29 April 2024 | Suyeon Yoo, Suk-Chae Jung, Kihyuck Kwak, Jun-Seob Kim
The article "The Role of Prebiotics in Modulating Gut Microbiota: Implications for Human Health" by Suyeon Yoo, Suk-Chae Jung, Kihyuck Kwak, and Jun-Seob Kim explores the role of prebiotics in modulating the gut microbiota and their impact on human health. Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut, thereby improving host health. The review covers the evolution of the prebiotic concept, various types of prebiotics such as fructans, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, chitoooligosaccharides, lactulose, resistant starch, and polyphenols, and their effects on gut microbiota composition. It delves into the mechanisms by which prebiotics produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and modulate the gut microbiota towards a healthier composition. The article also discusses the implications of prebiotics on conditions such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, immune function, and mental health. Additionally, it highlights the concept of synbiotics, which are combinations of prebiotics and probiotics that synergistically enhance gut health. The review concludes by discussing the market potential of prebiotics and the need for further research to fully understand their health benefits.The article "The Role of Prebiotics in Modulating Gut Microbiota: Implications for Human Health" by Suyeon Yoo, Suk-Chae Jung, Kihyuck Kwak, and Jun-Seob Kim explores the role of prebiotics in modulating the gut microbiota and their impact on human health. Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut, thereby improving host health. The review covers the evolution of the prebiotic concept, various types of prebiotics such as fructans, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, chitoooligosaccharides, lactulose, resistant starch, and polyphenols, and their effects on gut microbiota composition. It delves into the mechanisms by which prebiotics produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and modulate the gut microbiota towards a healthier composition. The article also discusses the implications of prebiotics on conditions such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, immune function, and mental health. Additionally, it highlights the concept of synbiotics, which are combinations of prebiotics and probiotics that synergistically enhance gut health. The review concludes by discussing the market potential of prebiotics and the need for further research to fully understand their health benefits.