Non-Starch Polysaccharides In The Gastrointestinal Tract

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) are an important part of our diet and play an essential role in the development of functional foods. NSP are a diverse group of carbohydrates consisting primarily of components of plant wall cells, including gums, plant mucilages, algal polysaccharides and other polysaccharides such as inulin and polydextrose. The current chapter describes the physiological effects of NSP; in most cases as prebiotics. Furthermore, NSPs give structure, mouthfeel and bulk to foods, which are relevant properties especially for the formulation of functional foods, which may be foods with reduced fat and/or sugar.