Alpha-galactosides: antinutritional factors or functional ingredients?

Abstract

This review focuses on updated information about alpha-galactosides, their chemical structure, biosynthesis, plant physiological functions, occurrence in foods, positive and negative physiological effects in animals, changes during food processing, and their potential application as prebiotics in the food industry. Although alpha-galactosides are considered as the main flatus-causing factors, they are also involved in several important functions during plant and seed development and beneficially stimulate the growth and activity of living bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the human colon. We focus here also on legumes as a source of this kind of prebiotics as potential health promoters.

• Authors: Cristina Martínez-Villaluenga, Juana Frias, Concepción Vidal-Valverde
• Journal: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr) Vol. 48 Issue 4 Pg. 301-16 (Apr 2008) ISSN: 1549-7852 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18409113 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Galactosides

Topics

• Animals
• Fabaceae (chemistry)
• Food Handling
• Galactosides (biosynthesis, chemistry, metabolism)
• Gastrointestinal Tract (microbiology)
• Humans
• Nutritive Value
• Plants, Edible (chemistry)