Prebiotic effects of macroalgae

Macroalgae are seaweeds, which are often consumed as much as food in Asian countries. Studies have been made that carbohydrate compounds such as oligosaccharides and polysaccharides can be considered as prebiotics. Prebiotics are nutrient sources of probiotics that defined as useful microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract especially. With the positive effects of prebiotics on probiotics, the gastointestinal system and thus all body systems are kept in a healthy balance. This review provides brief information about probiotics, prebiotics and is a pioneer in the studies on the evaluation of macroalgae as prebiotics in our country.