Fructooligosaccharides on inflammation, immunomodulation, oxidative stress, and gut immune response: a systematic review
Graciana Teixeira Costa, Quezia Damaris Jones Severino Vasconcelos, Gislei Frota Aragão
Abstract
CONTEXT: Evidence shows that fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) can modulate inflammatory, oxidative, and immune activity in the gut, possibly leading to a systemic response, improving human health. OBJECTIVE: To assess the present knowledge of the effects of FOSs on inflammation, immunomodulation, oxidative stress, and gut immune response. DATA SOURCES: Studies published between December 2000 and January 2020 were systematically searched in four databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, Web of Science, and Scopus. After the screening of 1316 articles, 8 human studies and 20 animal models were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted separately by 2 reviewers. For each study, the design, population, exposures, main results, and conclusion were extracted. The research questions and the risk-of-bias information were also extracted. Additionally, the risk-of-bias were analyzed to guarantee the reliability of this review. DATA ANALYSIS: A qualitative analysis revealed that FOSs can increase bifidobacteria counts and short-chain fatty acids in the gut, stimulate IgA secretion in the colon, and decrease proinflammatory cytokines, thus influencing metabolic diseases. CONCLUSION: Studies suggest that FOS supplementation is positively associated with an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, thus enhancing the gut immune system, which may be beneficial for the host's health. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration nos 42020209865 and 42020220369.