Prebiotic properties of algae and algae-supplemented products

Research to date, in vitro and on animal models, has confirmed the benefits of macro-algal carbohydrates, including changes in microbial profiles, concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and pH of the media. Other compounds have been shown to regulate cell proliferation, gas emission and cardiovascular function. Algal products will become more appealing if they are further processed and marketed beyond their current areas of production and consumption. It may be necessary to purify the native products to more functional active compounds. Many of the products may find application in prevention and treatment of digestive and cardiovascular diseases in future.