Research Progress on the Mechanism of Prebiotics Regulating Intestinal Microecological and Metabolism in the Elderly

With the increasing prevalence of global aging, China is confronted with a significant challenge posed by an aging population. The intestinal microecological health of the elderly has emerged as a critical research focus. This paper comprehensively examines the beneficial impacts of prebiotics on intestinal barrier function and immune modulation. These effects are attained through the stimulation of beneficial bacteria growth, the suppression of pathogenic bacteria proliferation, and the augmentation of short-chain fatty acid synthesis. Additionally, the paper summarizes the potential of prebiotics in managing prevalent metabolic disorders in the elderly, including obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Moreover, a comparative assessment is carried out on the action features of various prebiotics, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides. At present, the application mechanisms of prebiotics in the elderly population are not fully comprehended, and their overall effectiveness requires further investigation. Future studies place emphasis on investigating the synergistic actions of prebiotics combined with other dietary or pharmacological interventions and accelerate the development of innovative, highly efficient prebiotic products specifically designed for the elderly, thus enhancing the accuracy and applicability of nutritional intervention approaches.