Note: Industrially produced infant formula should always be adequately tailored to the needs of babies in its composition. Scientifically backed data and the requirements for this are regulated in a special dietary regulation. DHA is recognized and mandatory. It is not intended to add prebiotics either – even though these are incredibly important for your baby!

On the baby milk packaging you will probably search in vain for the word prebiotics. Rather, you may discover the designation GOS and FOS on the packages. Tip: Online, manufacturers are not allowed to highlight GOS or other ingredients on their own product page, for example. That is why you should zoom in on the packaging when shopping online or simply open the ingredients drop-down menu. 

Prebiotics are special fibers or, in other words, indigestible short-chain carbohydrates that reach the large intestine undigested. It is only in the large intestine that they are consumed, i.e., fermented, by beneficial gut bacteria. The beneficial gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids from them, which supply the intestinal cells with energy and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.  

Oligosaccharides are complex carbohydrates consisting of a chain of three to ten individual sugar units and are found in many foods. Oligosaccharides are among the best-known and most commonly used prebiotics. Note: Not all oligosaccharides are prebiotics. Let's stick to prebiotic oligosaccharides. These include, for example, Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO), Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS).

GOS and FOS are both prebiotics that belong to the oligosaccharide group. However, they differ in terms of their structure and origin.

GOS (galactooligosaccharides) are derived from galactose molecules and are generally found in dairy products such as cow's milk and milk powder. They have a longer chain of sugar building blocks and are broken down more slowly in the gut.

FOS (fructooligosaccharides) are derived from fructose molecules and are found in many plant-based foods such as onions, garlic, and bananas. They have a short chain of sugar units and are quickly broken down in the small intestine.

GOS and FOS have a prebiotic effect because they reach the large intestine undigested, where they serve as an energy source for bacteria in the large intestine. Thus, they support the growth of a healthy gut flora in babies. Healthy gut, healthy stomach, healthy baby!

Prebiotic human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) occur naturally in human breast milk. HMOs and GOSs are similar in their chemical structures.

Good gut bacteria include bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

The metabolic products of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli reduce the pH of your baby's stool. This, among other things, inhibits the growth of harmful germs. Lactobacilli also produce a substance that, similar to an antibiotic, directly inhibits pathogenic germs such as salmonella or listeria.

In addition, by shifting the pH level into the acidic range, minerals and trace elements, such as calcium and magnesium, can be absorbed more effectively by the body. This even indirectly supports bone growth.

Ultimately, GOS and FOS often mean more frequent bowel movements with a softer consistency – which might not really make us happy when changing diapers, but is quite important for your baby's health!

WHO note: Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby. The composition of breast milk always offers your baby the ideal combination of nutrients and good protection against allergies and diseases. The WHO therefore recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continuing to breastfeed after that in combination with age-appropriate and balanced complementary food. Consult healthcare professionals (e.g., pediatrician, mother/father counseling service, midwife, lactation consultant) if your child needs supplementary food or if breastfeeding is not (sufficiently) possible. The use of infant formula may affect breastfeeding success. 

Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates that are fermented by beneficial gut bacteria, thereby supporting the growth of these bacteria. As a result, prebiotics can help reduce the risk of digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and colic. In addition, they can also strengthen the immune system by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory substances and thus reducing the risk of infections.

More about important ingredients in milk formula: Here you can learn more about LCP (DHA and ARA).

Source:

https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ebooks/lookinside/10.1055/b-0034-29501