Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut microorganisms, thereby modulating the gut microbiota and influencing human health. This review explores the role of prebiotics in shaping the gut microbiota, their mechanisms of action, and their implications for various health conditions. Prebiotics include fructans (such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides), galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, chitooligosaccharides, lactulose, resistant starch, and polyphenols. These compounds promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits. Prebiotics also enhance gut barrier function, modulate immune responses, and influence the composition of the gut microbiota, which is crucial for maintaining health. Prebiotics have been shown to improve conditions such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune function, and mental health. For example, inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) increase the population of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, which aid in digestion and reduce inflammation. Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) enhance immune responses and beneficial microbial growth. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) lower glucose and cholesterol levels and improve mineral absorption. Chitooligosaccharides (COS) modulate the gut microbiota by increasing Bacteroidetes and decreasing harmful bacteria. Lactulose lowers intestinal pH and increases fecal biomass, while resistant starch reduces colorectal cancer risk and promotes beneficial bacteria. The review also discusses the concept of synbiotics, which combine prebiotics and probiotics to enhance gut health. Prebiotics are increasingly recognized for their market potential, with growing demand for functional foods. The review highlights the importance of prebiotics in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and overall well-being, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand their health benefits.Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut microorganisms, thereby modulating the gut microbiota and influencing human health. This review explores the role of prebiotics in shaping the gut microbiota, their mechanisms of action, and their implications for various health conditions. Prebiotics include fructans (such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides), galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, chitooligosaccharides, lactulose, resistant starch, and polyphenols. These compounds promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits. Prebiotics also enhance gut barrier function, modulate immune responses, and influence the composition of the gut microbiota, which is crucial for maintaining health. Prebiotics have been shown to improve conditions such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune function, and mental health. For example, inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) increase the population of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, which aid in digestion and reduce inflammation. Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) enhance immune responses and beneficial microbial growth. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) lower glucose and cholesterol levels and improve mineral absorption. Chitooligosaccharides (COS) modulate the gut microbiota by increasing Bacteroidetes and decreasing harmful bacteria. Lactulose lowers intestinal pH and increases fecal biomass, while resistant starch reduces colorectal cancer risk and promotes beneficial bacteria. The review also discusses the concept of synbiotics, which combine prebiotics and probiotics to enhance gut health. Prebiotics are increasingly recognized for their market potential, with growing demand for functional foods. The review highlights the importance of prebiotics in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and overall well-being, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand their health benefits.