Galactooligosaccharide (GOS)
Nutritional Enhancers
Sweeteners
6587-31-1
$4.21 ~ $6.31
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Galactooligosaccharide (GOS)?
Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) is a prebiotic fiber derived from lactose that supports the growth of beneficial gut flora, primarily used in infant formula and functional foods for digestive health benefits.
How is Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Substrate Preparation | Dissolve high-purity lactose (often from whey permeate) in demineralized water to create a concentrated solution. | Lactose concentration (typically 40-60% w/w) is a critical parameter. The purity of the lactose source directly affects the final GOS quality and reaction efficiency. |
| 2 | Enzymatic Reaction (Transgalactosylation) | Introduce a specific β-galactosidase enzyme into the lactose solution under controlled conditions to initiate the synthesis of GOS. | Temperature (e.g., 40-60°C), pH, and reaction time are precisely controlled. This is the core step where GOS is formed. The reaction is stopped at the peak GOS yield to prevent hydrolysis back into simple sugars. |
| 3 | Enzyme Deactivation | Rapidly heat the syrup to a high temperature (e.g., 85-95°C) for a short period. | This step permanently stops all enzymatic activity, locking in the carbohydrate profile. Incomplete deactivation can lead to product degradation and inconsistency. |
| 4 | Purification & Decolorization | Treat the GOS syrup with activated carbon and then perform microfiltration. | The goal is to remove color bodies and other impurities formed during the reaction. Filtration ensures a clear, bright syrup free from suspended particles. |
| 5 | Demineralization | Pass the clarified syrup through cation and anion ion-exchange resin columns. | This process removes mineral salts (ash) and other charged molecules, improving the taste, stability, and purity of the final product. Resin regeneration cycles are a key control point. |
| 6 | Concentration | Evaporate excess water from the purified syrup, typically using a multi-effect vacuum evaporator. | Vacuum allows for water removal at lower temperatures, preventing caramelization and thermal damage to the GOS. The process continues until a target solids content (e.g., 75% Brix) is reached for syrup products. |
| 7 | Spray Drying (for Powder form) | Atomize the concentrated GOS syrup into a chamber with hot air, causing rapid evaporation of water. | This optional step converts the liquid into a stable powder. Inlet/outlet air temperatures and atomizer speed are controlled to ensure the correct moisture content and particle size. |
| 8 | Final QC & Packaging | Analyze the final GOS liquid or powder and package it into sanitized, sealed containers. | The final product is tested for GOS content (via HPLC), purity, pH, water activity, and microbial contamination. Packaging is designed to protect from moisture and contaminants during shelf life. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 6587-31-1 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Storage Conditions | Keep dry and sealed |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Infant formula
yogurt
nutrition powder
beverages
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Prebiotic Fiber; Bifidogenic Factor; Soluble Dietary Fiber; Low-Calorie Sweetener |
| Key Ingredients | A mixture of oligosaccharides composed of galactose units linked to a terminal glucose molecule (Gal-(Gal)n-Glc), typically with β(1→4) or β(1→6) glycosidic bonds. |
| Mechanism of Action | Resists digestion by human enzymes in the upper gastrointestinal tract, allowing it to reach the colon intact. It selectively serves as a fermentable substrate for beneficial gut microbiota, primarily *Bifidobacteria* and *Lactobacilli*. This fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate, which lower colonic pH and nourish colonocytes. |
| Application Effect in Product | Enriches food products (e.g., infant formula, dairy, beverages) with dietary fiber; supports 'prebiotic' and 'gut health' marketing claims; functions as a mild sweetener and bulking agent with reduced caloric value; improves texture and mouthfeel; can enhance mineral absorption (e.g., calcium) by creating a more acidic gut environment. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) | Prebiotic Oligosaccharide | Derived from lactose; structurally similar to prebiotics in human milk; primarily feeds Bifidobacteria. | Highly effective at promoting Bifidobacteria growth; very well-studied, especially in infants; generally well-tolerated. | Derived from milk, making it unsuitable for those with milk allergies or severe lactose intolerance. | Infant nutrition, general digestive wellness, specifically increasing Bifidobacteria counts. | For a research-backed, potent bifidogenic effect that is gentle on the digestive system for most users. |
| Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) | Prebiotic Oligosaccharide | Naturally occurs in plants (e.g., chicory, onions); shorter-chain fructose polymer. | Widely available and cost-effective; promotes a broad range of beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. | More likely to cause gas and bloating at lower doses due to rapid fermentation in the colon. | General prebiotic support in foods and supplements; cost-sensitive applications. | For an affordable, widely used prebiotic for general gut health, if GI sensitivity is not a major concern. |
| Inulin | Prebiotic Polysaccharide (Fructan) | Longer-chain fructose polymer sourced from chicory root; also functions as a soluble fiber. | Adds texture, creaminess, and can replace fat in foods; promotes satiety; ferments more slowly than FOS. | Higher doses are frequently associated with gastrointestinal side effects like gas, cramps, and bloating. | Increasing total dietary fiber intake; functional food manufacturing; weight management support. | When seeking a dual-purpose ingredient for both prebiotic benefits and the functional properties of soluble fiber. |
| Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) | Prebiotic Oligosaccharide | Derived from plant fiber like corn cobs; polymer of xylose sugar. | Effective at a much lower dose (1-2 grams) than GOS or FOS, leading to excellent tolerability and minimal side effects. | Less extensively studied in humans compared to GOS and FOS; can be more expensive per unit of weight. | Individuals highly sensitive to digestive side effects from other prebiotics; high-potency supplement formulas. | For a highly effective prebiotic with the best tolerability due to its very low required dosage. |
| Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) | Prebiotic Oligosaccharide | Bio-identical to specific oligosaccharides in human breast milk (e.g., 2'-FL); produced via precision fermentation. | Highly specific and multi-functional benefits, including immune system modulation and blocking pathogens, beyond just feeding bacteria. | Significantly more expensive than all other prebiotics; research on adults is less extensive than on infants. | Premium infant formulas; immune health supplements for all ages; advanced gut health protocols. | For the most advanced, multi-functional prebiotic benefits that mimic human biology, especially for infant or immune health. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, TDS available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications