Prebiotic oligosaccharide (None)

Prebiotic oligosaccharides are a class of short-chain, non-digestible carbohydrates (3–10 monosaccharide units), naturally occurring in many plants and foods, or produced industrially, defined by their ability to selectively promote the growth and metabolic activity of beneficial gut and skin microbiota, resulting in various health benefits. They are not themselves classical drug targets, but act as functional dietary ingredients or supplements. Different types, such as fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, and others, have distinct structures and sources. Biological effects are mediated by fermentation in the colon, leading to the formation of short-chain fatty acids, improvements in barrier function, immunomodulation, and influences on inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, including roles in both gut and skin health. Their use is well established in food, nutrition, and increasingly in topical and cosmetic formulations.

Other names

Prebiotic carbohydrateOSC (Oligosaccharide, nonspecific)Prebiotic fiberFunctional oligosaccharideDietary oligosaccharideFructo-oligosaccharide (FOS)Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS)Human milk oligosaccharide (HMO)Xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS)Isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO)

Serve as selective substrates for fermentation by beneficial gut bacteria (not digested by human enzymes); Promote the growth of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus (and sometimes other commensals), leading to increased SCFA production, lowered colonic pH, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, and modulation of immune responses; In skin and systemic settings: modulation of microbiota and immune system, antioxidant effects, improvement of barrier integrity