The potential role of nondigestible Raffinose family oligosaccharides as prebiotics

Based on factual scientific health claims, prebiotics have gained significant importance in ever-growing food and pharmaceutical industries. The diverse nature of distinct prebiotics influences the host differently in distinguishable patterns. Functional oligosaccharides are either plant-derived or commercially prepared. Raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose are the 3 types of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) that have been extensively used as medicine, cosmetic, and food additives. These dietary fiber fractions avert the adhesion and colonization by enteric pathogens and add nutrition metabolites for a healthy immune system. Enrichment of RFOs in healthy foods should be promoted as these oligosaccharides augment gut microecology by enhancing the health conferring microbes i.e. bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. RFOs influence the host's multiorgan systems due to their physiological and physicochemical properties. For example, the fermented microbial products of such carbohydrates affect neurological processes, including memory, mood, and behavior in humans. Raffinose-type sugar uptake is thought to be a ubiquitous property of bifidobacteria. This review paper summarizes the source of RFOs and their metabolizing entities, highlighting bifidobacterial carbohydrate utilization and health benefits.

Automated summary

Based on scientific health claims, prebiotics are important in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Different types of prebiotics have diverse effects on the host. Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) like raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose have been widely used in medicine, cosmetics, and food additives. They prevent the colonization of pathogens and provide nutrition for a healthy immune system. Enrichment of RFOs in healthy foods can enhance the gut microecology and have beneficial effects on the host's multiorgan systems. This review paper summarizes the sources of RFOs, their metabolism, and the health benefits of bifidobacterial carbohydrate utilization.