Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
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.
Robert A. Rastall (Mon,) studied this question.