GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) analysis

GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) are vital prebiotics that support intestinal flora, crucial for gut and overall body health. These non-digestible carbohydrates are known to nourish beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting a healthy gut environment. Sold as powders, capsules, or tablets, GOS and FOS supplements are marketed for their potential benefits in enhancing gut health, aiding digestion, and improving mineral absorption. However, users should be aware of potential digestive side effects like bloating and gas, especially with high doses, and the possibility of supplements containing lower amounts of these Fibers than claimed due to adulteration or inaccurate labelling.

GOS and FOS in foods

GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) are naturally found in a variety of foods, particularly those containing lactose. Here are some examples of foods that contain GOS:

• Cow's milk (including breast milk and formula derived from cow's milk)
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Ice cream
• Butter
• Kefir
• Legumes (such as chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans)

FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) are naturally found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Here are some examples of foods that contain FOS:

• Onion, garlic, asparagus, bananas, artichokes, beetroot, blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, red chili, radicchio lettuce, longan, nectarines, okra, white onion, snow peas, pineapple, and raspberries.

Importance of GOS and FOS

Both GOS and FOS have several potential health benefits due to their prebiotic properties. Here are some of the health impacts associated with each type of prebiotic:

Health Benefits

GOS: Improves gut health by enhancing beneficial bacteria, which can aid in digestion and reduce the risk of constipation. It also supports immune function and may help in weight management by promoting satiety.

FOS: Supports gut health, regulates blood sugar levels, may reduce the risk of certain cancers, improves calcium absorption for bone health, and helps lower cholesterol levels.

Adulteration in GOS and FOS

Recall products Incident

On December 1, 2021, a health and wellness company announced a voluntary recall of two lots of its liquid probiotics due to potential contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This microorganism is commonly found in the environment and can pose a significant health risk to individuals with weakened immune systems if ingested. Infection with P. aeruginosa can be life-threatening and is typically associated with hospital settings. The name of the company issuing the recall has not been disclosed.

Market overview

In 2021, the global prebiotics market was worth USD 6.05 billion. Over the forecast period from 2022 to 2030, the market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9%, driven by the increasing use of prebiotics in the dairy industry for its potential health benefits. This growth is expected to result in a significant increase in demand for prebiotics in the coming years.

Regulations and standards

 Analysis of GOS and FOS in Foods: Mandatory vs. Optional

Mandatory Analysis:

Regulatory bodies typically don't mandate specific analyses for GOS and FOS in foods. However, general food safety regulations still apply. These may involve testing for:

• Pathogens: Harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause foodborne illness. (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
• Mycotoxins: Toxins produced by mold that can be harmful if consumed.
• Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, and other metals that can accumulate in food and pose health risks.

Optional Analysis:

Manufacturers often perform optional analyses on GOS and FOS content in their products for various reasons:

• Quality Control: Ensuring the consistency and presence of declared levels of GOS and FOS in the final product.
• Labeling: Verifying the accuracy of information about GOS and FOS content on product labels. This is crucial for marketing and consumer trust.
• Research and Development: Understanding the impact of processing techniques on GOS and FOS content in food products. This can help optimize formulations and functionality.

Here's a breakdown of some common analytical methods for GOS and FOS

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): A widely used method for separating and quantifying GOS and FOS based on their size and chemical properties.
• Enzymatic Assays: Specific enzymes can break down GOS and FOS, releasing measurable products. This allows for indirect quantification.
• Mass Spectrometry (MS): This advanced technique can identify and characterize specific GOS and FOS molecules in a sample.

Eurofins role in analysing GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides)

Eurofins plays a significant role in analyzing GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) in foods by offering a variety of analytical services. Here's how they can assist:

• Expertise in Carbohydrate Analysis: Eurofins possesses expertise in analyzing carbohydrates, which includes GOS and FOS. This translates to accurate and reliable testing for these prebiotics in food products.
• Range of Testing Services: Eurofins offers a range of testing services relevant to GOS and FOS analysis in food, including:

Quantification: They can determine the exact amount of GOS and FOS present in a food item, crucial for quality control and accurate labeling.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Eurofins likely utilizes HPLC, a common and reliable method for separating and quantifying GOS and FOS based on their size and chemical properties.

Other Analytical Techniques: Depending on the specific needs, Eurofins may offer additional methods like enzymatic assays or mass spectrometry for more detailed analysis.

• Regulatory Compliance Support: Eurofins can help food manufacturers ensure their GOS and FOS-containing products meet relevant food safety regulations. This includes adhering to labeling requirements and ensuring the absence of contaminants.
• Research and Development: Eurofins may offer services relevant to research and development of GOS and FOS-containing products. This could involve testing the impact of processing techniques on GOS and FOS content or analyzing the digestibility of these prebiotics.

Overall, Eurofins acts as a partner for food and beverage companies by providing them with the necessary tools and expertise to ensure the quality, safety, and functionality of their GOS and FOS products.

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