Evidence-based benefits of specific mixtures of non-digestible oligosaccharides on the immune system

Non-digestible carbohydrates (NDC) are natural constituents of many foods. They are mostly referred to as dietary fibre and are associated with many health benefits mostly connected to gut health. NDC have emerged as a promising nutritional concept to modulate immune function as well. In the world of immunology non-digestible carbohydrates are recognized now as key immunomodulating molecules. Both pharma and food industries realize the enormous potency of these immune active components. Although the mechanisms underlying the effects of NDC on the immune system are not totally clear yet many studies have reported beneficial effects on both mucosal and systemic immunity in humans. The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence on the immune modulatory effects of specific mixtures of oligosaccharides. Both mechanistic in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed and will be discussed. Finally the potential use of these unique structures will be evaluated. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.