Holistic health isn’t just a buzzword; new science is emerging every day that suggests many of our bodily functions are more interconnected than we first thought. Today, health-conscious consumers are increasingly aware of this internal web of connections and are seeking wellness solutions that reflect the whole picture to nourish both body and mind.
At the centre of this holistic health revolution is the gut and its microbiome. This organ and ecosystem act as the body’s central hub, with wide-reaching influence throughout the body, providing a gateway for innovative solutions to unlock better overall physical and mental health.
Mousa JJ, et al. The gut microbiome: a key player in the complexity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. 2022;16:873226
Emerging as a rising star in this category are prebiotic ingredients, which nourish the microbiome to enhance its natural functions and promote lasting positive changes.
Yoo S, et al. The role of prebiotics in modulating gut microbiota: implications for human health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024;25(9):4834.
This guide explores the benefits of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), a leading prebiotic ingredient, and examines the health areas where it is already showing promise, as well as those with exciting future potential. Read on to dive into the science behind this strategic key for unlocking the full spectrum of modern wellness.
GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) are a type of prebiotic fibre, made up of a complex mix of over 100 oligosaccharide structures derived from the lactose in cow’s milk using an enzymatic (beta-galactosidase) conversion. These oligosaccharides can be used as ‘food’ by ‘good’ bacteria in the gut, such as Bifidobacteria, which supports the growth and maintenance of a healthy and balanced microbiome.
Walton GE, et al. A randomised crossover study investigating the effects of galacto-oligosaccharides on the faecal microbiota in men and women over 50 years of age. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012 May;107(10):1466-75.
Johnstone N, et al. Nutrient intake and gut microbial genera changes after a 4-week placebo controlled galacto-oligosaccharides intervention in young females. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 8;13(12):4384.
Schoemaker MH, et al. Prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides impact stool frequency and fecal microbiota in self-reported constipated adults: a randomized clinical trial. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 12;14(2):309.
The good bacteria also use GOS to produce microbial metabolites that can deliver important health benefits for the gut and beyond.
Hernot DC, et al. In vitro fermentation profiles, gas production rates, and microbiota modulation as affected by certain fructans, galactooligosaccharides, and polydextrose. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2009 Feb 25;57(4):1354-61.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ GOS is the world’s most clinically studied prebiotic GOS ingredient, proven to beneficially influence the gut microbiota and ideal for use in a range of functional food and drinks, supplements and sports nutrition.
As a prebiotic, GOS ‘feeds’ and supports the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in the gut microbiome, positively influencing gut microbiota composition. GOS also supports microbial production of key metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which confer a number of localised and systemic benefits, including maintaining gut pH, inhibiting pathogen growth and influencing intestinal motility.
Yoo S, et al. The role of prebiotics in modulating gut microbiota: implications for human health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024;25(9):4834.
This means that GOS prebiotics support a healthy and balanced gut ecosystem, offering benefits for gut comfort, reducing bloating, easing constipation and alleviating other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
Teuri U, and Korpela R. Galacto-oligosaccharides relieve constipation in elderly people. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. 1998;42(6):319-327.
Sairanen U, et al. Yoghurt containing galacto-oligosaccharides, prunes and linseed reduces the severity of mild constipation in elderly subjects. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007;61(12):1423-1428.
Wilson B, et al. Prebiotics in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional bowel disorders in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2019;109(4):1098-1111.
Gut health is firmly in the mainstream – and this cornerstone health area continues to evolve and grow in the consumer consciousness. Awareness is being driven by a number of intertwining factors, including microbiome research, recognition of the broad benefits of a healthy gut – not to mention the growing number of people experiencing digestive health issues in the last two decades.
Rose TC, et al. Analysis of the burden and economic impact of digestive diseases and investigation of research gaps and priorities in the field of digestive health in the European Region—White Book 2: Executive summary. United European gastroenterology journal. 2022;10(7):657.
, for GI issues. Factors like poor diet, chronic stress and sedentary lifestyles can disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbiomes,
Whelan K, et al. Ultra-processed foods and food additives in gut health and disease. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2024;21(6):406-27.
Padgett M, et al. Stress, Depression, Diet, and the Gut Microbiota: Human–Bacteria Interactions at the Core of Psychoneuroimmunology and Nutrition. InAnxiety, Gut Microbiome, and Nutraceuticals 2023; (pp. 135-146). CRC Press.
GI discomfort and food
Sperber AD, et al. Worldwide prevalence and burden of functional gastrointestinal disorders, results of Rome Foundation Global Study. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(1):99-114.
The good news is that GOS prebiotics can offer significant and tangible support.
Formulators have the opportunity to explore multiple delivery format options to deliver GOS’ prebiotic benefits, each with unique advantages for reaching different consumer segments. Incorporating GOS into functional foods like yoghurts, drinks and snack bars allows consumers to seamlessly integrate gut health support into their existing routines and everyday choices. On the other hand, GOS supplements offer flexible, precision dosing with high concentrations in convenient formats.
The power of these high purity GOS prebiotic supplements was demonstrated by a clinical study with our Biotis® GOS-OP High Purity ingredient. The first-of-its-kind trial in healthy women found that three weeks of daily Biotis® GOS-OP High Purity supplementation at the industry’s lowest tested doses – just 1.3g and 2g – significantly increased abundance of Bifidobacterium.
Looijesteijn E, et al. A double-blind intervention trial in healthy women demonstrates the beneficial impact on Bifidobacterium with low dosages of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2024; 11:1440319.
This breakthrough means consumers can achieve meaningful gut health benefits with smaller serving sizes in convenient supplement formats.
With a galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) content of over 90%, Biotis® GOS OP High-Purity is our purest prebiotic ingredient for gut health, ideal for use in small formats, such as dietary supplements.
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One emerging area of rich opportunities for GOS supplement innovation is as a complementary solution to support users of GLP-1 medications. Users of these increasingly popular weight management solutions often face gastrointestinal side effects and seek ways to maintain gut comfortxv – and GOS’ prebiotic benefits can really support here. For manufacturers, this intersection of gut health and weight management presents a significant opportunity.
The gut-brain axis – the constant, bidirectional communication between these organs via neurons, chemicals and hormones – is perhaps the most well-known connection between the gut and wider wellness. In fact, thanks to this strong connection, the gut is often referred to as ‘the second brain’.
Sonnenburg J and Sonnenburg E. Gut Feelings–the “Second Brain” in Our Gastrointestinal Systems [Internet]. Scientific American. 2015. Available from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-feelings-the-second-brain-in-our-gastrointestinal-systems-excerpt
While this second brain doesn’t handle conscious thoughts or decision-making, it plays key roles in determining our mental state – so supporting a healthy and balanced gut microbiome with GOS prebiotics offers an innovative way to support mental well-being.
Prebiotic ingredients like GOS work by selectively nourishing beneficial bacteria, diminishing stress-induced changes to the gut microbiome make up and stabilising levels of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli populations.
Radford-Smith DE and Anthony DC. Prebiotic and probiotic modulation of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in depression. Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1880.
These beneficial bacteria produce these mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin, which are critical for anxiety reduction, mood regulation and healthy sleep.
Radford-Smith DE and Anthony DC. Prebiotic and probiotic modulation of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in depression. Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1880.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Biotis® GOS prebiotic ingredient offers clinically-backed benefits for mental health support – helping to reduce anxiety. In a clinical study in young adult women (aged 18-25) with self-reported anxiety, Biotis® GOS supplementation showed benefits after just four weeks. Women receiving Biotis® GOS showed significantly increased Bifidobacteria levels in their gut microbiome and reported improved mental well-being and reduced anxiety levels.
Johnstone N, et al. Anxiolytic effects of a galacto-oligosaccharides prebiotic in healthy females (18–25 years) with corresponding changes in gut bacterial composition. Scientific reports. 2021;11(1):8302.
Consumer awareness of and interest in mental health has reached unprecedented levels, leading to an explosion in demand for solutions that support mental wellness. More recently, there has been growing recognition that mental health isn’t solely determined by brain chemistry – and the power of the gut to influence mental well-being is moving from science labs and into the mainstream. In fact, 85% of consumers believe their gut health affects their mood and mental clarity.
Léger Market Intelligence. Gut health and mental health: exploring the emotional frontier of digestive wellness [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://leger360.com/en/market-intelligence-gut-health-and-mental-health/
This has led to a newly emerging supplement category of ‘psychobiotics’, which include pre-, pro-, and postbiotics that aim to influence mental well-being through alterations in the gut microbiota. This holistic approach to mental health support has really captured consumers’ attention, as the market for these psychobiotic supplements is projected to be worth USD 212.82 million by 2035.
Future Market Insights. Psychobiotic supplements market trends & forecast 2025-2035 [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/psychobiotic-supplements-market
A growing body of research positions the psychobiotic benefits of Biotis® GOS as powerful platforms for brands tapping into this cutting-edge market.
Emerging scientific research is revealing another fundamental connection between the gut microbiome and wider health – the gut-muscle axis. This refers to a link between gut microbiota, muscle function, body composition and athletic performance,
Przewłócka K, Folwarski M, Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka K, Skonieczna-Żydecka K, Kaczor JJ. Gut-muscle axis exists and may affect skeletal muscle adaptation to training. Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1451.
and it’s one of the most exciting frontiers in sports nutrition.
The gut microbiota contributes to athletic performance by producing microbial metabolites that influence muscle cell signalling and energy efficiency, creating a foundation for enhanced body composition and muscle function.21,
Patel BK, et al. Intestinal microbiota interventions to enhance athletic performance—a review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024;25(18):10076.
Athletes who engage in regular physical activity often exhibit more diverse and metabolically active gut microbiomes compared to non-athletes,
Patel BK, et al. Intestinal microbiota interventions to enhance athletic performance—a review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024;25(18):10076.
underscoring the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and physical fitness. GOS prebiotics could help further by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria, boosting metabolites that support muscle health and recovery.
Despite moderate, regular exercise generally being shown to positively influence gut health and digestion, intense or prolonged exercise may cause temporary gut disturbances. Some studies have shown that intensive exercise, diet and the stress of training and competition have been associated with gut discomfort that affects sports performance – some studies suggest that as many as 86% of athletes report experiencing digestive issues.
Pugh JN, et al. Gastrointestinal symptoms in elite athletes: time to recognise the problem?. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018;52(8):487-8.
The science behind the gut-muscle axis is promising, but still very new. This means that pioneering brands have an excellent opportunity to lead the way and unlock untapped whitespace.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients has harnessed the gut-muscle connection, as well as our deep understanding of both proteins and prebiotics, to create the world’s first-of-its-kind solution for the gut-muscle axis, Biotis® Fermentis. Biotis® Fermentis combines three powerhouses of performance nutrition and holistic health – whey protein, prebiotic Biotis® GOS and probiotic cultures – fermenting them together to effectively target the gut-muscle axis.
We surveyed 150 recreational athletes between the ages of 20-50 years after three weeks of daily supplementation with Biotis® Fermentis. The results showed that 60% reported significantly reduced bloating and 80% reported improved satisfaction with their physical well-being, including feeling significantly more active, energetic and vital.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients, internal consumer research in collaboration with MMR research
Additionally, the research revealed some trends towards improved mental well-being.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients, internal consumer research in collaboration with MMR research
A first-of-its kind fermented gut health solution, harnessing the benefits of whey protein and prebiotic GOS, fermented with prebiotic cultures.
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When formulating for athletes and active consumers, Biotis® Fermentis offers a powerful strategic tool – promoting both gut health and athletic excellence through truly cutting-edge science.
There is a strong connection and complex interplay between the gut and its microbiome and the immune system – steering development and shaping responses.
Wiertsema SP, et al. The interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system in the context of infectious diseases throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimizing treatment strategies. Nutrients. 2021;13(3):886.
In fact, up to 80% of human immune cells are found in the gut.
Wiertsema SP, et al. The interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system in the context of infectious diseases throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimizing treatment strategies. Nutrients. 2021;13(3):886.
Prebiotics like GOS can offer immune support on multiple fronts. Firstly, these ingredients nourish populations of ‘good’ bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which have important immunoregulatory effects.
Yoo S, et al. The role of prebiotics in modulating gut microbiota: implications for human health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024;25(9):4834.
GOS prebiotics also support microbial production of metabolites like SCFAs, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Wiertsema SP, et al. The interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system in the context of infectious diseases throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimizing treatment strategies. Nutrients. 2021;13(3):886.
Finally, some prebiotics can even interact directly with immune cells or the gut epithelium to modulate immune responses.
Wu RY, et al. Non-digestible oligosaccharides directly regulate host kinome to modulate host inflammatory responses without alterations in the gut microbiota. Microbiome. 2017;5(1):135.
Immunity remains a top priority in the wake of recent global health challenges, seasonal illness spikes, and rising interest in long-term resilience. The gut-immunity link is well established in the consumer consciousness, as 62% believe their gut health directly affects their immune system.
Léger Market Intelligence. Gut Health is a Wellness Trend to Watch in 2025 [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://leger360.com/en/market-intelligence-gut-health-wellness-trend-2025/
And solutions that support immunity through the gut are poised to be among the fastest growing in the wider immune supplement market over the next decade.
Precedence Research. Immune health supplements market size to hit USD 43.80 Bn by 2034 [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.precedenceresearch.com/immune-health-supplements-market
By targeting the gut-immune axis, brands can offer science-backed immune support that also taps into other consumer demands for immunity supplements, including holistic health formulations and naturally-sourced ingredients.
New research increasingly supports a bi-directional cross-talk between gut microbiota and skin: the gut-skin axis.
Mahmud MR, et al. Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: gut-skin axis observed through the lenses of therapeutics and skin diseases. Gut microbes. 2022;14(1):2096995.
Prebiotics, including GOS, can support skin wellness indirectly through the gut microbiome, which supports with anti-inflammatory effects and immune responses, as well as epithelial barrier integrity.
Zeng M, et al. Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in Skin Health: Benefits, Mechanisms, and Cosmetic Applications. Antioxidants. 2025;14(6):754.
There’s even potential to deliver prebiotic benefits for the skin topically. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics can promote enhanced hydration and microbial balance by stimulating commensal skin bacteria and reducing pathogen colonisation to support the skin’s microbiome.
Zeng M, et al. Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in Skin Health: Benefits, Mechanisms, and Cosmetic Applications. Antioxidants. 2025;14(6):754.
Growing consumer interest in holistic wellness has opened the door for the nutricosmetics category – supplements that blend nutrition with personal care – to thrive. Prebiotic nutricosmetics are a relatively new innovation, however the evidence behind them is only getting stronger. Already, clinical studies incorporating prebiotics into cosmetic formulations have shown beneficial shifts in the makeup of the skin microbiome and significantly increased skin hydration.xxxi In this emerging space, brands have an opportunity to lead with innovation and pioneer this next frontier of holistic skin health.
For brands seeking to elevate their holistic health solutions, combining GOS with clinically studied ingredients like lactoferrin can offer a powerful edge. Lactoferrin is a bioactive protein shown to support immune health
Campione E, et al. Lactoferrin as protective natural barrier of respiratory and intestinal mucosa against coronavirus infection and inflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21(14):4903.
Oda H, et al. Effects of lactoferrin on infectious diseases in Japanese summer: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection. 2021; 54(4):566-74.
and promote healthy skin
Oda H, et al. Effects of lactoferrin on subjective skin conditions in winter: a preliminary, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2019; 875-80.
Hassoun LA & Sivamani RK. A systematic review of lactoferrin use in dermatology. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2017;57(17):3632-9.
by helping to balance inflammation and microbial activity. When paired with prebiotics like GOS, formulators can unlock multi-pathway support across axes – ideal for consumers looking for holistic solutions with proven benefits.
As a global leader in protein and prebiotics, with an extensive, science-backed prebiotic portfolio FrieslandCampina Ingredients stands out as the perfect application partner to help you unlock the wide range of prebiotic benefits for holistic health. Our drive is to get the right ingredients to you so you can create highly nutritious, sustainable and specialised applications so your consumers get the most out of life, always.
The world’s most clinically studied GOS (galactooligosaccharides) for gut health, proven to beneficially influence the gut microbiota and ideal for use in a range of functional food and drinks and sports nutrition.
With a galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) content of over 90%, Biotis® GOS OP High-Purity is our purest prebiotic ingredient for gut health, ideal for use in small formats, such as dietary supplements.
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