Galactooligosaccharides

GOS/Drug Interactions:

  • AlcoholAlcohol: Tinctures that contain high levels of alcohol may negate the effects of galactooligosaccharides on calcium absorption (theoretical).
  • CaffeineCaffeine: Herbs and supplements that contain caffeine may negate the effects of galactooligosaccharides on calcium absorption (theoretical).
  • Calcium saltsCalcium salts: Galactooligosaccharides are thought to increase calcium absorption (14; 13; 15; 12).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In ovalbumin-sensitized rats, galactooligosaccharides suppressed airway eosinophilia; this effect occurred even after neomycin administration, suggesting that this effect was not mediated by the intestinal microflora (26). In formula-fed infants, galactooligosaccharide/FOS supplementation resulted in higher secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels, whereas probiotic supplementation with B. animalis did not (11). In mice, galactooligosaccharide/FOS and FOS/inulin supplementation both increased gut Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli; however, only the galactooligosaccharide/FOS enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity in a dose-dependent manner (27).
  • Mineral oilMineral oil: Mineral oil may reduce the absorption of calcium and vitamin D, and may negate the beneficial effects of galactooligosaccharides on calcium uptake (theoretical). Theoretically, concurrent use of galactooligosaccharides and mineral oil may have additive laxative effects.
  • LaxativesLaxatives: Prebiotics like galactooligosaccharides may increase stool frequency and have a mild laxative effect (30). Theoretically, concurrent use of galactooligosaccharides and laxatives may have additive effects.

    • GOS/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AlcoholAlcohol: Tinctures that contain high levels of alcohol may negate the effects of galactooligosaccharides on calcium absorption (theoretical).
  • CaffeineCaffeine: Herbs and supplements that contain caffeine may negate the effects of galactooligosaccharides on calcium absorption (theoretical).
  • CalciumCalcium: According to various studies, galactooligosaccharides are thought to increase calcium absorption (14; 13; 15; 12).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In ovalbumin-sensitized rats, galactooligosaccharides suppressed airway eosinophilia; this effect occurred even after neomycin administration, suggesting that this effect was not mediated by the intestinal microflora (26). In formula-fed infants, galactooligosaccharide/FOS supplementation resulted in higher secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels, whereas probiotic supplementation with B. animalis did not (11). In mice, galactooligosaccharide/FOS and FOS/inulin supplementation both increased gut Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli; however, only the galactooligosaccharide/FOS enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity in a dose-dependent manner (27).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: Prebiotics like galactooligosaccharides may increase stool frequency and have a mild laxative effect (30). Theoretically, concurrent use of galactooligosaccharides and laxatives may have additive effects.
  • Phytic acidPhytic acid: Phytic acid may interfere with calcium absorption and may negate the beneficial effects of galactooligosaccharides on calcium uptake (theoretical).
  • ProbioticsProbiotics: According to various studies, galactooligosaccharides have well-established abilities to promote the growth of beneficial microflora (21; 35; 36; 22).
  • Vitamin DVitamin D: Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium, and combined use with galactooligosaccharides may have additive effects (theoretical).

    • GOS/Food Interactions:

  • AlcoholAlcohol: Alcohol may interfere with calcium uptake and negate the effects of GOS on calcium absorption (theoretical).
  • CaffeineCaffeine: Foods that contain caffeine may negate the effects of GOS on calcium absorption (theoretical).
  • Foods containing calciumFoods containing calcium: According to various studies, GOS may enhance the bioavailability of calcium (14; 13; 15; 12) found in foods, such as dairy and sardines (theoretical).
  • Foods containing phytic acidFoods containing phytic acid: Phytic acid, which is found in the bran and hulls of many plants, may interfere with calcium absorption (theoretical). Thus, foods that contain high levels phytic acid may in theory negate the effects of galactooligosaccharides on calcium absorption (theoretical).
  • Foods containing prebioticsFoods containing prebiotics: Galactooligosaccharides may enhance the prebiotic effects of foods that contain nondigestible oligosaccharides (theoretical).
  • Foods containing probioticsFoods containing probiotics: According to various studies, galactooligosaccharides may enhance the probiotic effects of foods such as yogurt and other fermented products (21; 35; 36; 22).
  • Foods containing vitamin DFoods containing vitamin D: Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium, and combined use with galactooligosaccharides may have additive effects (theoretical).

    • GOS/Lab Interactions:

  • Urinary calcium levelsUrinary calcium levels: According to various studies, galactooligosaccharides are thought to increase calcium absorption (14; 13; 15; 12).