Article Title: Galacto-Oligosaccharides as Prebiotics: Biosynthesis, Gut Microbiota Modulation, Health Benefits, and Emerging Applications in Functional Foods

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are nondigestible or partially digestible carbohydrates that have attracted considerable attention for their ability to selectively support beneficial intestinal microorganisms and their potential applications in functional foods. They occur naturally in human milk and certain plant-derived foods and are commercially produced primarily through enzymatic transgalactosylation of lactose using β-galactosidase. GOS composition, degree of polymerization, and glycosidic linkages influence its fermentation characteristics, microbial selectivity, and technological functionality. Their principal prebiotic mechanism involves microbial utilization in the intestine, which changes microbial composition and increases metabolite production, particularly short-chain fatty acids, that support intestinal and systemic physiological processes.

Keyword: Galacto-Oligosaccharides as Prebiotics