Galacto-Oligosaccharides and the Elderly Gut: Implications for Immune Restoration and Health
Yunan Hu, Mashael R. Aljumaah, M. Andrea Azcárate-Peril
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in the aging population has been correlated with a decline in innate and adaptive immune responses; hence, it is imperative to identify approaches to improve immune function, prevent related disorders, and reduce or treat age-associated health complications. Prebiotic supplementation is a promising approach to modulate the gut microbiome and immune system, offering a potential strategy to maintain the integrity of immune function in older individuals. This review summarizes the current research on prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) immunomodulatory mechanisms mediated by bacterial-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, to maintain immune homeostasis. The potential applications of GOS as immunotherapy for age-related disease prevention in older individuals are also highlighted. This aligns with the global shift toward proactive healthcare and emphasizes the significance of early intervention in directing an individual’s health trajectory. 1. Life expectancy is increasing, and changes in immunity and gut microbiota occur with aging, leading to age-related diseases associated with immunosenescence. 2. GOS are one of the most common and widely known types of nondigestible prebiotics that significantly impact host health, demonstrating promising application efficacy in older individuals. 3. GOS immunomodulates immune homeostasis by modulating the fragile microbiota in older individuals to prevent or alleviate immune-related diseases. 4. SCFAs metabolism and secondary bile acid metabolism activated by GOS-derived bacteria plays a vital role in the immune system. 5. The clinical application of GOS in older individuals requires further study; however, source-specific and structure-specific differences have been noted.