Health benefit application of functional oligosaccharides

There is no doubt that the functional oligosaccharides have positive effects on human health, both in the prevention and in treatment of chronic diseases. Therefore, there is great interest in health benefits of the functional oligosaccharides. The functional oligosaccharides of various origins (viruses bacteria plants,, and fungi) have been used extensively both as pharmacological supplements, food ingredients, in processed food to aid weight control, to regulation of glucose control for diabetic patients and reducing serum lipid levels in hyperlipidemics and other some acute and chronic diseases. Keeping in view, the pharmacological importance of the functional oligosaccharides and its derivatives, this article discusses the potential of the functional oligosaccharides to modulate the gut flora, to affect different gastrointestinal activities and lipid metabolism, to enhance immunity, and to reduce diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular risk for further exploitation of health benefits of the functional oligosaccharides. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.