Galactooligosaccharide is one of prebiotics materials containing galactose and used mainly for infant formula products because some components of galactooligosaccharide are recognized as human milk oligosaccharides. Some studies showed that galactooligosaccharide has the outstanding physiological functions such as boosting immune system, improving skin conditions, and some others. And it has a role of making good intestinal microflora based on prebiotics effects. In conclusion, galactooligosaccharide is expected to be used for food materials such as functional beverages and dietary supplements, based on various physiological functions as well as physical stability.

Oligosaccharides have 2nd effects such as improvement of mineral absorption, immune system, atopy, skin health, and others, based on prebiotic effect. Because of outstanding physiological functions of oligosaccharides, the demand of prebiotics is dramatically increased together with probiotics in the world. Because oligosaccharides are distributed not only as general foods but as health functional foods, the demand of oligosaccharides especially in Korea can be expected to increase continuously. However, because each oligosaccharide has different stability in various temperature and pH conditions, it is very important to choose proper oligosaccharide considering heat and pH treatment in the processes, pH in finished products and storage temperatures, and pH condition. Meantime, because daily dosage of each oligosaccharide is different, it’s also important to choose ideal oligosaccharide considering types of foods and intake quantities.