Prebiotics as Functional Food: The Potentials of Brown Seaweed

Functional foods, characterised by their ability to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, have gained popularity due to their potential to improve general well-being. Prebiotics are non-digestible substances present in food that have the unique ability to support the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This, in turn, brings about a multitude of health benefits for the individual. Marine macroalgae, also known as seaweeds, are a promising source of renewable biomass that contains a significant quantity of bioactive compounds. Sargassum species, which are common among seaweeds, are known for their abundant presence and complex biochemical composition, making them a promising candidate as functional foods. This review article delves into the topic of functional foods and the various prebiotics derived from terrestrial plants, along with the documented health benefits associated with them. Additionally, this article reports on the key bioactive compounds found in brown seaweed that have the potential to be prebiotics. A literature search on the potential health benefits of Sargassum species demonstrated in vitro and in animal models was also undertaken.