Carbohydrate polymersMay 18, 2025

How Fiber and Polyphenols Together Affect Gut Bacteria and Related Metabolism and Health

Regenerative Health Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Mar 28, 2026

Abstract

Dietary fiber (DF) and polyphenols can synergistically enhance gut health by modulating gut microbiota and increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production.

DF acts as a fermentable substrate for beneficial gut bacteria, leading to increased SCFA production.
Polyphenols selectively influence microbial populations and contribute to beneficial bioactive metabolites.
The combination of DF and polyphenols enhances microbial diversity and gut barrier function.
These interactions may support metabolic and immune stability in the host.
The degree of health benefits is affected by the structural features of DF and the type and amount of polyphenols consumed.
Further investigation is needed to optimize DF-polyphenol combinations for personalized nutrition and functional food development.

Simplified

Gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining human health by regulating digestion, metabolism, and immune function. Emerging research highlights the potential of dietary interventions, particularly dietary fiber (DF) and polyphenols, in modulating gut microbiota composition and function. DF serves as a fermentable substrate for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Polyphenols, a diverse group of bioactive compounds selectively modulate microbial populations and contribute to the production of bioactive metabolites with host health benefits. Importantly, the interplay between DF and polyphenols creates a synergistic effect within the gut microbiome, shaping microbial diversity, enhancing SCFAs production, and strengthening gut barrier function, which together support metabolic and immune homeostasis. This review systematically explores the synergistic effects of DF-polyphenol combinations on gut microbiota modulation, microbial metabolites, and their implications for overall health. The combined effects of DF and polyphenols hold promise for targeted nutritional strategies in preventing metabolic disorders and improving gut health. Moreover, the extent of these benefits is influenced by the structural characteristics of DF, the source and dosage of polyphenols, and individual gut microbiota composition. Further research is warranted to optimize DF-polyphenol interactions and facilitate their applications in personalized nutrition and functional food development.

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How Fiber and Polyphenols Together Affect Gut Bacteria and Related Metabolism and Health

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