A comprehensive review on structural, chemical, and functional perspectives of dietary polysaccharide-driven gut microbiota modulation: Mechanisms and challenges.

2026-06
Biochemistry and biophysics reports 46

PubMed: 42004542
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2026.102575

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: This review aims to compile existing knowledge regarding the molecular characteristics of polysaccharides, including their monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkages, branching, and molecular weight, in relation to their utilization by gut microbiota, production of short-chain fatty acids, and associated metabolic effects in the human body.

Polysaccharides in the diet have been increasingly recognized as major modulators of gut microbiota and multifunctional ingredients in food systems. Despite extensive research on various polysaccharides regarding their prebiotic activities, a comprehensive approach towards an integration of structural characteristics, chemical modifications, mechanistic degradation pathways, and food processing effects is still limited. This review aims to compile existing knowledge regarding the molecular characteristics of polysaccharides, including their monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkages, branching, and molecular weight, in relation to their utilization by gut microbiota, production of short-chain fatty acids, and associated metabolic effects in the human body. Furthermore, this review will focus on carbohydrate-active enzymes and cross-feeding effects that play a major role in determining the biological activities of polysaccharides. The effects of food processing and food systems on polysaccharide functionality and utilization will also be considered. Despite promising therapeutic and nutritional potential, existing inconsistencies in research methods and a lack of standardized approaches in studying mechanistic effects are major hurdles in developing novel food systems that are targeted towards modulating gut microbiota.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus paracasei HA-196	—	Modulated Gut Microbiota	Beneficial	Small	View source Polysaccharides in the diet have been increasingly recognized as major modulators of gut microbiota and multifunctional ingredients in food systems.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus HA-114	—	Modulated Gut Microbiota	Beneficial	Small	View source Polysaccharides in the diet have been increasingly recognized as major modulators of gut microbiota and multifunctional ingredients in food systems.