GALACTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES (GOS)

Uses & Effectiveness

Overview

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotics made up of plant sugars linked in chains. They're found in dairy products, beans, and certain root vegetables.

Prebiotics act as food for “good” bacteria in the intestine. They pass undigested into the colon where they increase bowel mass and promote growth of certain bacteria.

People use GOS for eczema, colic, hay fever, food allergies, constipation, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse GOS with other prebiotics, such as fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin, and polydextrose. Also, don't confuse prebiotics with probiotics such as lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, and saccharomyces, which are live organisms.

There seems to be an error in the given prompt, as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are not a vitamin, but rather a type of prebiotic carbohydrate that can be found in certain foods or added to products to promote gut health and support digestion. Therefore, here is an interesting fact about GOS:

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are a type of prebiotic carbohydrate that cannot be digested by humans, but they act as food for beneficial bacteria in our gut, promoting a healthy balance of intestinal flora and potentially benefiting our overall digestive health.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: GOS are commonly consumed in foods, including dairy products, beans, and certain root vegetables. It is possibly safe to take supplemental GOS in doses up to 20 grams daily for up to 30 days. Side effects are generally mild and may include gas, bloating, stomachcramps, and diarrhea.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with GALACTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES (GOS)

  GOS can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking GOS along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

Special Precautionsand Warnings

When taken by mouth: GOS are commonly consumed in foods, including dairy products, beans, and certain root vegetables. It is possibly safe to take supplemental GOS in doses up to 20 grams daily for up to 30 days. Side effects are generally mild and may include gas, bloating, stomachcramps, and diarrhea.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: GOS are commonly consumed in foods. GOS are possibly safe when taken by mouth as medicine in doses of 4.5 grams daily, starting at 25 weeks of pregnancy and continuing until delivery.

Children: GOS are possibly safe when added to breast milk or infant formula at concentrations of no more than 7.2 grams/L and consumed as needed for 4-12 months. Side effects might include constipation or diarrhea.

“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: GOS might cause the immune system to become more active. This might increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have an auto-immune condition, it's best to avoid using GOS as medicine until more is known.

Allergies: GOS might cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to a species of dust mite called Blomia tropicalis.

Dosing

GOS have most often been used by adults in doses of 5-20 grams by mouth daily for up to 30 days. They've also been added to infant formula. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.