Abstract: L-arabinose is a natural pentose, and its absorption rate in the intestinal tract is lower compared to that of sucrose. L-arabinose, with selective and uncompetitive inhibition of sucrase in the brush border of the small intestinal mucosa, inhibits sucrose absorption and metabolism. It also delays and reduces the increase of blood glucose level caused by sucrose intake, improving glucose tolerance, and inhibiting fat accumulation. In addition, L-arabinose can promote the proliferation of probiotics to improve intestinal microecology, which is the key factor affecting energy metabolism and is composed of intestinal flora and its living environment. Dysregulation of structure and function of intestinal flora affects glucose-lipid metabolism and energy balance, leading to an intestinal chronic non-specific inflammatory reaction. The long-term inflammatory reaction destroys the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier, thus, a vicious cycle is formed, which in turn triggers metabolic syndrome. Therefore, L-arabinose as a prebiotic improves the physiological status of the sub-health population, and plays a role in the prevention and treatment of functional constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. This review mainly introduces the impact of L-arabinose on intestinal microecology and discusses its clinical application prospect.