Effects of Eidenia nipponica on caecal microbiota of mice fed low-fibre diet

Eisenia nipponica (EN) is a brown alga traditionally consumed in specific regions of Japan. in has antibacterial activity against Gram-positive food related pathogens. EN reaches its peak season in summer, during which the content of the storage polysaccharide laminaran increases. Alginate, a viscous polysaccharide abundantly present in the intercellular cell walls throughout the year, is also fermented by gut microbiota; however, laminaran is a more readily fermentable polysaccharide.In addition, some individuals accumulate high levels of phlorotannins during the summer season, exhibiting strong antioxidant activity as well as potent antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, we investigated the effects on the cecal microbiota of mice.