BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – Prebiotics and non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) are increasingly recognized for their potential to support human immune function, particularly in infants, children, and other vulnerable populations. A new comprehensive systematic review published by ILSI Europe synthesizes current evidence on how these dietary components influence immunity, infections, inflammation, and vaccine responses in healthy humans, while also discussing underlying mechanisms.
The review underscores promising benefits of specific prebiotics - such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, and mixes thereof, and β-glucans - in modulating immune responses, especially in younger age groups. It highlights the role of prebiotics in enhancing beneficial gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids that support anti-inflammatory pathways and epithelial barrier function. Direct effects on immune cells and mucosal tissues are also explored.
However, the authors emphasize significant variability in study results due to differences in study design, populations, dosages, and immune outcome measures. This variability calls for more rigorous, standardized clinical trials using consistent protocols and localized immune markers to deepen understanding and confirm health benefits.
The paper’s findings present valuable insights for the food, supplement, and nutraceutical industries aiming to develop science-backed immune health products, while also informing regulatory bodies on the need for clearer guidelines and substantiation requirements. Academia is encouraged to lead future research efforts that refine mechanistic knowledge and optimize study methodologies.
Authors’ comments
Paul De Vos (Maastricht University): “Although much remains to be discovered about the specific chemistries of individual dietary fibers and their distinct immunological effects, this manuscript provides a comprehensive and critical synthesis of current human evidence. By systematically reviewing randomized trials, it highlights consistent benefits of specific nondigestible carbohydrates such as GOS, FOS, inulin, oligofructose, and mixes thereof, and β-glucans on immune markers, infection risk, and mucosal defense. The findings offer a valuable reference point for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers seeking to integrate fiber-based strategies into public health approaches. This review underscores the growing scientific consensus that dietary fibers can play a meaningful role in supporting immune resilience across the lifespan.’’
Elaine Vaughan (Sensus, Royal Cosun): “This thorough review supports the growing evidence linking proven prebiotics / NDCs, especially via the gut microbiome, to enhanced immunity against infectious diseases, as well as inflammation. Even in the Western world, colds and flus, besides sick days, have significant health care costs. After the covid pandemic, we realise that emergence of new infectious pathogens is a potential scenario with global health and economic impact. The findings here underscore the need for research and regulatory frameworks, guiding industry stakeholders in substantiating immune health claims to realise prebiotic innovations for evolving consumer demands and public health.“
Reference
Arioz Tunc, H., Calder, P. C., Cait, A., Dodd, G. F., Gasaly Retamal, N. Y. I., Guillemet, D., … de Vos, P. (2025). Impact of non-digestible carbohydrates and prebiotics on immunity, infections, inflammation and vaccine responses: a systematic review of evidence in healthy humans and a discussion of mechanistic proposals. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2025.2514700.
About the authors
The experts who contributed to this work – Hediye Arioz Tunc, Philip C. Calder, Alissa Cait, Georgina F. Dodd, Naschla Y.I. Gasaly Retamal, Damien Guillemet, Daniel James, Konrad J. Korzeniowski, Anna Lubkowska, Alexandra Meynier, Weronika Ratajczak, Frédérique Respondek, Clémentine Thabuis, Elaine E. Vaughan, Naomi Venlet, Gemma Walton, Olivier Gasser, Paul de Vos – are among leading scientists in nutrition from industry and academia. This representation across multiple sectors ensures objective and reliable content.
For more information about the Prebiotics Materials Task Force, visit https://ilsi.eu/scientific-activities/nutrition/prebiotics/
Contact
Dr. Konrad Korzeniowski, Scientific Project Manager: kkorzeniowski@ilsieurope.be
About ILSI Europe
ILSI Europe is the European branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), a global, non-profit federation with 10 entities around the world. Our mission is to develop, communicate and disseminate science-based guidance to tackle food, public health, and sustainability challenges. We facilitate collaboration and consensus-building between academic, industry and public service experts. Learn more at ilsi.eu.