Studies show positive effects of Vivinal GOS prebiotic ingredient

FRIESLANDCAMPINA DOMO shares that new studies have led to new insights into supplements containing its prebiotic ingredient, Vivinal GOS. The first study showed an increase in iron absorption by 62% upon supplementation with Vivinal GOS in iron deficient Kenyan infants ¹. The second study revealed that adding Vivinal GOS mitigated the adverse effects of iron supplementation on gut microbiota and infections². Both studies were conducted by the group of Prof. Zimmermann from the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.  Iron deficiency is a common global problem, which can lead to anaemia¹.

To control iron deficiency, iron-containing supplements are given. The first study by ETH in Zurich investigated whether adding Vivinal GOS to an iron-containing supplement affected the uptake of iron in Kenyan infants. The results of this study showed an increase in iron absorption by 62% after Vivinal GOS supplementation². 

Adding iron to the diet of iron-deficient infants reduces the incidence of anaemia, but may also increase the chance of infections. In the second study with Kenyan infants, the Zimmermann group showed that adding Vivinal GOS to an iron-containing supplement mitigated most of the adverse effects of iron: Vivinal GOS supplementation increased beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium & Lactobacillus), reduced pathogenic bacteria in the gut, and reduced the number of treated respiratory infections³.

Prof. Zimmermann of the ETH Institute: ‘These are the first human studies that clearly show that prebiotics can improve iron absorption and reduce the negative side-effects of iron supplements in infants with iron deficiency. Currently we are working together with FrieslandCampina on a new study to find out whether Vivinal GOS increases iron absorption in young women.’

Dr. Marchel Gorselink, Development Director at FrieslandCampina DOMO: ‘Vivinal GOS has long been a key ingredient in infant formula, which has been shown to have a beneficial effect on gut microbiota composition 4,5  and defaecation  4,6 . Vivinal GOS is used mostly in infant nutrition designed to maintain a healthy gut; these new studies really add to a versatile use of this ingredient.’