Abstract/Summary

Purpose of review: Much of the recent research literature in the field of prebiotics is on galacto-oligosaccharides. Gluco-oligosaccharides represent an interesting emerging class of candidate prebiotics. Recent findings: Recent research on galacto-oligosaccharides has shown that these can have a positive impact on immunity, calcium absorption and markers of metabolic syndrome. The fact that galacto-oligosaccharides and gluco-oligosaccharides are enzymatically manufactured means that novel forms have been produced, and preliminary evaluation looks to be encouraging. Summary: Galacto-oligosaccharides are rapidly gaining an impressive weight of evidence for health effects in humans. The field will generate novel molecules, which may be considered as prebiotics in the future.