Abstract:Non-starch polysaccharides （NSPs）in dietary fiber are polymers composed of several monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds.NSPs include cellulose，hemicellulose，pectin，gum，β-glucan，fructan，galactose，and other oligosaccharides.NSPs cannot be digested by the body or are difficult to digest，so they can pass through the intestine almost unaltered.Fermentation of NSPs by intestinal tract microbial flora selectively stimulates the proliferation and activity of intestinal tract microorganisms，which can improve the environment of the intestinal flora.The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome.The use of prebiotics or probiotics to control the intestinal microbiota can reduce low-grade intestinal inflammation，improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier，and thereby improve metabolism balance and promote weight loss.Therefore，NSPs can improve the intestinal flora while regulating metabolic diseases.This review article summarizes the research progress concerning the interaction of NSPs with intestinal flora and the influence of the improvement of metabolic diseases.The review provides a reference for the utilization of NSPs.