Abstract: The intestinal microorganisms have physiological functions, including regulation of nutrition, immunity, and energy metabolism of host. Diet is one of important factors affecting the intestinal microorganism of mammals. It is important to investigate the interaction between intestinal microorganism and carbohydrates metabolism and its influence, because carbohydrates were the main food source for mammals. We reviewed related literature from three aspects: the effects of carbohydrates on intestinal microorganisms, the metabolic mechanism of intestinal microorganisms on carbohydrates, and the effects of carbohydrates fermentation products on the host. The main types of carbohydrates that intestinal microorganisms can use for fermentation are resistant starch and non-starch polysaccharides. Different types of carbohydrates can induce adaptive changes in different microorganisms. Short-chain fatty acids fermented from complex polysaccharide play an important role in regulating host energy balance and immune response. This review would deepen the understanding of the contribution of intestinal microorganisms to host carbohydrates metabolism, and provide a refe-rence for the nutritional regulation of mammalian health.

Key words: intestinal microorganism, host, carbohydrates, short-chain fatty acids