Naturally occurring in dairy products, legumes, and certain root vegetables, galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotics composed of chain-like plant sugars. GOS is widely recognized as a valuable ingredient in promoting balance within the gut microbiota and supporting human health. Compared to other oligosaccharides, GOS effectively regulates gut microbiota, boosts body immunity, and enhances food function. Nutri-Echo Wellness takes pride in incorporating this healthy ingredient into our supplement products to promote digestive health and overall well-being. Let's take a closer look at this natural ingredient and learn how it can support your overall health.

What are Galactooligosaccharides?

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are natural oligosaccharides that form through transgalactosylation by the β-galactosidase enzyme. Although difficult to digest, GOS is a food component that passes through the upper gastrointestinal tract intact, and is then fermented in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs further modulate the human intestinal flora. GOS has the potential to enhance the growth and differentiation of colonic epithelial cells, as well as the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates while facilitating energy transduction. Moreover, it helps lower the amount of potentially harmful bacteria and promotes normal intestinal function. GOS and oligofructose blends are often introduced to the market, particularly in infant formulas, to encourage the growth of gut microflora similar to that of breastfed infants. These blends have demonstrated significant prebiotic effects.

Health Benefits of Galactooligosaccharides in Our Supplements

GOS is recognized as a natural ingredient with prebiotic properties. Adding prebiotics to your diet has been shown to be a better way to keep your gut flora balanced. As a popular prebiotic ingredient in our supplements, GOS has the following unique physiological functions:

Preventing diarrhea or intestinal obstruction

GOS has been shown to effectively stimulate the growth of Bifidobacteria in the intestinal tract. Most Bifidobacteria produce lactic acid, which acidifies the intestinal environment, limits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and improves mucosal barrier function. Therefore, GOS plays an important role in maintaining digestive health and preventing diarrhea and intestinal obstruction.

Regulating intestinal flora

In healthy individuals, there is an equilibrium between the commensal gut microbiota and pathogenic bacteria. When this balance is disturbed, the intestinal barrier function is impaired and GOS can bind to bacterial binding sites on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells, preventing the adhesion of harmful microorganisms and improving the symbiotic relationship between the host and the microbiota.

Promoting the proliferation of Bifidobacteria

GOS administration resulted in a significant reduction in the number of harmful bacteria and a significant increase in the number of beneficial bacteria, especially Bifidobacterial. Increased numbers of Bifidobacteria in the gut can antagonize the activity of spoilage bacteria such as Clostridium spp., thereby reducing the formation of toxic fermentation products.

Relieve lactose intolerance and prevent constipation

In addition to protecting the intestinal barrier function, GOS play an important role in alleviating lactose intolerance and preventing constipation. Prebiotics increase the water-binding capacity of the gut. These movements increase stool weight and frequency and also soften stools, resulting in reduced transit time.

Reduce the risk of cancer

The effects of prebiotics on intestinal immune responses are achieved by stimulating intestinal epithelial cells. GOS has been shown to have a positive effect on immune function. GOS can induce the proliferation of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and its metabolites, SCFAs, play an important role in anticancer immune mechanisms such as colonic epithelial cell metabolism, gene expression, and induction of apoptosis.

Regulation of lipid metabolism

GOS has low sweetness, less calories, and is not easy to be converted into cholesterol and fat, so it can improve lipid metabolism, reduce serum total cholesterol, increase the proportion of high-density lipoprotein in serum, and then effectively prevent and treat hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

Stimulating mineral absorption

Several studies in animals and humans have shown that GOS has a positive effect on bone composition and structure. Possible mechanisms include: (1) Bacterial fermentation of acidic metabolites in the colon reduces the local pH of the intestine, thereby increasing the luminal concentration of calcium ions and increasing passive calcium absorption; (2) SCFAs modify the charge of calcium, promote calcium channels, and increase calcium absorption.

Immunomodulatory properties

By promoting a healthy gut microbiota and supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria, GOS contributes to a well-functioning immune system.

How to Obtain the Best Source of Galactooligosaccharides?

At Nutri-Echo Wellness, we add premium galactooligosaccharide ingredients to our Nutri-Echo Pro-Digestive Enzymes products. Our supplements are formulated scientifically and are subject to rigorous quality control standards to ensure the highest purity and potency of our GOS. This way, you can experience the full benefits of this special prebiotic fiber. Incorporate Nutri-Echo Pro-Digestive Enzymes into your daily regimen and discover the beneficial impact galactooligosaccharides can have on your gut health and wellness.