Galactooligosaccharides are prebiotics known to enhance overall digestive health and wellness. They are used in dietary supplement formulations for improved immunity responses. They are also beneficial among pregnant women as well as individuals with compromised digestive function as they promote healthy bowel movement and prevent constipation.
What are Galactooligosaccharides?
The term Galactooligosaccharides refers to a group of oligosaccharides consisting of galactosyl residues and terminal glucose linked by β-glycosidic bonds. They are considered as non-digestible food ingredients which may promote digestion by enhancing levels of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. Due to their molecular structures, Galactooligosaccharides largely resist hydrolysis by salivary and intestinal digestive enzymes. Hence, it passes on to the digestive tract and is only fermented by colonic bacteria in the intestines.
Galactooligosaccharides are naturally present in the milk of some mammals. For industrial production purposes, they are derived from lactose through enzymatic transgalactosylation. Other names for the said group of compounds include OS, oligogalactosyllactose, oligogalactose, oligolactose, transgalactooligosaccharides, Galacto-oligosaccharides. They are also known for their brand names which include bimuno®, Biotis™ GOS, and Vivinal®.
The molecular formula for Galactooligosaccharides is C18H32O16. The CAS number for the same is 6587-31-1 and the molecular weight of which is 504.44 g/mol.
Galactooligosaccharides powder has a whitish to yellow amorphous appearance and is generally soluble in water.
Galactooligosaccharides prebiotic
As prebiotics, Galactooligosaccharides are not hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes but are fermented by intestinal normal flora. Hence, they serve as food for beneficial microorganisms which, in turn, promotes metabolism and digestion. Prebiotics like Galactooligosaccharides is also useful in promoting absorption of some vitamins and minerals. They also help improve glycemic index and preventing sudden shoot-up of blood sugar levels.
Fructooligosaccharides and Galactooligosaccharides
Both Fructooligosaccharides and Galactooligosaccharides are known prebiotic agents that aid in digestion. However, while Galactooligosaccharides are essentially derived from milk, Fructooligosaccharides are prevalent in many plants including yacon root, onion, garlic, and leeks.
Fructooligosaccharides and Galactooligosaccharides are useful to prevent constipation and increase bowel mass. Studies reveal that these compounds may also have effects in improving skin health.
Galactooligosaccharides forms and specifications
Galactooligosaccharides powder for dietary supplement formulations and research purposes may come in 70% or 90% purity assays. Galactooligosaccharides 70% or 90% powder may be purchased from ingredient suppliers offering services online for your convenience.
When bought in bulk from the legitimate ingredient supplier Nutriavenue, the product is usually packed in paper drums with two layers of poly bags inside. Packaging however may vary depending on the customer’s preference and the quantity of powder purchased. Paper drums for bulk purchases usually have a net weight of 25 kilograms.
How do Galactooligosaccharides work?
Galactooligosaccharides primarily work by passing through the stomach in its undigested form, thereby causing its breakdown only in the gut. Thus, it improves the function of beneficial microorganisms which are essential in digestion and metabolism. Galactooligosaccharides stimulates the growth of intestinal bifidobacteria and other normal flora, thereby working as a prebiotic.
Galactooligosaccharides Health Benefits
The use of Galactooligosaccharides provides various health benefits among individual users. These include the following:
They provide intestinal health benefits
By promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, Galactooligosaccharides are claimed to improve overall intestinal health. The regulation of the intestinal normal flora is important as a deficiency in the same will result in slowed metabolism and failure to eliminate toxins through natural fecal elimination. Thus, many medical experts recommend the use of Galactooligosaccharides as they safely and effectively provide prebiotic effects and promote digestion.
Excessive use of prebiotics may, however, result in an increased intestinal fermentation and discomfort. Thus, for purposes of improving intestinal health, Galactooligosaccharides must be used in moderation.
They support immune function
The regulation of microorganismic growth in the gastrointestinal tract is an important determinant in immunity responses. By serving as a prebiotic agent, experts say that Galactooligosaccharides may support immune function by normalizing normal flora levels in the gut. Hence, opportunistic infections in several regions of the body may be controlled.
They support digestive comfort
Maintaining a healthy bacterial environment in the gastrointestinal tract is important for immunomodulation, nutrient and drug metabolism, and the structural integrity of the mucosal barrier in the gut. Based on studies, Galactooligosaccharides may help maintain a healthy bacterial environment by providing food to the normal flora within the gut. In effect, Galactooligosaccharides promote overall digestive comfort and prevent irritation.
It prevents constipation
Aside from dehydration, constipation is caused by a lack of digestive motility due to problems with the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract. Helping regulate the same through Galactooligosaccharides supplementation is suggested to prevent constipation. This essentially works among pregnant women and persons who have just undergone an internal surgical operation as Galactooligosaccharides pass on the digestive tract without being absorbed.
Other benefits
Several studies also suggest that Galactooligosaccharides supplementation may help control eczema and colic among infants. It may work against allergic rhinitis and other food allergies.
Galactooligosaccharides side effects
Galactooligosaccharides pass on through the digestive tract undigested. Hence, there are no known side effects associated with its use within recommended doses. However, it was found in studies that the excessive consumption of Galactooligosaccharides may result in the development of symptoms similar to those which develop among lactose-intolerant persons who take excessive lactose.
Galactooligosaccharides dosage
In most clinical researches, the recommended dosage for Galactooligosaccharides supplementation is 2.5 to 15 grams per day. The recommended dose may vary depending on the individual user’s age, weight, and overall physical condition. Pregnant and lactating women, as well as those who are currently suffering from certain medical conditions, may be prescribed a lesser dose for Galactooligosaccharides supplements.
Where to buy bulk Galactooligosaccharides?
Galactooligosaccharides in bulk or lesser quantities may be purchased from Nutriavenue. We are among the best options when it comes to dietary supplement ingredients as we offer high-quality products at very affordable prices.
Nutriavenue is an FDA-registered ingredient supplier which has been in the market for several years. As such, we have been recognized and certified by Halal, Kosher, and GMP.
Aside from Galactooligosaccharides, we also offer a wide variety of ingredients which you may check out when you visit our page. We also offer shipping services for your convenience through air, sea, or couriers like UPS and FedEx. Shipping rates depend on your location and the number of products you purchase.
For more information on your products and services, you may visit our website and inquire from your friendly and customer-oriented technical support staff. You may also avail of a free quote on our page.
