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Supplements/Compound

GOS (Galactooligosaccharides)

Galactose-based prebiotic.

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Overview

Galactose-based prebiotic.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

Selectively feeds Bifidobacteria.

Pathways
  • · Selectively feeds Bifidobacteria

Effects on the body

Decreases
stress cortisol

Organ system effects

Digestive / Gut

GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) influences gut motility, mucosal integrity, or microbial balance in the GI tract.

Brain & CNS

GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) acts on central nervous system targets implicated in attention, memory, and neuroprotection.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces stress cortisol

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Bloating
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Prescription medications (general)
      Always disclose GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
      minor

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • Multi-strain probiotic
        Supports microbiome diversity and barrier integrity.
      • L-glutamine
        Substrate for enterocyte energy and tight-junction maintenance.
      • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
        Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      5.5 g
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      With a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence8Show studies
      RCTPsychopharmacology · 2015

      GOS for cortisol

      Schmidt K, et al.

      45 healthy adults

      Key findings

      Reduced waking cortisol.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) — Reduces stress cortisol

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) Reduces stress cortisol" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) and "Reduces stress cortisol". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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