Health benefits of Inulin and Agavin-type Fructans in Food: Impact on Microbiota, Immune and Gut Barrier Function

Intake of dietary fibers has been shown to prevent noncommunicable disease development and is associated with better health. Fructans are dietary fibers whose consumption beneficially influences immune development and gut barrier function. Moreover, their benefits are dependent on the fructan-type and degree of polymerization. In the present chapter, we reviewed the current scientific evidence for the health benefits of fructans extracted from chicory and agave plants, which are two of the most commonly used fructans in the food industry. We focused on their effects on gut microbiota and regulatory effects on immunity and gut barrier, as these seem to be their main targets and the current explanation for the majority of their beneficial effects. As this beneficial impact can start as early as in the first weeks after birth till the elderly, we reviewed current knowledge of fructan's impact on infant microbiota and gut immune barrier development as well as on prevention of disease.