Research Progress of Functional Oligosaccharides on Regulating Intestinal Health

Functional oligosaccharide is a kind of carbohydrates which is not easily absorbed by the gut while can improve intestinal health. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the biological activities of functional oligosaccharides, especially on the effects of oligosaccharides on intestinal health. Functional oligosaccharides can provide a good internal environment for intestinal tract. Functional oligosaccharides can promote intestinal absorption of nutrients and mineral elements by increasing digestive enzyme activity, improving intestinal tissue and producing lactic acid. They can also alleviate metabolic syndrome, reduce inflammation, enhance immune response and improve intestinal mucosal barrier by regulating intestinal flora, improving intestinal tissue and increasing the production of short chain fatty acids. The regulatory effects of functional oligosaccharides on intestinal health are reviewed in this paper which can provide theoretical basis for the further development and application of functional oligosaccharides.