Gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal frequency following ingestion of yogurt containing 15 g of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) per d were observed in 12 healthy volunteers. The effect of GOS on intestinal microflora was also studied in six volunteers. Defecation frequency increased during the administration period, but gastrointestinal symptoms, especially flatulence, also increased. The level of fecal bifidobacteria did not increase by the yogurt intake, but a significant increase was observed in the fecal bacteria growing on MRS media. The results indicate that dietary GOS increase gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal frequency in normal adults and have an effect on intestinal microecosystem.