Parents, beware. A substance found in certain milk formulas has been linked to unusual cases of allergic reactions. The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore and the Ministry of Health have advised the public concerning the consumption of products that contain Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), a type of carbohydrate that works as a prebiotic in milk formulas to aid the growth of good bacteria in the gut for a healthy digestive system.
So far, the numbers are low. About two cases of GOS allergies have surfaced each year since 2007, and none of them involve babies under the age of two. According to Channel NewsAsia, three cases have involved kids between two and five years of age, and they all came with a history of conditions such as eczema and asthma, and showed allergic reactions after consuming GOS for the first time.
Symptoms of GOS include hives, itchy eyes, diarrhea, running nose and coughing, and can come into effect within minutes or hours of ingestion. For those with a history of allergic reactions, it’s best to be careful when consuming anything that has GOS for the first time. If you start to feel giddy or have difficulty breathing, get medical help. But for those who have consumed products with GOS before without experiencing any symptoms, it’s fine to continue.
GOS is not typically associated with food allergies, and has been reported as safe for human consumption, with products in the Southeast Asian markets since 2007. AVA and MOH will continue to keep tabs on the situation.
