Abstract

Arabinoxylans are the main fraction of non-starch polysaccharides in many cereal grains. Recent in vitro studies pointout that a specific concentrate of long-chain water-extractable arabinoxylans (LC-AX) stimulates specific intestinal microbes(e.g. Bifidobacterium longum) and launches specific fermentation patterns with potential health benefits for the host (e.g.propionate production). Human trials demonstrate that a long-term administration of LC-AX can restore the glucose and insulinresponses in patients suffering from diabetes type II. Further, in vivo rodent studies show that LC-AX may also counteract theadverse effect of the Westernized high-fat diet. Overall, LC-AX affects multiple targets, both in the gut and the rest of the body,which may lead to promising applications in the field of diabetes and weight management.