Abstract: The Maillard reaction is one of the most widespread and important reactions during food processing, storage and cooking. However, this reaction causes a decrease in the gastrointestinal digestibility of proteins or amino acids, thus making it more possible for the gut microbiota to utilize and ferment these nutirents. This article reviews recent progress in understanding the effect of Maillard reaction products on the gut microbiota and the formation of fermentation products, which will provide some guidance for future studies on the relationship of Maillard reaction products, gut microbiota and human health.

Key words: Maillard reaction, gut microbiota, Amadori rearrangement products, melanoidin, prebiotic activity