Prebiotics and their Applications in Food Industry
Keywords:
oligosaccharides, intestinal microbiota, functional foods, inulinAbstract
Recently, an increasing interest in functional foods has been observed. Prebiotics as non-digestible oligosaccharides are ingredients incorporated into functional products not only for economic reasons but also due to scientific evidence of their benefits on human health. They act as substrates for the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the intestine and thus enhance the gastrointestinal functions and immune system. In addition, prebiotics have been shown to increase the absorption of calcium and magnesium and to influence blood glucose levels.