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Nutrients
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Dietary Polysaccharides: Functional Properties and Health Implications
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Dietary Polysaccharides: Functional Properties and Health Implications

A Special Issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643) belonging to the section "Carbohydrates".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 October 2026 | Viewed by 12148

Editor

Prof. Dr. Omorogieva Ojo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus, London SE9 2UG, UK
Interests: nutrition; prebiotics; diabetes; glycaemic index of food; dietary fibre; gut microbiome
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases globally, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke, which have been associated with lifestyle choices, underscores the need to explore the effectiveness of dietary polysaccharides in the management of these conditions.

Dietary polysaccharides are widely found in plants and are major components in the human diet. Polysaccharides are divided into starch (α-glucans) and non-starch (non-α-glucans) polysaccharides, often widely used as functional foods due to their diverse bioactivities. These functional properties are based mainly on the degradation, absorption and utilisation process of polysaccharides.

Starch found in cereals, potatoes, cassava, legumes, bananas, and other stored carbohydrates is the primary source of energy in all diets; by contrast, cell wall polysaccharides are the primary components of dietary fibre. Furthermore, some types of starch have been modified by either chemical processing or plant breeding techniques in order to obtain the desired functional properties. The health benefits of dietary polysaccharides such as starch and dietary fibres in relation to the management of overweight and obesity, coronary artery diseases, diabetes, and cancer have been the subject of intense interest among researchers and evolving areas of research.

Therefore, this Special Issue provides the opportunity to evaluate the relationship between dietary polysaccharides and human health, including examining the role of the different components of polysaccharides on human health, such as modification during food processing, functional properties, and their effects in the gastrointestinal tract.

This Special Issue of Nutrients entitled “Dietary Polysaccharides: Functional Properties and Health Implications” welcomes the submission of original research and literature reviews concerning this important topic.

Prof. Dr. Omorogieva Ojo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polysaccharides
  • diet
  • health
  • diabetes and other metabolic disorders
  • obesity
  • gut microbiota
  • cardi-ovascular disease
  • gastrointestinal health

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 11159 KB  
Article
Physicochemical Properties and Gut Microbiota-Regulating Activities of Macromolecules from Fresh and Dried Biyang Flower Shiitake Mushrooms: A Comparative Study Integrating 16S rRNA Sequencing and Untargeted Metabolomics
by Shunchao Zhang, Xiling Fan, Xinli Wei and Kai Li
Nutrients 2026, 18(14), 2289; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18142289 - 13 Jul 2026
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Background: Biyang flower shiitake mushrooms are valuable edible and medicinal fungi. However, the effects of macromolecules from fresh and dried flower shiitake mushrooms on the structural characteristics and their subsequent impact on gut health remain poorly understood. Methods: This study systematically investigated the [...] Read more.
Background: Biyang flower shiitake mushrooms are valuable edible and medicinal fungi. However, the effects of macromolecules from fresh and dried flower shiitake mushrooms on the structural characteristics and their subsequent impact on gut health remain poorly understood. Methods: This study systematically investigated the physicochemical properties, microstructure, and thermal stability of macromolecules extracted from fresh (XG-PPC) and dried (GG-PPC) Biyang flower shiitake mushrooms. Furthermore, the differential regulatory effects of these supplements on the gut microbiota and fecal metabolome of mice were evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Kendall’s rank correlation analysis was used to elucidate the intrinsic relationships among the physicochemical properties of macromolecules, key intestinal genera, and differential metabolites. Results: These structural differences conferred distinct biological effects on macromolecules. Protein and uronic acid contents act as key drivers governing the differentiation of gut microbiota and metabolic pathways, with opposing regulatory trends. Total carbohydrates, monosaccharide profiles, and molecular weight characteristics differentially regulate specific bacterial genera and multiple classes of metabolites, thereby establishing distinct gut microecological regulatory patterns between XG-PPC and GG-PPC. Conclusions: This study explores the structure-activity relationships of fresh and dried Biyang shiitake mushroom macromolecules, providing a theoretical foundation and empirical data to support the high-value utilization of Biyang shiitake mushrooms and the targeted development of corresponding functional foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polysaccharides: Functional Properties and Health Implications)
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16 pages, 2877 KB  
Article
Red Ginseng Extract Intake and Changes in Metabolite Profiles, Gut Microbiota, and Immune Responses of Healthy Rats
by Madhuri Sangar, Seong-Hwa Song, Saoraya Chanmuang, Dong-Shin Kim, Gwang-Ju Jang, Hyeon-Jeong Lee, Young Kyoung Rhee, Hee-Do Hong, Chang-Won Cho and Hyun-Jin Kim
Nutrients 2026, 18(9), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18091462 - 2 May 2026
Viewed by 1911
Abstract
Background: Red ginseng (RG) exhibits enhanced bioactivity compared to white ginseng. Although the beneficial effects of RG have been well investigated in disease models, its impacts on the metabolome, gut microbiota, and immune response under normal physiological conditions remain poorly understood. Methods: Rats [...] Read more.
Background: Red ginseng (RG) exhibits enhanced bioactivity compared to white ginseng. Although the beneficial effects of RG have been well investigated in disease models, its impacts on the metabolome, gut microbiota, and immune response under normal physiological conditions remain poorly understood. Methods: Rats were randomized into three groups: control (normal diet), RL (low-dose RGE at 100 mg/kg body weight), and RH (high-dose RGE at 200 mg/kg body weight). After five weeks, metabolite profiles of the blood, liver, kidney, and large intestinal contents were analyzed and the gut microbiota was assessed. Splenocytes were isolated and treated with or without ethanol-precipitated carbohydrate fractions isolated from RGE or from intestinal contents, and IL-12 secretion was measured. Additionally, the correlations among biochemical characteristics, metabolites, gut microbiota, and immune markers were analyzed. Results: RGE intake decreased plasma triglycerides, liver function biomarkers, and epididymal adipose tissue weight. It also altered metabolite profiles for plasma, liver, kidney, and intestinal contents and increased the hepatic NAD+/NADH ratio. RGE intake reduced the populations of harmful bacteria, whereas it increased Lachnospiraceae. RGE intake enhanced IL-12 production in splenocytes. Furthermore, splenocytes treated with carbohydrates isolated from the small and large intestinal contents of RGE-fed rats secreted higher IL-12 levels than those of the control group. Conclusions: RGE modulated the gut microbiota, metabolism, and immune responses in healthy rats under normal physiological conditions, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polysaccharides: Functional Properties and Health Implications)
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25 pages, 6753 KB  
Article
The Anti-Digestive Characteristics, Effects of Prebiotic Properties on NC and T2DM Mice of Achyranthes bidentata Polysaccharide, and the Hypoglycemic Effect of Its Fermentation Products
by Ting Xia, Zhenjie Liu, Wenya Ding, Liting Deng, Xinyang Ning and Jianfang Feng
Nutrients 2025, 17(20), 3249; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17203249 - 16 Oct 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1422
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Achyranthes bidentata (AB), recognized as a food and traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits notable biological activity. Our previous study showed the hypoglycemic effect of Achyrantha bidentata polysaccharide (ABP). The properties and digestion process of polysaccharides affect their pharmacological activities. The digestion characteristics [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Achyranthes bidentata (AB), recognized as a food and traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits notable biological activity. Our previous study showed the hypoglycemic effect of Achyrantha bidentata polysaccharide (ABP). The properties and digestion process of polysaccharides affect their pharmacological activities. The digestion characteristics of ABP are unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the characteristics of ABP’s simulated digestion and its prebiotic properties and hypoglycemic effects. Methods: We used simulated digestion methods to investigate the alterations in ABP levels in the process of digestion and fermentation. Animal experiments were used to compare the effects of the prebiotic properties of ABP on normal control (NC) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. Then, in order to further verify the hypoglycemic effect of ABP after fermentation (ABPF), α-glucosidase activity and glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells were examined. Results: The results showed that ABP was anti-digestive and mainly degraded by the intestinal flora. Moreover, ABP showed a stronger promoting advantage against beneficial bacteria and inhibited harmful bacteria in the T2DM mice. Compared with NC mice, after ABP treatment, T2DM mice showed a higher increase in levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Additionally, the glucose uptake and α-glucosidase activity of Caco-2 cells were significantly decreased after treatment with ABPF. Conclusions: These results underscore the potential of ABP as a prebiotic candidate for gut health promotion and T2DM alleviation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polysaccharides: Functional Properties and Health Implications)
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Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 1694 KB  
Review
Dietary Polysaccharides and the Regulation of Blood Glucose and Lipid Parameters—A Narrative Review
by Omorogieva Ojo, Yemi Onilude, Osarhumwese Osaretin Ojo, Victoria Apau, Ivy Kazangarare, David Agyapong, Joanne Brooke and Xiaohua Wang
Nutrients 2026, 18(13), 2143; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18132143 - 2 Jul 2026
Viewed by 5826
Abstract
The increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases globally has been attributed in part to poor lifestyle choices, including unhealthy dietary habits. Dietary polysaccharides, including resistant starch and non-starch polysaccharides, have gained increasing attention due to their potential role in the regulation of [...] Read more.
The increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases globally has been attributed in part to poor lifestyle choices, including unhealthy dietary habits. Dietary polysaccharides, including resistant starch and non-starch polysaccharides, have gained increasing attention due to their potential role in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this review was to evaluate the role of dietary polysaccharides in the regulation of blood glucose and lipid parameters. Method: A narrative review approach was adopted for this review. Searches were conducted through EBSCOHost and involved the following databases: Medline, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences collection, Academic Search Premier and APA PsycArticles. Searches were conducted on 14 April 2026 and covered all records available from database inception to the search date. Search terms were combined using Boolean operators (AND/OR). The reference list of articles was also searched for more articles. Results: Twenty-one studies from thirteen different countries were included in this review. Based on narrative synthesis, five themes were identified: the effects of dietary polysaccharides on glycaemia, insulin, lipids, energy intake and satiety/appetite. The findings demonstrated considerable heterogeneity across studies. While several studies reported improvements in fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, glycated haemoglobin and insulin responses following resistant starch and non-starch polysaccharide interventions, other studies found no significant effects on glycaemic control or insulin levels. Lipid outcomes were similarly inconsistent, although some studies reported reductions in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Effects on energy intake and satiety varied according to the type and physicochemical characteristics of the polysaccharide investigated. Conclusion: The findings of this review suggest that dietary polysaccharides may contribute to improvements in glucose control and lipid metabolism, although the magnitude and consistency of these effects vary across populations, intervention types and study designs. The most frequently reported beneficial findings related to blood glucose parameters, although substantial heterogeneity remained across studies. Further, well-designed studies, including randomised controlled trials with longer durations, are needed to fully establish the role of dietary polysaccharides in the control of blood glucose and lipid parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polysaccharides: Functional Properties and Health Implications)
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25 pages, 1488 KB  
Review
Deciphering the Structure–Immunomodulatory Function Relationships of Homopolysaccharides
by Gege Hu, Bingyu Yang, Han Song, Yuehan Zeng, Zhuoting Zhang, Yuwen Li, Jian Zhang and Fenghuan Wang
Nutrients 2026, 18(11), 1782; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18111782 - 31 May 2026
Viewed by 771
Abstract
Natural homopolysaccharides (HoPSs), composed of a single monosaccharide type, are increasingly recognized as bioactive macronutrients with broad relevance to nutrition and health. This review summarizes the extraction, structural characterization, and structure-immunomodulatory activity relationships of HoPSs. Drawing on a comprehensive synthesis of existing studies, [...] Read more.
Natural homopolysaccharides (HoPSs), composed of a single monosaccharide type, are increasingly recognized as bioactive macronutrients with broad relevance to nutrition and health. This review summarizes the extraction, structural characterization, and structure-immunomodulatory activity relationships of HoPSs. Drawing on a comprehensive synthesis of existing studies, we integrate current knowledge into a unified hierarchical framework of HoPS structure–function relationships. This framework organizes the literature into three hierarchical levels, including primary structural recognition, mid-level regulatory mechanisms, and functional refinement, while integrating key determinants such as molecular weight, glycosidic linkages, chain conformation, branching, and chemical modifications. By bridging structural glycomics and nutritional immunology, this framework synthesizes current evidence and provides a structured reference for future investigations. HoPSs exert well-established anti-infection and anti-inflammatory effects, alongside important nutritional and metabolic benefits. These outcomes are supported by evidence from cellular receptor signaling (e.g., TLRs, Dectin-1; NF-κB, MAPK pathways), gut microbiota remodeling, and metabolite network interactions. Finally, we discuss current research gaps, particularly in fine structural analysis and multidimensional mechanistic studies, and propose future directions based on precise structural elucidation, multidimensional structure–activity relationship modeling, and interdisciplinary integration. This review aims to bridge structural glycomics with human nutritional immunology, providing a theoretical basis for the structural optimization, immune activity enhancement, and functional food development of natural HoPSs to promote their industrial application in medicine, nutrition, and health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polysaccharides: Functional Properties and Health Implications)
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