Carbohydrates are important ingredients in human (and animal) nutrition. Various carbohydrates have beneficial effects on the health of humans (and animals) through the gut system, either via interactions with the gut-associated immune system or as substrates differentiating growth of the gut microbiota. This program proposes to (a) devise and validate new technologies for assessing health claims of carbohydrates and (b) use these technologies to develop new health promoting carbohydrate-based nutrients. Emphasis will be on the relation between carbohydrate structure and in vivo function of carbohydrates. This combined approach ideally should allow design and synthesis of tailor made carbohydrates, for future gut health applications in infants, patients, elderly people, and the ageing population of healthy people.

Novel Technologies to assess Gut Health Claims for Carbohydrates

CCCCHO

Theme 1 Oligosaccharide synthesis and structural analysisLubbert Dijkhuizen/Henk Schols

Theme 2 Characterization of biological effects of carbohydratesUwe Tietge/H.J. Verkade

Theme 3 ImmunobarrierePaul de Vos

Theme 4 MicrobiotaHauke Smidt

Novel Technologies to assess Gut Health Claims for Carbohydrates

Fons Voragen, Lubbert Dijkhuizen

EFSA