Prebiotic Oligosaccharide Supplementation and Faecal Short-Chain Fatty Acid Profile in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Prebiotic oligosaccharides are fermented into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that shape gut and metabolic health.
Objective: To synthesise randomised trial evidence on how fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), inulin and galacto-oligosaccharide
(GOS) supplementation alters the faecal SCFA profile of healthy adults. Methods: Narrative review of randomised controlled
trials, systematic reviews and mechanistic studies retrieved from PubMed, Europe PMC and Crossref. Findings: Supplementation
consistently raises faecal bifidobacteria and total SCFA concentrations, with modest, dose- and individual-dependent shifts
toward butyrate and propionate. Conclusions: Prebiotic oligosaccharides reliably enhance colonic fermentation, but variability
limits precise dose-response conclusions.