The Effect of Prebiotic B-GOS on the Immune Function, Metabolism and Gut Microbiota of Elderly People

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 65 and 80 years of age. * In good general health * The volunteer has given written informed consent to participate and is willing to participate in the entire study. Exclusion Criteria: * History or evidence of disease of the gastrointestinal tract; such as tumour, irritable bowel syndrome, etc., within the previous 5 years. * Family history of colorectal cancer in under 50's * Consumed probiotic or prebiotic preparations on a regular basis (at least 3 times per week) in the last 2 weeks. * Former participation in another study involving prebiotic or probiotic preparations or investigational drugs within the previous 6 months, or intention to use such drugs during the course of the study (please note sensory evaluations are still permitted). * Undergone surgical resection of any part of the bowel. * History of malignancy within the previous 5 years (with exception of well-treated basal cell carcinoma or in situ cervical carcinoma). * Smoker * Lactose intolerant * Allergic to gluten * Currently prescribed immunosuppressive drugs. Participants will be required to withdraw should they begin taking any of the ineligible medication. * Intention to use regularly other medication which affects gastrointestinal motility and/or perception. * History of alcohol or drug misuse. * Suffer from any major conditions involving the following: Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose and Throat Dermatological/Connective tissue Coeliac disease Neurological Lymphatic Urogenital/Rectal Gastroenterological Abdominal Respiratory Cardiovascular Incontinence