Microbial metabolites derived from colonic fermentation of non-digestible compounds

•DF definition includes a large number of different molecules.•Interaction between DF and gut microbiota impacts on host health.•DF can modulate gut microbiota composition and activity.•Metabolite fermentation products also impact on host health.

Under the definition of dietary fiber (DF) a large number of molecules with different structures and physiological properties are integrated. Moreover, associated to DF there are proteins and phenolic compounds that escape from digestion and reach the colon almost unaltered. Gut microbiota is able to metabolize most of DFs as well as their associated compounds. The end products generated by the microbiota metabolism are susceptible to be absorbed and they have a great impact in host health. In general, fermentation metabolites from carbohydrates and associated phenolic compounds have beneficial effects; by the contrary protein derived fermentation products are detrimental for health. Herein we review the interaction between DF and gut microbiome and its impact on host health.

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