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Seaweed Components as Potential Modulators of the Gut Microbiota
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2021-06-23
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1. Shannon E, Conlon M, Hayes M. Seaweed Components as Potential Modulators of the Gut Microbiota. Marine Drugs 2021;19(7):358. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/md19070358
Abstract
Macroalgae, or seaweeds, are a rich source of components which may exert beneficial effects
on the mammalian gut microbiota through the enhancement of bacterial diversity and abundance.
An imbalance of gut bacteria has been linked to the development of disorders such as inflammatory
bowel disease, immunodeficiency, hypertension, type-2-diabetes, obesity, and cancer. This review
outlines current knowledge from in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the potential therapeutic
application of seaweed-derived polysaccharides, polyphenols and peptides to modulate the gut
microbiota through diet. Polysaccharides such as fucoidan, laminarin, alginate, ulvan and porphyran
are unique to seaweeds. Several studies have shown their potential to act as prebiotics and to
positively modulate the gut microbiota. Prebiotics enhance bacterial populations and often their
production of short chain fatty acids, which are the energy source for gastrointestinal epithelial
cells, provide protection against pathogens, influence immunomodulation, and induce apoptosis
of colon cancer cells. The oral bioaccessibility and bioavailability of seaweed components is also
discussed, including the advantages and limitations of static and dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal
models versus ex vivo and in vivo methods. Seaweed bioactives show potential for use in prevention
and, in some instances, treatment of human disease. However, it is also necessary to confirm these
potential, therapeutic effects in large-scale clinical trials. Where possible, we have cited information
concerning these trials.