Evidence supporting the use of: Galactooligosaccharides
For the health condition: Antibiotics (side effects of)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are a type of prebiotic fiber that has been investigated for their potential to support gut health, especially during or after antibiotic use. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota, reducing beneficial bacteria and potentially leading to side effects such as diarrhea or increased risk of infections like Clostridioides difficile. Scientific studies, including human clinical trials, have shown that GOS can selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, particularly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, in the gut. This rebalancing may help mitigate some negative side effects of antibiotics by promoting a healthier microbial environment.

Clinical evidence suggests that consumption of GOS during or after antibiotic therapy can aid the recovery of the gut microbiota, hastening the return to a pre-antibiotic state. Some studies have shown reduced incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea with prebiotic supplementation, though results vary and are not as robust as those for probiotics. The mechanism involves GOS serving as a substrate for beneficial bacteria, helping them outcompete pathogenic bacteria whose growth may be promoted by antibiotics.

Overall, the scientific evidence supports the use of GOS to help restore gut flora affected by antibiotics, though it is not universally recommended as a standard therapy, and further large-scale, high-quality trials are needed. The evidence is stronger for probiotics, but GOS is a promising adjunct or alternative for supporting gut health during antibiotic treatment.

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