Arabinoxylans, gut microbiota and immunity

• Arabinoxylan (AX) is a non-starch polysaccharide found in many cereal grains.
• The fermentation of AX by gut bacteria is influenced by its fine structure.
• The immunomodulatory properties of AX are also related to its fine structure.

Arabinoxylan (AX) is a non-starch polysaccharide found in many cereal grains and is considered as a dietary fiber. Despite their general structure, there is structural heterogeneity among AX originating from different botanical sources. Furthermore, the extraction procedure and hydrolysis by xylolytic enzymes can further render differences to theses AX. The aim of this review was to address the effects of AX on the gut bacteria and their immunomodulatory properties. Given the complex structure of AX, we also aimed to discuss how the structural heterogeneity of AX affects its role in bacterial growth and immunomodulation. The existing literature indicates the role of fine structural details of AX on its potential as polysaccharides that can impact the gut associated microbial growth and immune system.