For 13 years, evidence has accumulated for the prebiotic properties of pectic oligosaccharides (POS). The original data was based on fluorescence in situ hybridization using 16s rRNA probes of fecal fermentations supplemented with oligosaccharides but we now have animal data that supports the bifidogenic activity of pectic oligosaccharides. Structure function studies have demonstrated that the arabino- and galacto-oligosaccharide pectin side chains are responsible for prebiotic properties in mixed batch fecal fermentations as well as the specific pectic domains responsible for blocking the adhesion and invasion of food-borne pathogens, antagonizing galectin-3 mediated tumor cell metastasis, reducing colon cancer cell proliferation, inducing colon cancer cell apoptosis and immunomodulatory activity. In human fecal fermentations, pectic oligosaccharides shifted the Firmicutes:Bacteriodetes ratio which has been observed in obese compared to non-obese humans and mice. Based on synbiotic growth and short chain fatty acid production under stressed conditions as well as other bioactive properties, pectic oligosaccharides could play a role in correcting dysbiosis associated with several chronic diseases. Therefore, POS may be very important in how the gut microbiome impacts our health and controls obesity.

Bioactive pectic oligosaccharides and obesity

251st National Meeting (2016)

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