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Study on the effects of laminarin, a polysaccharide from seaweed, on gut characteristics
Author(s) -
Devillé Christelle,
Gharbi Myriam,
Dandrifosse Guy,
Peulen Olivier
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2901
Subject(s) - laminarin , polysaccharide , mucus , butyrate , food science , caecum , microbiology and biotechnology , propionate , short chain fatty acid , biology , biochemistry , ileum , cecum , fermentation , maltase , prebiotic , bacteria , medicine , enzyme , ecology , genetics
This study investigates whether laminarin (β1‐3,β1‐6‐glucan), a polysaccharide from seaweed, exhibits beneficial properties for human health by analysing its effects on intestinal parameters. Anaerobic batch culture fermenters were used for the screening of the in vitro utilization of laminarin by the human gut microflora through the monitoring of biochemical and microbiological parameters. Additionally, the influence of laminarin ingestion on the composition of intestinal mucus (neutral mucins, sialomucins and sulphomucins) was studied in rats. Laminarin was almost totally (more than 90% used) fermented after 24 h of incubation with human intestinal bacteria. It was not selectively used by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, but increased the production of propionate and butyrate. Variations of mucus composition were observed in jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon, both in lumen content and in intestinal wall, of rats after ingestion of this polysaccharide. Due to its effects on mucus composition, laminarin could influence the adherence and the translocation of bacteria across the epithelial wall. In conclusion, laminarin seems to be a modulator of the intestinal metabolism by its effects on mucus composition, intestinal pH and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, especially butyrate. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry