International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 1-8 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 3 2.4 Application prospects of composite dietary fiber and probiotics The combination of composite dietary fiber and probiotics demonstrates significant application potential in the field of health foods, particularly in the development of functional beverages. Composite dietary fiber not only provides a stable growth environment for probiotics, enhancing their activity and stability, but also synergistically improves gut health, immune function, and metabolic regulation by modulating the gut microbiota. Studies have shown that even in non-dairy matrices, composite dietary fiber can effectively support the survival and adaptability of probiotics, making it more flexible and applicable in the development of functional beverages (Otles and Ozyurt, 2019). As consumer interest in gut health, immune enhancement, and chronic disease prevention continues to grow, composite dietary fiber and probiotics-based functional foods are becoming a focal point in the health market. Although challenges remain in improving the survival rate of probiotics, sensory properties, and storage stability of products, advancements in technology and the application of innovative formulations are driving solutions to these issues (Tesfaye et al., 2019). In the future, this combination is expected to not only diversify the development of functional health beverages but also play a critical role in personalized nutrition, chronic disease management, and the global expansion of the health food market. 3 Synergistic Effects of Compound Dietary Fiber and Probiotics 3.1 Promotion of probiotic growth by compound dietary fiber Compound dietary fibers have been shown to enhance the viability and growth of probiotics in various food matrices. For instance, fibers derived from fruit by-products such as apple and banana have been found to increase the viability of probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis during the shelf life of yoghurts, demonstrating a synergistic effect that enhances the nutritional profile of the productb (Speranza et al., 2020). Similarly, soluble corn fiber, when combined with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, has been shown to positively influence the fecal microbiota, indicating that dietary fibers can act as prebiotics to support probiotic growth and activity (Skrzypczak et al., 2024). 3.2 Optimization of intestinal microecology through synergistic effects The combination of dietary fibers and probiotics can optimize intestinal microecology by modulating gut microbiota composition and enhancing gut health. Studies have shown that synbiotic combinations, such as those involving long-chain inulin and Lactobacillus acidophilus, can directly stimulate immune cells and improve gut health by modulating the gut microbiota. Additionally, synbiotic beverages containing probiotics and prebiotic fibers have been reported to increase the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids and decrease harmful metabolites, thereby supporting a healthy gut microbiota (Shah et al., 2020). 3.3 Molecular mechanisms of functional enhancement The synergistic effects of compound dietary fiber and probiotics in functional beverages are primarily mediated through their interactions with the gut microbiota and subsequent metabolic processes. Dietary fibers serve as prebiotics, providing substrates for beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn produce Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) and other metabolites that enhance gut health and function (Lee, 2024). Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, further modulate the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful ones, thereby improving the overall microbial balance. The fermentation of dietary fibers by gut bacteria leads to the production of SCFAs, which have been shown to regulate intestinal pH, enhance mineral absorption, and exert anti-inflammatory effects. These SCFAs also play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier and modulating immune responses, which are essential for preventing gastrointestinal disorders and enhancing overall health (Chu et al., 2019). Additionally, the presence of phenolic compounds in dietary fibers can contribute to antioxidant activities, further supporting gut health and reducing oxidative stress. 4 Application of Compound Dietary Fiber and Probiotics in Functional Beverages 4.1 Market status and demand analysis of functional beverages The functional beverage market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer awareness of health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Functional beverages, which include non-alcoholic drinks enriched with
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