Alginate as a Source of Dietary Fiber

Authors: Brownlee, I.¹; Allen, A.¹; Pearson, J.¹; Dettmar, P.²; Havler, M.²; Atherton, M.²; Onsøyen, E.³

Source: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Volume 45, Number 6, September 2005 , pp. 497-510(14)

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Abstract:

Alginate, an algal polysaccharide, is widely used in the food industry as a stabilizer, or as a thickening or emulsifying agent. As an indigestible polysaccharide, alginate may also be viewed as a source of dietary fiber. Previous work has suggested that dietary fibres may protect against the onset and continuation of a number of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. This article aims to examine what is currently understood about the fiber-like activities of alginate, particularly its effects on intestinal absorption and the colon, and therefore aims to gauge the potential use of alginate as a dietary supplement for the maintenance of normal health, or the alleviation of certain cardiovascular or gastrointestinal diseases.

Keywords: colonic health; colonic microflora; glycaemic response; mucus

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10408390500285673

Affiliations: 1: Cell & Molecular Biosciences, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK 2: Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd, Dansom Lane, HU8 7DS, Hull, UK 3: FMC Biopolymer a.s., Postboks 494, 3002, Drammen, Brakeroya, Norway

Publication date: 2005-09-01