Marine life is an underexplored reservoir for providing sustainable nutrients and diverse diets. The unique environment of the ocean influences the structural characteristics of marine active substances, including marine-derived sulfated polysaccharides. These compounds, found in both marine animals and plants, such as glycosaminoglycans and carrageenan, exhibit a range of bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antiviral properties. Recent studies have highlighted their potential in ameliorating chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and colitis. The bioactivity of sulfated polysaccharides is closely linked to their structural features, such as molecular weight and degree of sulfation. However, subtle structural differences can lead to significant variations in biological activity, underscoring the need for advanced extraction and modification methods. Despite these advancements, there remains a gap in understanding the conformational mechanisms of these polysaccharides, which is crucial for developing precision nutrition strategies.
This research topic aims to deepen our understanding of the effects of sulfated polysaccharides on human health, particularly in preventing chronic diseases and improving malnutrition. It seeks to elucidate the role of these compounds in precision nutrition and uncover the underlying structure-function relationships. Additionally, the research topic aims to identify more efficient methods for extracting and modifying sulfated polysaccharides and explore the molecular mechanisms of their bioactivity based on structural features.
To gather further insights in the field of sulfated polysaccharides and precision nutrition, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Effects of sulfated polysaccharides on host health through alleviating clinical symptoms, regulating inflammation, or modulating gut microbiota composition.
• Identification of key factors, such as microbes and specific metabolites, regulated by sulfated polysaccharides and their relationship to host health.
• Research on extraction and modification methods of sulfated polysaccharides, including new extraction methods and techniques to regulate molecular weight.
• Development of novel nutrition strategies based on the effects of sulfated polysaccharides on precision nutrition.
• Systematic exploration of mechanisms and molecular foundations of sulfated polysaccharides in the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases during dietary intervention.
Keywords: Sulfated polysaccharides, Marine food, Nutrition, Gut microbiota, Metabolites
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
