Prebiotic Substances Research Articles

Recent Advances on Emerging Carbohydrates‐Based Prebiotics and its Potential Food Sources: Marine Algae, Seaweeds, Tropical Fruits, and Agri‐Food Wastes

AbstractRecent advances in food science and definition aspects of prebiotics are expanding the scope of prebiotic substrates. In this sense, new carbohydrate‐based prebiotics, such as xylooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, chitooligosaccharides, lactosucrose, raffinose, neoagaro‐oligosaccharides, epilactose, and glucomannans are emerging. Thus, this review presents and discusses the recent advances in emerging carbohydrates‐based prebiotics and potential carbohydrate‐based prebiotic foods. In addition, the evolution of the prebiotic concept is detailed, and the worldwide prebiotics regulatory aspects are presented.

How Do Diet Patterns, Single Foods, Prebiotics and Probiotics Impact Gut Microbiota?

The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a complex and dynamic population of commensal bacterial species, which have coevolved with the host, generating a symbiotic relationship. Some compounds present in foods, such as polyols, prebiotic fibers, or phenolic compounds, are poorly metabolized and absorbed by the host before the transformation guided by the colonic microbiota. By influencing gut microbiota, diet plays a fundamental role in understanding the beneficial effects of the gut microbiota on the host, including its long-term metabolism. The idea that probiotics can act not only by influencing the colonizing microbiota opens the door to a wider range of probiotic possibilities, encouraging innovation in the field. Furthermore, it has been shown both that some probiotics increase phagocytosis or the activity of natural killer cells. Current prebiotics are mainly based on carbohydrates, but other substances, such as polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids, could exert prebiotic effects. A prebiotic substance has been defined as ‘a substrate that is selectively used by host microorganisms that confer a health benefit’, and so can interact with the gut microbiota through competition for nutrients, antagonism, cross-feeding, and support for microbiota stability. Influencing its composition in terms of richness and diversity, food components have a key impact on the intestinal microbiota. Eating habits can strongly influence the composition of the intestinal microbiota. A healthy intestinal microbiota is essential for maintaining general health, and diet is one of the major modulators of this fascinating world of microorganisms. This must give us one more reason to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE CREATION OF NEW FERMENTED DAIRY PRODUCTS

The industrial production of balanced and healthy food has always been one of the most important tasks facing humanity. To solve this problem, research is relevant in the field of creating functional milk-based synbiotic products, which, along with traditional lactic acid microorganisms, include strains of probiotic bacteria with a proven specific positive effect on the macroorganism, and prebiotic substances that increase the selectivity of the benefits of the "useful" microflora of the gastrointestinal tract-intestinal tract and its biological activity.Along with lactic acid bacteria used as starters in fermented milk products, there is a population of predominantly adventitious heterofermentative lactobacilli that can have a positive effect on dairy products.This article describes the use of facultatively and obligately heterofermentative species such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus fermentum 14. The general characteristics of these species are described, as well as the desired properties (probiotic activity and taste formation) that affect the characteristics of dairy products.The general characteristics of these species are described along with the desired (probiotic activity and taste formation) properties affecting the characteristics of dairy products.Samples of yogurt based on probiotic starter cultures enriched with plant fillers were studied. The technological process of production was carried out in the traditional way. The dynamics of acid accumulation was studied, titratable and active acidity were determined. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the combination of fermented milk products with plant fillers slightly accelerates the fermentation process.

Multivariate analysis of structural and functional properties of fibres from apple pomace using different extraction methods

In recent years, diets rich in fibres have become more popular due to their well-documented beneficial health effects. This has driven exploration of novel dietary fibres from various bioresources. Apple pomace, an industrial waste rich in fibres was used in this study to extract the insoluble dietary fibres. The effect of various extraction methods (hot water, acid, and alkali) on the physico-chemical, structural and functional properties, and prebiotic activity of dietary fibres was evaluated. Hot water extraction resulted in highest yield of dietary fibres in comparison to other methods (p < 0.05). All the fractions resulted in different organization of fibrous components as depicted by scanning electron micrographs, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). The acid extracted fibre fraction was observed to be amorphous with loose and porous structure whereas the alkali extracted fraction was more thermal stable based on TGA profile. Among the functional properties, acid extracted dietary fibres fraction possessed highest water and oil holding capacity (p < 0.05). The hot water extracted dietary fraction resulted in maximum increase in viable cell count of standard probiotic strains Lactobacillus sporogenes and Streptococcus faecalis. The Principal Component Analysis revealed that acid extracted fraction possessed better functional activity which also correlates with the structural properties whereas for prebiotic activities, the fibre obtained from hot water extraction method served the best method. These results indicate that dietary fibres extracted through hot water can be employed as a potential prebiotic substrate for the probiotic cultures and could be further explored in foods to improve textural, functional, and bioactive properties of foods.Graphical

Effect of different drying methods on the functional properties of probiotics encapsulated using prebiotic substances.

Probiotics and prebiotics together work synergistically as synbiotics and confer various health benefits. Many studies on synbiotic foods only focus on the survival of probiotics but fail to evaluate their functional properties. The impact on functional properties should be explored to better understand its therapeutic efficacy. In this work, probiotics (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCIM 2083) were encapsulated with prebiotics (fructooligosaccharide + whey protein + maltodextrin) using spray-drying (SD), freeze-drying (FD), spray-freeze-drying (SFD), and refractance window-drying (RWD) techniques. Aggregation, intestinal adhesion, antagonistic activity, and bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity of probiotics were studied before and after the encapsulation process. The SFD probiotics showed better aggregation ability (79% at 24-h incubation), on par with free cells (FC) (81% at 24-h incubation). The co-aggregation ability of encapsulated probiotics has drastic variations with each pathogenic strain. The adhesion ability of probiotics in chicken intestinal mucus was assessed by the crystal violet method, indicating no significant variations between FC and SFD probiotics. Also, encapsulated probiotics exhibit antagonistic activity (zone of inhibition in mm) against gut pathogens E. coli (11.33 to 17.34), S. faecalis (8.83 to 15.32), L. monocytogenes (13.67 to 18), S. boydii (12.17 to 15.5), and S. typhi (2.17 to 6.86). Overall, these studies confirm the significance and impact of various drying techniques on the functionality of encapsulated probiotics in synbiotic powders. KEY POINTS: • Understanding the relevance of processing effects on the functionality of probiotics. • Spray-freeze-dried probiotics showed superior functional properties. • The encapsulation process had no significant impact on bile salt hydrolase activity.

In vitro fermentation assay on the bifidogenic effect of steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana plant for the development of dietetic novel products

The relationship between excessive sugar consumption and many diseases such as dental caries, obesity, diabetes and coronary heart has been increasing in recent years. In this study, utilization of natural sugar replacer steviol glycosides and bifidogenic effect by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis was assayed in vitro model system. The basal medium (non-carbohydrate containing MRS, Man, Rogosa and Sharpe Agar) were supplemented with 0.025% and 1% stevia, 0.025% stevia + 1% inulin, %1 stevia + 1% inulin. The medium which contained no carbohydrate was designated as negative control, whereas the medium containing 1% glucose or inulin were evaluated as positive and evaluated on the 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h of fermentation. Steviol glycosides in both system significantly stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis to varying degrees with highest prebiotic activity score, short chain fatty acid production and growth parameters as much as glucose and prebiotic inulin. The viability of the probiotic bacteria was determined within the bio-therapeutic level with potential prebiotic effects depending on the probiotic bacterial strain growing and the type of carbohydrate source utilized. In the study, stevia at lower concentration showed a higher growth rate of with inulin. In conclusion, stevia can be used as functional ingredients for the modulation of the gut microbiota and design of synbiotic systems as a prebiotic substrate and sugar substitute.

Effect of Malva neglecta and lactulose on survival of Lactobacillus fermentum and textural properties of synbiotic stirred yogurt.

Yogurt is a popular dairy product and its consumption has been progressively growing over the past few decades by raising consumers' health-consciousness. As yogurt is growing in popularity, manufacturers are continuously seeking for bioactive components such as probiotics and prebiotics, to produce functional yogurt with more beneficial health effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Malva neglecta (MN, 0, 5, 10 and 15%) and lactulose (0, 1 and 2%) as prebiotic substances on survival of Lactobacillus fermentum in a half-fat synbiotic stirred yogurt. The results revealed that with increasing MN and lactulose concentrations, the count of Lb. fermentum significantly increased (p < 0.05). At the end of 21-day cold storage, the count of probiotics in yogurt sample having 2% lactulose and 10-15% MN significantly was higher than control (8.37-8.4 vs. 7.73 Log cfu/g). With increasing the amount of MN and lactulose, firmness and chewiness of yogurt samples decreased while adhesiveness increased (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy assessment shown that addition of MN and lactulose resulted in a higher moisture retention in the void spaces. The results revealed that by incorporating lactulose and MN in yogurt formulation, an appropriate synbiotic yogurt could be produced as a novel functional product.

Potential Biotics for Nutritional Improvement of Health via Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis

People’s dietary consumption is significantly influenced by biological, social, and psychological behaviours; as a result, complexes regarding their health arise. Due to the nutraceutical advantages of functional foods and supplements, a variety of fermented foods and beverages are now available to consumers. The properties of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and paraprobiotics are discussed in this overview along with their importance to diet and long-term health. Several synbiotic products, which are complimentary blends of chosen, defined probiotic cultures and prebiotic substrates, have drawn consumers’ attention in the nutraceutical sector recently. Probiotics and symbiotic preparations are distinct from the traditional fermented foods eaten in various cultures, even if they might be thought of as possible biotics in food. Because they are prepared with seasonal raw ingredients obtained from regional agricultural techniques, fermented foods are affordable and a staple diet component in many nations. All of the biotics mentioned in this article are meant to increase the number of good microbes in the gut, which has been shown to be crucial for the microbiome-gut-brain axis, which affects the activity of the vagus nerve.

Synbiotics as potent functional food: recent updates on therapeutic potential and mechanistic insight.

Synbiotics are the specific mixtures of prebiotics with probiotics intended to give health benefits to the host by stabilizing and supporting the gut microbiota.The prebiotic substance used in the synbiotics selectively favors the growth and metaboliteproduction of probiotics. Gut microbiome dysbiosis may lead to generation and progression of various chronic diseases. Synbiotics act synergistically to modulate the gut ecosystem for improvement of metabolic health of the host. Probiotics have been found promising against various diseases being safer, effective, as an alternative or combinatorial therapy. Specific combinations of probiotics with suitable prebiotic substrateassynbiotics, may be the more effective therapeutic agents that can provide all benefits of probiotics as well as prebiotics. Though, effective combinations, dosage, mechanism of action, safety, cost effectiveness and other clinical investigations are required to be established along with other relevant aspects. Synbiotics have the potential to be functional food of importance in future. Present review summarizes the mechanistic overview of synbiotics related to gut microbiota, therapeutic potential and promising health benefits for human illnesses according to the available literature. In present scenario, synbiotics are more promising future alternatives as therapeutics to maintain healthy microbiota inside the host gut which directly affects the onset or development ofrelated disorders or diseases.

Probiotic Properties of Weissella confusa PP29 on Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Media

To date, there are very few data regarding new efficient probiotics’ development with their own prebiotic substrate. All commercial products contain prebiotic substrate that was previously purified from external sources and added to the final product. The present study describes Weissella confusa strain fermentations in media with different anthocyanin concentrations from Hibiscus sabdariffa L., in order to increase the exopolysaccharide (EPS) yield, leading to augmented probiotic and prebiotic properties. The extracted and purified EPS were characterized by Gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; thermal analysis measurements and the whole fermented media’s probiotic properties were evaluated by testing low pH and bile salt resistance, along with hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation capacity. The anthocyanins increased biomass and EPS yields and the high EPS molecular mass improved nutrient access by allowing a good microbial suspension in media. The confirmed dextran structure provides media biocompatibility and very good probiotic properties compared with existing literature. Simultaneously, the anthocyanins in media protected the strain cells against low pH and bile salt compared with the control fermentation. These very good results show that the whole fermented culture media is suitable for further in-vitro and in-vivo studies regarding its probiotic and prebiotic activity.

Nutrition and Health through the Use of Probiotic Strains in Fermentation to Produce Non-Dairy Functional Beverage Products Supporting Gut Microbiota.

Pure viable strains of microorganisms identified and characterised as probiotic cultures are used in the fermentation process to prepare functional beverages. The fermented probiotic products can be consumed as a source of nutrition and also for the maintenance of healthy gut microbiota. The functional beverages contain the substrates used for the preparation of product with a specific culture or a mixture of known strains used to perform the fermentation, hence these drinks can be considered as a healthy formulation of synbiotic products. If a beverage is prepared using agriculturally sourced materials, the fermented substrates with their oligosaccharides and fiber content act as prebiotics. Both the components (probiotic strain/s and prebiotic substrate) exist in a synergistic relationship in the product and contribute to several benefits for nutrition and gut health. The preparation of such probiotic beverages has been studied using non-dairy-based materials, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and cassava, a staple diet source in many regions. The consumption of beverages prepared with the use of probiotics, which contain active microbial cells and their metabolites, contributes to the functional properties of beverages. In addition, the non-dairy probiotic products can be used by consumers of all groups and food cultures, including vegans and vegetarians, and particularly consumers with allergies to dairy-based products. The aim of this article is to present a review of published research highlighting specific probiotic strains, which have the potential to enhance sustainability of healthy GIT microbiota, used in the fermentation process for the preparation of non-dairy beverages.

Utilization of marine macroalgae‐derived sulphated polysaccharides as dynamic nutraceutical components in the feed of aquatic animals: A review

During the last decade, indiscriminate antibiotic use has increased with intensive aquaculture practice for disease management leading to the emergence. Hence, there is a need to devise sustainable feed additives with nutraceutical value. Marine macroalgae containing natural polysaccharides have drawn attention because of their significant bioactivities. Sulphated polysaccharide is a polysaccharide containing sulphate group in sugar unit, characterized as a potential bioactive component in fish feed. These are non-digestible feed constituents and facilitate the host in multiple ways by rousing the growth and immune responses and developing a defence against harmful microorganisms and physical stressors. In aquaculture practice, marine macroalgae-derived sulphated polysaccharides are considered prebiotic substances that regulate host organisms' growth and health status. This study overviews marine macroalgae-derived sulphated polysaccharides' sources, structure, and modes of action in aquatic animals. Furthermore, the present review underscores the potential applications of marine macroalgae-derived sulphated polysaccharides in aquaculture to improve the knowledge for additional headway in this field of research. Although the effects of sulphated polysaccharides in aquatic animals have been investigated, further exploration of the mechanisms of sulphated polysaccharides on the health status of aquatic animals is required, which may open a new window during sustainable disease and growth management in the aquaculture industry.

Clinical Potential of Microbial Strains, Used in Fermentation for Probiotic Food, Beverages and in Synbiotic Supplements, as Psychobiotics for Cognitive Treatment through Gut-Brain Signaling.

Pure and viable strains of microorganisms identified and characterized as probiotic strains are used in the fermentation process to prepare probiotic food and beverages. These products are sources of nutrition and help in the maintenance of gut microflora. The intake of food products prepared with the use of probiotic microorganisms and containing their metabolites and whole microbial cells can be considered as a natural formulation of synbiotic products with prebiotic substrates and culture. Other than through the intake of fermented food and beverages, probiotic microorganisms can be taken through a supplement, which is a complementary form prepared by combining separate sources of prebiotic substrates and specific probiotic cultures. Whether a fermented solid food or beverage, both the components in the product are in a synergistic relationship and contribute to several health benefits at a lower cost. The aim of this article is to review the relevant literature and present the outcomes of recent studies which have been conducted to explore the clinical potential of probiotic strains and their effect on psychological conditions. Studies have shown the relationship between gut microbiota and the brain, and their interaction through signaling. The studies have concluded that the gut–brain axis can be manipulated with the intake of probiotic foods or synbiotic supplements containing specific probiotic strains accompanied with their complementary prebiotics for the enhanced sustainability of healthy GIT microflora.

A New Model to Investigate the Effects of Cosmetics on Skin Microorganisms In Vitro

The use of prebiotic substances in cosmetic products in order to improve skin appearance by influencing the skin microbiome has become quite common. As known from the food industry, prebiotic cosmetics aim for specific support of beneficial microorganisms, while others, especially pathogenic bacteria, are sought to be inhibited. To develop such products and evaluate their efficacy, it is crucial to understand the mode of action of prebiotic substances already before an in vivo use phase, e.g., by applying appropriate lab methods. We describe the development of a suitable in vitro model in order to test the efficacy of prebiotic substances incorporated in different types of formulas. A leather surface inoculated with different bacterial species of the human residential skin microbiota proved effective in simulating the action of prebiotic agents on the skin. It could be shown that the growth of bacteria was positively or negatively influenced by cosmetic formulas containing prebiotic substances. Thus, the model allows the investigation of prebiotic agents in cosmetic formulas with respect to their efficacy on a skin-like surface.

Antibiotics Resistance in Poultry and its Solution

The poultry sector has grown quickly over the past three decades. This has led to increased use of antibiotics as both medicinal and growth-promoting drugs. Concerns about the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations, the presence of antibiotic residues in poultry products, and the increasing consumer demand for products free of antibiotic residues have accelerated the search for alternatives that could replace antibiotics without causing a loss in productivity or product quality. These alternatives to antibiotics in chicken include the use of organic acids, probiotic microorganisms, prebiotic substrates that encourage the establishment of beneficial bacterial populations, or symbiotic (combinations of prebiotics and probiotics), which boost production and maintain bird health. Phytobiotics, antimicrobial peptides, herbal medications, vitamins and minerals, and plant extracts are more examples. Probiotic organisms compete with pathogenic organisms for colonization sites in the gastrointestinal tract, redirect fewer nutrients to harmful microorganisms and the toxins they produce, and stimulate the immune system. Prebiotics also present an option since they change the immune system and intestinal microorganisms to prevent pathogens from colonizing the gut and to promote the growth of healthy microflora. However, further research is required to select probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotics either alone or in combination that can result in the selection of strains capable of functioning well in the gastrointestinal system. Using synbiotics is still a preferable method for improving poultry production. Researchers can utilize the information in this review to further their understanding of antibiotic alternatives for poultry birds without sacrificing the welfare or performance of the birds.

IN VITRO EFFECTS OF HUMAN BREAST MILK AND TWO FUNCTIONAL FOODS CANDIDATES ON CLOSTRIDIOIDES (CLOSTRIDIUM) DIFFICILE GROWTH

Introduction: Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is an anaerobic bacterial species commonly found in the human intestine. In some conditions, like gut dysbiosis, it can manifest its pathogenicity, causing a large spectrum of colitis. The prophylactic administration of probiotics or a combination of probiotics and prebiotic substances, called symbiotic products as an adjuvant for antibiotic treatment, has been tested to reduce the duration of clinical manifestations and to prevent relapses, but the results are not conclusive. Objectives: This study aims to evidence the in vitro effects of C. difficile growth under the influence of two candidate functional foods (traditional sour wheat bran beverage and pickle juice), which have both probiotic with prebiotic properties and of the breast milk, known for its prebiotic components. Methods: A number of three clinical strains of C. difficile isolated from patients with post-antibiotic C. difficile infections were used in order to investigate the effects of domestic origin product fractions and breast milk on the C. difficile strains growth. Results: We found a dose-dependent stimulatory effect of the traditional sour wheat bran beverage fractions, possibly due to the presence of some unknown growth factors. Unmodified pickle juice and the resulting supernatant also have dose-dependent inhibitory effects on C. difficile growth, while inactivated cell sediment had no noticeable effect. Conclusions: Further exploration is needed to be able to exploit the inhibitory effect of sour wheat bran beverage and pickle juice on C. difficile growth and to identify and isolate biological components from these functional foods. Keywords: functional food, Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection, gastrointestinal microbiota, probiotics, prebiotic

Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Fermented Foods as Potential Biotics in Nutrition Improving Health via Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis

Biological, social, and psychological practices greatly affect the dietary intake of people; as a result, health-related complexities occur. Functional food and supplements have become popular due to their nutraceutical benefits, which make different choices of fermented food and beverages available to people. This review describes the characteristics of probiotics, prebiotics, post- and paraprobiotics, and their role in nutrition and in the sustainability of health. Currently, several synbiotic supplements have attracted consumers in the nutraceutical market to offer a number of health benefits, which are complementary mixtures of selected characterized probiotic cultures and prebiotic substrates. Traditional fermented foods consumed in different cultures are different than probiotics and symbiotic preparations, though these could be considered potential biotics in nutrition. Fermented foods are part of a staple diet in several countries and are cost-effective due to their preparation using seasonal raw materials available from local agriculture practices. Intake of all biotics discussed in this article is intended to improve the population of beneficial microbiota in the gut, which has proved important for the microbiome–gut–brain axis, influencing the activity of vagus nerve.

Health benefits of microalgae and their microbiomes

SummaryMicroalgae comprise a phylogenetically very diverse group of photosynthetic unicellular pro‐ and eukaryotic organisms growing in marine and other aquatic environments. While they are well explored for the generation of biofuels, their potential as a source of antimicrobial and prebiotic substances have recently received increasing interest. Within this framework, microalgae may offer solutions to the societal challenge we face, concerning the lack of antibiotics treating the growing level of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and fungi in clinical settings. While the vast majority of microalgae and their associated microbiota remain unstudied, they may be a fascinating and rewarding source for novel and more sustainable antimicrobials and alternative molecules and compounds. In this review, we present an overview of the current knowledge on health benefits of microalgae and their associated microbiota. Finally, we describe remaining issues and limitation, and suggest several promising research potentials that should be given attention.

How to Improve Health with Biological Agents-Narrative Review.

The proper functioning of the human organism is dependent on a number of factors. The health condition of the organism can be often enhanced through appropriate supplementation, as well as the application of certain biological agents. Probiotics, i.e., live microorganisms that exert a beneficial effect on the health of the host when administered in adequate amounts, are often used in commonly available dietary supplements or functional foods, such as yoghurts. Specific strains of microorganisms, administered in appropriate amounts, may find application in the treatment of conditions such as various types of diarrhoea (viral, antibiotic-related, caused by Clostridioides difficile), irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or allergic disorders. In contrast, live microorganisms capable of exerting influence on the nervous system and mental health through interactions with the gut microbiome are referred to as psychobiotics. Live microbes are often used in combination with prebiotics to form synbiotics, which stimulate growth and/or activate the metabolism of the healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics may serve as a substrate for the growth of probiotic strains or fermentation processes. Compared to prebiotic substances, probiotic microorganisms are more tolerant of environmental conditions, such as oxygenation, pH, or temperature in a given organism. It is also worth emphasizing that the health of the host may be influenced not only by live microorganisms, but also by their metabolites or cell components, which are referred to as postbiotics and paraprobiotics. This work presents the mechanisms of action employed by probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, paraprobiotics, and psychobiotics, together with the results of studies confirming their effectiveness and impact on consumer health.

Sources, Processing-Related Transformation, and Gut Axis Regulation of Conventional and Potential Prebiotics.

One strategy to achieve a balanced intestinal microbiota is to introduce prebiotics. Some substances present in the diet, such as soybean extracts, koji glycosylceramides, grape extracts, tea polyphenols, and seaweed extracts, can be considered as potential prebiotics, because they can selectively stimulate the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the intestine. However, the discovery of novel prebiotics also involves advances in screening methods and the use of thermal and non-thermal processing techniques to modify and enhance the properties of beneficial organisms. The health benefits of prebiotics are also reflected by their participation in regulating the microbiota in different gut axes. In the present review, we introduced the field of prebiotics, focusing on potential prebiotic substances, the process of screening potential prebiotics, the transformation of prebiotics by food-processing technologies, and the roles of prebiotics on gut axis regulation, which, it is hoped, will promote the discovery and utilization of novel prebiotics.