A Review of the Capacity of Xylooligosaccharides to Modulate Gut Microbiota and Promote Health

Abstract

[Abstract] Xylooligosaccharides (XOS), derived from lignocellulosic biomass and algae, have emerged as promising prebiotics due to their ability to selectively modulate gut microbiota and confer various health benefits. XOS are composed of β-D-xylopyranose units linked by β-glycosidic bonds and are resistant to mammalian digestion but fermentable by beneficial gut bacteria. Research results indicate that XOS enhance the growth of probiotics, having a bifidogenic effect, which stimulates the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and suppress the proliferation of pathogens. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate their potential to alleviate metabolic disorders, improve lipid profiles, reduce inflammation, and restore gut homeostasis. Several studies in humans or animal models reveal positive outcomes on gut microbiota diversity, immune function, and metabolic parameters in both healthy and diseased individuals, including improvements in bowel health, obesity, and type 2 diabetes markers. Additionally, XOS exhibit promising anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, with evidence of their role in reducing tumour cell proliferation and enhancing oxidative stress resistance. Despite these promising findings, challenges remain in cost-effective production and large-scale application. Advances in biotechnological methods and regulatory approvals are expected to drive the expansion of the XOS market, projected to grow significantly over the next decade. This review highlights the potential of XOS as a functional dietary component with applications in gut health and disease prevention, warranting further clinical studies to confirm their therapeutic efficacy in humans.