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Prebiotics in vitro digestion by gut microbes, products’ chemistry, and clinical relevance

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Abstract

Several investigations have elucidated the chemistry of prebiotics based on their fermentation by the colonic microbes, which release metabolites that are often implicated in host’s gut and whole body health. The present study aims at providing a preview of prebiotics and their interactions with the colonic microbiota for a slow fermentation in vitro. The metabolites produced, mainly short chain fatty acids (SCFA), their chemistry, interactions with prebiotic structural mechanisms, and beneficial impacts on the host were also reported. The present review further considers the clinical relevance of the SCFAs produced. It was deduced that the physicochemical properties of prebiotics would influence their colonic fermentation rate, microbial choice, and growth as well as SCFA type and ratios. This will in turn be of utmost clinical significance.

Key points

• Prebiotics affect the composition of gut microorganisms.

• The chemistry of short chain fatty acids are described.

• Microbial and clinical applications of SCFAs were provided.

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Acknowledgments

The work was self-supported by the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam

    Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu

  2. Faculty of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam

    Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu

  3. International Health Programme, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Joseph O. Ashaolu

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  1. Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu
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  2. Joseph O. Ashaolu
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TJA conceived and designed research. TJA and JOA wrote the manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu.

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Ashaolu, T.J., Ashaolu, J.O. Prebiotics in vitro digestion by gut microbes, products’ chemistry, and clinical relevance. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 105, 13–19 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-020-11021-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-020-11021-z

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