Prebiotic properties and application of galactooligosaccharides

Abstract

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are known prebiotics, they are produced in large volumes and used in the production of various foods. The purpose of the work was to systematize and analyze information on the classification, physiological effects and areas of application of GOS as prebiotics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, RSCI databases, mainly for the last 10 years, using the following keywords: galactooligosaccharides, prebiotics, types, effect on microbiota, effect on intestinal epithelium, physiological effects, application. A total of 80 articles from peer-reviewed journals, mostly with a high citation index, were selected for analysis. RESULTS: GOS are oligosaccharides mainly consisting of galactose residues with a degree of polymerization from 2 to 10, the chemical structure of which varies in chain length, branching, and glycosyl bonds. It has been shown that the most studied and widely used are β-GOS obtained from lactose, although other types of GOS (α-GOS, fructoGOS) also exhibit prebiotic properties. It has been established that the structure of GOS significantly affects their physiological activity mediated by the effect on the intestinal epithelium, immune, nervous and endocrine systems of humans, but not all mechanisms of such an effect are clear. Confirmation of bifidogenic and other health-promoting properties of GOS has been obtained in experimental models and in clinical settings, due to which they have a generally recognized status of safe and effective prebiotics. Data on clinical studies, including the composition and dosage of the GOS and placebo for comparison, the health status and age of the participants are heterogeneous, which complicates a metaanalysis of the effectiveness of adding GOS. CONCLUSION: GOS have found application in infant formulas, various dairy products, bakery and confectionery products, and beverages. Given the data of existing studies on the safety and effectiveness of GOS, as well as the need to ensure technological sovereignty in the field of functional nutrition, it is advisable to supplement regulatory documents with requirements for the composition and properties of this type of prebiotics and organize the production of GOS in Russia.