FrieslandCampina Ingredients has unveiled new findings from a study that could help pave the way for a new generation of gut health solutions designed specifically for children. The study provides dedicated evidence on how Vivinal® GOS influences gut microbiota derived from children aged 3–12, revealing consistent, dose-dependent effects across multiple indicators of gut health – with significant changes observed even at the lowest dose tested. The findings strengthen the scientific foundation for innovation in an age group that remains comparatively under-researched, opening new opportunities for more tailored nutrition solutions.
Childhood is a period of continued development, including the transition of the gut microbiome towards its adult composition. Yet most paediatric research into galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) has focused on infants or toddlers. To address this gap and build evidence specific to older children, FrieslandCampina Ingredients has published a study in Frontiers in Nutrition to further understanding of GOS’ effects in children aged 3-12.
Conducted in collaboration with preclinical research organization Cryptobiotix, using its predictive ex vivo SIFR® technology platform, the study investigated three doses of Vivinal® GOS – reflecting daily intakes of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 g GOS – using gut microbiota derived from faecal samples of children aged 3–6 and 6–12. Researchers assessed microbial composition and metabolite production, alongside the effects of GOS fermentation metabolites on epithelial barrier integrity using a co-culture model of intestinal- and immune cells.
Vivinal® GOS produced consistent, dose-dependent effects across both age groups, including a pronounced bifidogenic response, increases in other beneficial microbial taxa, and greater production of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate, and butyrate compared to the control. Metabolomics analyses revealed that GOS fermentation enhanced production of several metabolites associated with improved gut health and immunity, as well as neuroprotection. Fermentation samples also produced dose-dependent improvements in epithelial barrier integrity in the co-culture model. Notably, significant effects across several measures were observed at the lowest dose tested – 1.25 g/day – providing an important starting point for further research into effective GOS dosing in children.
This latest research forms part of FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ broader commitment to advancing science for children’s nutrition market. The findings add to a growing body of research exploring the benefits of Vivinal® GOS – the world’s most researched GOS with more than 70 clinical studies behind it – across digestive health, immune health, mineral absorption, and the gut–brain axis. FrieslandCampina Ingredients combines this growing evidence base with its expertise in prebiotics and early life nutrition through its Kids Nutrition platform, helping brands translate science into targeted solutions for growing children, while continuing to explore the potential of GOS beyond gut health.
Said Jouke Veldman, Global Marketing Director, Early Life Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients: “Children’s nutritional needs continue to evolve beyond infancy, yet much of the prebiotic science available today comes from research in infants and adults. If we want to create better nutrition for children, we need science that reflects their needs too.
“This study is an important step towards changing that, providing new insights that can help unlock more targeted gut health innovation for children. And this is just the beginning. With more than 75 years of expertise in early life nutrition, our strong heritage in prebiotic science, and Vivinal® GOS – the most researched GOS ingredient globally – we can continue building on these findings to explore new territories, from gut health and immunity to the gut–brain axis.” For more visit frieslandcampinaingredients.com/ingredient-group/gos/
