Dietary glycans and their role in human health: implications for gut health, metabolism, and functional foods

Dietary glycans, a diverse class of carbohydrate-based biomolecules, play a crucial role in human health by modulating gut microbiota, enhancing immune responses, and influencing metabolic processes. This review explores the physiological significance of dietary glycans, their classification, and their natural food sources. The prebiotic effects of glycans on gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production are highlighted, emphasizing their role in digestive health and gut barrier integrity. Additionally, glycans contribute to immune modulation by interacting with immune receptors, showcasing anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in autoimmune conditions. Beyond gut health, dietary glycans are implicated in aging and metabolic health. Their antioxidative and anti-aging effects, alongside their influence on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and lipid homeostasis, underscore their potential in managing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In food science, glycans are emerging as functional food ingredients, with innovations in glycan-enriched foods, fermented products, and dietary supplements. However, the stability and bioavailability of glycans during food processing remain critical challenges. Furthermore, glycans are gaining attention in sports nutrition, with potential applications in muscle recovery and exercise performance. The advent of glycomics and precision nutrition paves the way for personalized dietary interventions targeting metabolic and immune health. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of dietary glycans, their physiological roles, and their potential in functional food development. It underscores future directions in dietary glycan research and its implications for human health.