Behavior of Non‐Digestible Polysaccharides in Gastrointestinal Tract: A Mechanistic Review of its Anti‐Obesity Effect

Nowadays, obesity in humans is a huge challenge requiring effective, readily available, and low-risk alternative treatments. Intake of edible Non-Digestible Polysaccharides (NDPs) is regarded as a promising strategy to combat obesity. Herein, an overview of the behavior of NDPs in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract and its association with anti-obesity effect is summarized. Both the in vitro and in vivo of such investigations are discussed. Results show that NDPs can reach the large intestine to mediate the gut microbiota with the extent of regulation varies among NDPs with different chemical structures. The possible anti-obesity mechanisms associated with behavior of NDPs in the GI tract include: (i) inhibition of fat absorption, (ii) modification of gut microbiota and their metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, (iii) regulation of bile acid profiles, (iv) modulation on appetite and satiety effect, and (v) protection of intestinal barrier. However, more efforts are required to clarify the exact behavior and their beneficial effects of NDPs within GI tract. This paper will provide an overlook of recent advances for better understanding anti-obesity activity of NDPs.