Alginate as a source of dietary fiber.
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.
Brownlee
I A
IA
Cell & Molecular Biosciences, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. i.a.brownlee@ncl.ac.uk
Allen
A
A
Pearson
J P
JP
Dettmar
P W
PW
Havler
M E
ME
Atherton
M R
MR
Onsøyen
E
E
D000464:Alginates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D006801:Humans
D000464:Alginates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D020723:Glucuronic Acid