Latest Happenings in Business World
06
Dec-2019
Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) Market by Application (Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements), Product (Syrup, Powder).
Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) Introduction:
Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) refers to a chain of galactose seized as a glucose molecule. They are mainly extracted from lactose from cow's milk, beans and some root vegetables. Galactooligosaccharides are transferred without digesting to the colon, where they amplify the intestinal mass and complement the growth of bacteria such as bifidobacteria that are beneficial.
It is a food ingredient with prebiotic properties, derived from cow's milk, which is a non-digestible carbohydrate. GOS is widely recognized for promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. The most common use of GOS is an ingredient in infant formula because it has been shown to help digestive health. Oligosaccharides are the third most important component of breast milk after lactose and lipids. Therefore, GOS is added to the infant formula to better mimic human breast milk.
Galacto-oligosaccharides, also called oligogalactosillactose, oligogalactose, oligofructose or transgalactooligosaccharides (TOS) belong to the group of prebiotics. Prebiotics are defined as non-digestible food ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the host by stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon. GOS appears in commercially available products, such as food for babies and adults.
Chemistry:
The composition of the galacto-oligosaccharides varies in the length of the chain and the type of bond between the monomer units. Galacto-oligosaccharides are produced by the enzymatic conversion of lactose, a component of cow's milk.
Several factors in determining the performance, style, and type of GOS produced.
These factors include:
GOS generally comprise a chain of galactose units that result from consecutive transgalactosylation reactions, with a terminal glucose unit. However, when a terminal galactose unit is indicated, hydrolysis of the GOS formed at an earlier stage of the process occurs. The degree of polymerization of GOS can vary significantly, varying from 2 to 8 monomer units, depending mainly on the type of enzyme used and the degree of lactose conversion.
Health effects:
Due to the configuration of their glycosidic bonds, galactooligosaccharides (GOS) mostly resist hydrolysis by salivary and intestinal digestive enzymes. Galactooligosaccharides are classified as prebiotics, defined as non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon. The increased activity of these beneficial bacteria has several effects, both directly from the bacteria themselves and indirectly from the organic acids produced by fermentation. Examples of outcomes are the stimulation of immune functions, the absorption of essential nutrients, the production of the potent antioxidant H2 gas and the synthesis of specific vitamins.
Stimulating bacteria:
Galactooligosaccharides are a substrate for bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Studies in infants and adults have shown that foods or beverages enriched with galactooligosaccharides cause a significant increase in bifidobacteria.
Immune response:
The human intestinal microbiota plays a vital role in the intestinal immune system. Galactooligosaccharides improve the natural defenses of the human body through the intestinal microflora, indirectly increasing the number of bacteria in the intestine and inhibiting the binding or survival of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium and Clostridia. GOS can positively influence the immune system indirectly through the production of antimicrobial substances, reducing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
Constipation:
Constipation is a potential problem, especially in infants, older women and pregnant women. In infants, formula feeding may be associated with this and hard stools. Galactooligosaccharides can improve stool frequency and relieve constipation symptoms.
Recent developments:
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