ABSTRACT
Oligosaccharides are widely distributed in higher plants, especially leguminous seeds. This review described the structure of galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides and raffinosetype oligosacchariddes. Flatulance - causes, relation to diet and composition of intenstinal gas are discussed. Emphasis is placed upon the fact that ingestion of oligosaccharides increases the bifidobacteria population in the colon, which in turn contributes to human health in many ways.