Prebiotic formulations and methods of use

Abstract

The invention provides methods and compositions for treating symptoms associated with lactose intolerance and for overall improvement in gastrointestinal health. Described herein are methods and compositions for improving overall gastrointestinal health or for decreasing symptoms of lactose intolerance by administering to subject in need thereof a prebiotic composition, optionally in combination with effective amount of a probiotic microbe or microbes.

1 . A method for increasing lactose tolerance in a subject experiencing one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance comprising administering a composition comprising GOS to the subject each day for a predetermined number of days. 
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition does not contain a probiotic. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises a lower dosage of GOS on the first day of administration than the last day of administration. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises the same dosage of GOS on the first day of administration as the last day of administration. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said method comprises administering said composition once a day. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said method comprises administering said composition twice a day. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said method comprises administering said composition three times a day. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprising GOS is provided as a powder, a tablet, or a capsule. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more symptoms comprise flatulence, heartburn, stomach upset, nausea, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, or vomiting. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least about 96% percent of the total weight of the composition is GOS. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . An oral dosage form of GOS comprising about 0.1 to 2 grams of a GOS composition wherein said GOS composition is a viscous syrup or liquid encapsulated in a gelatin capsule. 
     
     
         24 . The oral dosage form of  claim 23 , wherein said GOS composition comprises about 80% GOS by weight. 
     
     
         25 . The oral dosage form of  claim 23 , wherein said GOS composition comprises about 96% GOS by weight. 
     
     
         26 . An oral dosage form of GOS comprising a GOS composition in a tablet or capsule formulated for controlled release. 
     
     
         27 . The oral dosage form of  claim 26 , wherein said controlled release occurs in the intestines. 
     
     
         28 . The oral dosage form of  claim 26 , wherein said GOS composition comprises an enteric coating. 
     
     
         29 . The oral dosage form of  claim 26 , wherein said controlled release occurs in the lower intestine. 
     
     
         30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . (canceled)