A review of the capacity of xylooligosaccharides to modulate gut microbiota and promote health

studies demonstrate their potential to alleviate metabolic disorders, improve lipid profiles, reduce inflammation, and restore gut homeostasis. Several studies in humans or animal models reveal positive outcomes on gut microbiota diversity, immune function, and metabolic parameters in both healthy and diseased individuals, including improvements in bowel health, obesity, and type 2 diabetes markers. Additionally, XOS exhibit promising anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, with evidence of their role in reducing tumour cell proliferation and enhancing oxidative stress resistance. Despite these promising findings, challenges remain in cost-effective production and large-scale application. Advances in biotechnological methods and regulatory approvals are expected to drive the expansion of the XOS market, projected to grow significantly over the next decade. This review highlights the potential of XOS as a functional dietary component with applications in gut health and disease prevention, warranting further clinical studies to confirm their therapeutic efficacy in humans.