modification of the chemical structure of prebiotics might alter their bioactivities. Modification of beta-glucans has not yet received much attention in the field of prebiotic research. Physical (reduction in molecular mass, branching), chemical (addition of functional groups), and biochemical (enzymatic treatment) modifications might enhance the pro- biogenic property of beta-glucans. It is anticipated that the potential use of beta-glucans as prebiotics will continue to draw much attention in the near future