Prebiotics are either natural or synthetic non-digestible (non-)carbohydrate substances that boost the proliferation of gut microbes. Undigested fructooligosaccharides in the large intestine are utilised by the beneficial microorganisms for the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids for their own growth. Although various food products are now recognized as having prebiotic properties, several others, such as almonds, artichoke, barley, chia seeds, chicory, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, garlic, and oats, are being explored and used as functional foods. Considering the benefits of these prebiotics in mineral absorption, metabolite production, gut microbiota modulation, and in various diseases such as diabetes, allergy, metabolic disorders, and necrotising enterocolitis, increasing attention has been focused on their applications in both food and pharmaceutical industries, although some of these food products are actually used as food supplements. This review aims to highlight the potential and need of these prebiotics in the diet and also discusses data related to the distinct types, sources, modes of action, and health benefits.

Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science University of Hradec Kralove 50003 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic

Faculty of Medicine University of Porto 4200 319 Porto Portugal

Institute for Research and Innovation in Health University of Porto 4200 135 Porto Portugal

Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences University of Porto 4200 135 Porto Portugal

School of Bioengineering and Biosciences Lovely Professional University Phagwara Punjab 144411 India

School of Bioengineering and Food Technology Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences Solan 173229 Himachal Pradesh India

School of Biological and Environmental Sciences Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences Solan 173229 Himachal Pradesh India

School of Water Energy and Environment Cranfield University Cranfield MK430AL UK

Sen Research Group Biochemistry Department Faculty of Arts and Science EvliyaÇelebi Campus Dumlupınar University Kütahya 43100 Turkey

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