Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
Galactooligosaccharides are short chains of galactose units, usually ending in glucose, made from lactose. An enzyme (beta-galactosidase) from bacteria or fungi transfers galactose units onto lactose, producing a mix of chain lengths along with leftover lactose, glucose and galactose; the mix is then purified, concentrated and sold as a syrup or spray-dried powder. Because it comes from milk sugar, GOS is a dairy-derived ingredient.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Liquid, typically around 75% dry solids with roughly 55 to 60% GOS on a dry basis; used in infant formula and dairy.
Spray-dried, often on a carrier; GOS content varies by grade and residual lactose.
Further purified to reduce lactose, glucose and galactose, for lower-sugar products and capsules.
Made under the tighter specifications and documentation infant formula makers require.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep GOS syrup in closed containers at room temperature, away from heat that can darken it; powders go in sealed, moisture-barrier bags in a cool, dry place. Suppliers set the shelf life as a best-before or retest date for unopened packaging.
GOS percentage and residual lactose differ between suppliers and between syrup and powder grades, so record both from each COA. Note the enzyme source and the dairy origin for allergen and halal or kosher paperwork.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
GRN 484, for galacto-oligosaccharides notified by Clasado as an ingredient in food and beverage products, closed on May 8, 2014 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 286, for galacto-oligosaccharides notified by GTC Nutrition for term infant formula and follow-on formula at 7.2 grams per liter, closed on Sep 4, 2009 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA lists galactooligosaccharide among the non-digestible carbohydrates it intends to propose adding to its dietary fiber definition.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's prebiotics natural health product monograph lists transgalactooligosaccharides (GOS) as a proper name, with galactooligosaccharides as a common name.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Amersfoort, Netherlands
Sells it as Vivinal
Dutch dairy cooperative’s ingredients business supplying whey and casein proteins, lactoferrin and galacto-oligosaccharides for infant, medical and sports nutrition.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include gOS syrup, gOS powder, high-purity GOS and infant formula grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect gOS content, lactose, glucose and galactose, moisture or dry solids, ash and protein, microbiology and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep GOS syrup in closed containers at room temperature, away from heat that can darken it; powders go in sealed, moisture-barrier bags in a cool, dry place. Suppliers set the shelf life as a best-before or retest date for unopened packaging.
GRN 484, for galacto-oligosaccharides notified by Clasado as an ingredient in food and beverage products, closed on May 8, 2014 with FDA having no questions. GRN 286, for galacto-oligosaccharides notified by GTC Nutrition for term infant formula and follow-on formula at 7.2 grams per liter, closed on Sep 4, 2009 with FDA having no questions. FDA lists galactooligosaccharide among the non-digestible carbohydrates it intends to propose adding to its dietary fiber definition. Health Canada's prebiotics natural health product monograph lists transgalactooligosaccharides (GOS) as a proper name, with galactooligosaccharides as a common name.
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