Which specific soluble fibers, including polysaccharides, found in seaweed act as prebiotics feeding beneficial bacteria in the colon?
Alginates, carrageenans, and agar
The text specifies that seaweed is rich in unique soluble fibers, which are categorized as polysaccharides, and these include alginates, carrageenans, and agar. These specific compounds function directly as prebiotics. Prebiotics are defined by their role as a food source for the beneficial bacterial populations residing within the colon. When these good bacteria consume these particular fibers, they undergo fermentation, which then leads to the creation of beneficial byproducts like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). While general bulk fiber promotes regularity, it is these specific polysaccharides that provide the unique substrate material targeted by diverse microbial populations, differentiating seaweed fiber from many terrestrial vegetable fibers.

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