Searching for new prebiotics from seaweed
Carbohydrates from seaweed have recently been shown to have several health benefits, including prebiotic activity. However, some processing is required to convert these carbohydrates into low molecular weight polysaccharides (LMWPs), or small carbohydrates, that have nutritional benefits. The EU funded a project called 'Hydrocolloids as functional food ingredients for gut health' (HYFFI)(opens in new window) to investigate LMWPs as health supplements or prebiotics. Several small seaweed farms and health supplement companies partnered with research institutions for this project. Two new methods were developed for the production of LMWP fractions from alginate and agar. The methods were optimised in the laboratory and then validated on the pilot scale. HYFFI also screened 19 LMWPs for prebiotic activity, and identified 8 such molecules that increased the growth or metabolism of gut bacteria. The two most promising LMWPs were then selected for testing in humans, as well as in a laboratory gut model. Both products caused small changes in gut microflora, with some potential for beneficial effects, as well as some benefit as dietary fibre. However, the small size of the effect means that these LMWPs may not be feasible prebiotics. While HYFFI has not resulted in a commercially viable supplement, the carbohydrate processing technology used will be of value for other applications in the horticultural and food technology markets.
