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Microalgae are very interesting and valuable natural sources of highly valuable bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, carotenoids, enzymes and fibre. Due to their potential, microalgae have become some of the most promising and innovative sources of new food and functional products. Moreover, microalgae can be used as functional ingredients to enhance the nutritional value of foods and, thus, to favourably affect human health by improving the well-being and quality of life, but also by curtailing disease and illness risks. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the health benefits associated with the consumption of microalgae, bioactive compounds, functional ingredients, and health foods.

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The lipid composition and anti-inflammatory activity of the microalga Isochrysis galbana were studied. Moreover, the influence of bioaccessibility on composition and bioactivity was evaluated through the application of an in vitro model of the human digestion. The fatty acid (FA) profile was characterized by abundance of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and, within PUFA, ω3 PUFA were the most abundant. High contents of myristic, oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, and stearidonic acids as well as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were determined. A low level of hydrolysis of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and polar lipids was observed during digestion. Total lipid bioaccessibility and specific FA bioaccessibility were low (between 7 and 15%). The highest bioaccessibility percentages were determined for palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids as well as total ω6 PUFA and the lowest bioaccessible percentages were calculated for myristic and stearidonic acids, DHA, and total ω3 PUFA. Chemical affinity phenomena could be an explanation for these results. Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, it was only detected in the lipid extract of I. galbana prior to digestion (79 ± 7% of cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2, inhibition). No activity was found in the bioaccessible fraction extract. Apparently, the COX-2 inhibitory compounds were not rendered bioaccessible.