Non-digestible oligosaccharides-based prebiotics to ameliorate obesity: Overview of experimental evidence and future perspectives
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Updated: Jul 12, 2025

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Published on: July 31, 2019
G Divyashri1, Pothiyappan Karthik2, T P Krishna Murthy1
1Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, 560 054 India.
Abstract:
The diverse populations reportedly suffer from obesity on a global scale, and inconclusive evidence has indicated that both environmental and genetic factors are associated with obesity development. Therefore, a need exists to examine potential therapeutic or prophylactic molecules for obesity treatment. Prebiotics with non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) have the potential to treat obesity. A limited number of prebiotic NDOs have demonstrated their ability as a convincing therapeutic solution to encounter obesity through various mechanisms, viz., stimulating beneficial microorganisms, reducing the population of pathogenic microorganisms, and also improving lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. NDOs include pectic-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, xylo-oligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides, manno-oligosaccharides and other oligosaccharides which significantly influence the overall human health by different mechanisms. This review provides the treatment of obesity benefits by incorporating these prebiotic NDOs, according to established scientific research, which shows their good effects extend beyond the colon.
Insights
Prebiotics like non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) show promise for obesity treatment. These compounds promote beneficial gut bacteria and improve metabolic health, offering benefits beyond the colon.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Microbiology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Obesity is a global health concern with complex environmental and genetic causes.
- Current therapeutic strategies for obesity require further development and exploration of novel treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of prebiotic non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) for obesity management.
- To explore the mechanisms by which NDOs exert their anti-obesity effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific research on prebiotic NDOs and obesity.
- Analysis of studies investigating the impact of NDOs on gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis.
Main Results:
- Prebiotic NDOs modulate gut microbiota composition, favoring beneficial bacteria.
- NDOs improve lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, contributing to weight management.
- The beneficial effects of NDOs extend beyond the colon, influencing overall health.
Conclusions:
- Prebiotic NDOs represent a promising therapeutic approach for obesity.
- Further research into specific NDOs and their mechanisms can optimize obesity treatment strategies.
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