today’s formulators can access a wide variety of options. As public awareness of gut health grows, the commercial benefits of prebiotics, in addition to the nutritional and scientific advantages, become ever clearer.
With Bimuno GOS, health and nutrition brands can enhance functionality and instantly uplift nutritional profiles with a prebiotic fibre backed by extensive research, giving consumers an additional layer of trust.
Available in both prebiotic syrup and prebiotic powder form, the patent-protected GOS passes through the upper gastrointestinal tract to the colon, where it selectively nourishes the beneficial gut bacteria, such as bifidobacteria. With many options available to formulators, the ingredient provides a solid case for use over other prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides.
To find out more about prebiotics and the advantages of Bimuno GOS, speak to our team today.