GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides)

GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) are prebiotics that are essential food sources for intestinal flora, which is a complex system of bacteria that keeps the gut and the rest of the body functioning. FOS and GOS are non-digestible carbohydrates that feed beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting a healthy gut. ^[1,2].

As dietary supplements, GOS and FOS are typically sold in the form of powders, capsules, or tablets. These supplements are marketed for their potential health benefits, such as promoting gut health, improving digestion, and enhancing the absorption of certain minerals. It is important to note that these fibers may cause digestive side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort, particularly when taken in large doses. Additionally, some GOS and FOS supplements may be adulterated or contain lower amounts of these fibers than advertised.

GOS and FOS in foods ⁽³⁾

GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) are naturally found in a variety of foods, particularly those containing lactose. Here are some examples of foods that contain GOS:

• Cow's milk (including breast milk and formula derived from cow's milk)
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Ice cream
• Butter
• Kefir
• Legumes (such as chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans)

FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) are naturally found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Here are some examples of foods that contain FOS:

• Onion, garlic, asparagus, bananas, artichokes, beetroot, blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, red chili, radicchio lettuce, longan, nectarines, okra, white onion, snow peas, pineapple, and raspberries.
  
  

Importance ^(4,5)

Both GOS and FOS have several potential health benefits due to their prebiotic properties. Here are some of the health impacts associated with each type of prebiotic:

Adulteration in GOS and FOS ⁽⁶⁾

The adulterants that may be present in GOS and FOS supplements can vary depending on the product and the manufacturer. Some common adulterants that have been found in dietary supplements in general include:

Fillers and binders: These are substances that are added to dietary supplements to improve their texture or help hold them together. Examples of fillers and binders include starch, cellulose, and magnesium stearate.

Synthetic substances: Some dietary supplements may contain synthetic substances that are not found in nature. These substances may be added for their perceived health benefits or to improve the effectiveness of the supplement.

Contaminants: Dietary supplements may also be contaminated with harmful substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or bacteria. These contaminants may be present in the raw materials used to produce the supplement or may be introduced during the manufacturing process.

Mislabeling: Some dietary supplements may be mislabeled, either intentionally or unintentionally. This may include false claims about the amount or type of active ingredients present in the supplement, or inaccurate information about the product's safety or efficacy.

Recall products Incident ⁽⁸⁾

On December 1, 2021, a health and wellness company announced a voluntary recall of two lots of its liquid probiotics due to potential contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This microorganism is commonly found in the environment and can pose a significant health risk to individuals with weakened immune systems if ingested. Infection with P. aeruginosa can be life-threatening and is typically associated with hospital settings. The name of the company issuing the recall has not been disclosed.

Market overview ⁽⁷⁾

In 2021, the global prebiotics market was worth USD 6.05 billion. Over the forecast period from 2022 to 2030, the market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9%, driven by the increasing use of prebiotics in the dairy industry for its potential health benefits. This growth is expected to result in a significant increase in demand for prebiotics in the coming years.

Regulations and standards ^{(9 )}

 Prebiotics are food components that are non-viable and provide health benefits to the consumer by modifying the gut microbiota. To be sold in India, prebiotics must comply with the following regulations, as approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):

• Only prebiotics listed in Schedule VIII, as specified in Table 2, can be used in making food containing prebiotics.
• The prebiotic component (not an organism) must be clearly specified on the label, including its origin, purity, source, chemical composition and structure, vehicle, concentration, and amount in which it is to be delivered to the host.
• Prebiotic food products cannot claim or imply that they prevent, cure, or treat human diseases.
• Any statement related to the structure, function, or general well-being of the body must be backed by scientific evidence.

Packaging for prebiotic food products must include the following information:

• 'PREBIOTIC FOOD' mentioned on the label
• Name of prebiotic
• Suggested or recommended serving size
• 'NOT FOR MEDICINAL USE' written prominently
• Any other warning or precaution to be taken while consuming, known side effects, contraindications, and product-drug interactions, as applicable.

Only additives listed in Schedule VA to Schedule VF can be used in prebiotic preparations.

List of compounds approved by FSSAI as prebiotics

• Polydextrose
• Soya poly-saccharides and soya oligosaccharides,
• Isomalto-oligosaccharides,
• Fructo-oligosaccharides,
• Gluco-oligosaccharides,
• Xylo-oligosaccharides,
• Inulin,
• Isomaltulose,
• Gentio-oligosaccharides,
• Sugar alcohols such as lactitol, sorbitol, maltitol, inositol, isomalt,
• Lactoferrin, and Galacto-oligosaccharides.
  
  

Testing methods ⁽¹⁰⁾

Testing and analysis of prebiotics typically focus on their ability to stimulate the growth of specific probiotic bacteria, their chemical composition, and their impact on digestive health. Here are some common testing methods for prebiotics:

In vitro fermentation models: In vitro models can provide information on the prebiotic's ability to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Microbiome analysis: Techniques such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomics can provide insight into the abundance and diversity of specific bacterial populations.

Chemical analysis: Chemical analysis can be used to determine the chemical composition of prebiotics, including their molecular weight, degree of polymerization, and monosaccharide composition. Techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) can be used for this purpose.

Clinical trials: These trials can assess the impact of prebiotic consumption on digestive health outcomes, such as bowel regularity, stool consistency, and gut inflammation.

Animal studies: These studies can also help identify potential mechanisms of action and optimal dosages for prebiotic supplementation.

Eurofins role

Eurofins is a global network of laboratories providing testing, analytical and research services to a wide range of industries, including the food and dietary supplement industries. Regarding GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharides), Eurofins offers a variety of testing and analysis services, including:

Overall, Eurofins plays a significant role in the testing and analysis of GOS and FOS, helping food and dietary supplement companies to ensure the safety, quality and efficacy of their products, and to comply with regulatory requirements.

References

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-10722-2
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2021.1986520
3. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2019.00078/full
4. Divyashri, G., Sadanandan, B., Chidambara Murthy, K. N., Shetty, K., & Mamta, K. (2021). Neuroprotective Potential of Non-Digestible Oligosaccharides: An Overview of Experimental Evidence. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.712531
5. Milani, M., & Micali, G. (2018). Effects of oral supplementation with FOS and GOS prebiotics in women with adult acne: The “S.O. Sweet” study: a proof-of-concept pilot trial. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 11, 445-449. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S179627
6. https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1541-4337.12173
7. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/prebiotics-market
8. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/livia-global-announces-voluntary-recall-two-lots-its-liviaone-liquid-probiotics-because-potential
9. https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Nutra_29_09_2021.pdf

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