GOS are a complex mix of over 100 oligosaccharide structures that are derived from the lactose in cow’s milk using an enzymatic (beta-galactosidase) conversion. As such, GOS consist of the building blocks glucose and galactose, which are also building blocks of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Vivinal® GOS are minimally digested by the body, which means they reach the large intestine intact. Scientific evidence supports the influence of GOS, when added to infant milk formula, on the composition of the infant gut microbiota . This helps explain why GOS are the most widely used oligosaccharides in infant formula globally.
GOS have been shown to promote the growth of bifidogenic bacteria . A substantial number of studies with formula-fed infants has shown that infant formula enriched with Vivinal® GOS caused a significant increase in Bifidobacteria, in comparison to infants receiving a standard formula without GOS . GOS may contribute to the body’s immune system, since specific health outcomes in clinical trials where a reduced incidence of infections was observed have been connected to the presence of GOS in infant formula . Supplementation of infant formula with GOS has been shown to improve infant stool consistency and transit time , indicating that GOS contributes to enhanced digestive comfort. GOS have also been shown to enhance calcium absorption in young girls and iron in infants . In a recent study, it was further shown that supplementation with GOS reduced anxiety in highly anxious young women: this effect was accompanied by an increase in Bifidobacteria in the gut .
After lactose and fat, HMOs are the third largest component of human milk solids, at 8 percent . HMOs are non-digestible carbohydrates that help provide the optimum conditions for beneficial bacteria to thrive in the infant gut and play an important role in supporting the immune system and contributing to brain development . So far, more than 200 different HMOs have been identified at various concentrations and combinations in breast milk . These include 2’-FL, 3’-SL and LNT, each of which is expected to have its own potential benefits for infant health.
Research shows that HMOs have an important role to play by supporting infant health in various ways. These include influencing the gut microbiome, reducing the risk of infection and supporting the brain development of infants . Different individual HMOs have been shown to have different effects , so they may complement each other in supporting infant health.
At FrieslandCampina Ingredients, we believe that delivering a larger variety of non-digestible oligosaccharides (e.g. a combination of GOS and HMOs) can be of key importance for the establishment of the gut microbiota and its metabolism, thereby feeding into many different health aspects in early life and beyond. As a unique provider of both GOS and HMO solutions, we can offer a wider diversity of structures to bring the concept of gut health to the next level.