The Pros and Cons of Using Algal Polysaccharides as Prebiotics.

ABSTRACT: Macroalgae stand out for their high content of dietary fiber (30-75%) that include soluble, sulfated (fucoidan, agaran, carrageenan, and ulvan) and non-sulfated (laminaran and alginate) polysaccharides. Many studies indicate that these compounds exert varied biological activities and health-promoting effects and for this reason, there is a growing interest for using them in food products. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate prebiotic properties of algal polysaccharides, i.e., their ability to exert biological activities by modulating the composition and/or diversity of gut microbiota (GM). Pre-clinical studies show that the non-sulfated alginate and laminaran are well-fermented by GM, promoting the formation of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including butyrate, and preventin

SUBMITTER: Gotteland M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7536576 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature