Algae as food

The AE methods have been used to determine the effects of different algae as food sources in the bioaccumulation of radiolabelled essential (Co, Se, Zn) and nonessential trace metals (Ag, Am, Cd, Cr) in the mussel Mytilus edulis [94]. Assimilation of essential metals was correlated with carbon assimilation, but not nonessential metals. The distribution of the metal in the alga and the gut passage time in the mussel was found to be important. 

Single cell protein, normally called simply SCP, is the term used to describe microbial cells, or proteins from them, which are used as food (food for humans) or feed (food for farm animals or fish). Although the term micro-organisms covers viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa, viruses and protozoa are not considered suitable for SCP production. 

Eukaryotic algae (Chlorophyceae) of the genera Chforella and Scenedesmus have been used for SCP production. Several types of cultivation systems have been considered, depending on the substrate used and whether the SCP is intended for use as food or feed. 

For use as food or feed, algae are grown in pure or mixed culture in a mineral salts... 

Bacteria, yeast and algae are produced in massive quantities of protein sources as food for animals and humans.1 SCP is considered a major source of feed for animals. The production of valuable biological products from industrial and agricultural wastes is considered through the bioconversion of solid wastes to added-value fermented product, which is easily marketable as animal feedstock. The waste streams that otherwise would cause pollution and threaten the environment can be considered raw material for CSP production using suitable strains of microorganisms. 

As food (mainly sea-algae) in Japan, China, Hawaii and Philippines. 

The isopod I. baltica is adapted to use F. vesiculosus as food as shown by its capability to grow and reproduce when fed with this alga alone. I. baltica prefers F. vesiculosus as a structural host and feeds readily on it. However, F. vesiculosus is not the best single-host diet species growth of this herbivore on a sole F. vesiculosus diet was inferior to many other hosts and to a mixed diet (Jormalainen et al. 2001 Hemmi and Jormalainen 2004a). Phlorotannins from F. vesiculosus were harmful to the performance of this herbivore Increasing concentrations of phlorotannins in extracts from F. vesiculosus decreased both the total... 

There is little toxicological data available for extracts of carrots, alfalfa, com oil, palm oil, tomatoes, etc. The JECFA had no objections to their use as food colorants provided that the levels of use did not exceed that normally present in vegetables. A number of toxicity experiments were conducted on Dimaliella algae in view of its increasing importance in the health food area. Twelve studies on D. salina indicated no problems. ( is beta-carotene was absorbed to a lesser extent than trans beta-carotene. Furahashi suggested a no-observed-effect level (NOEL) of 2.5 g kg/day for extracts from D. Hardawil 2 The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the World Health Organization/United Nations (JECFA) did not establish an NOEL or an ADI because of the variation in the composition of the products. 

When these algae are transferred into animal cultures (as food), it is suggested that the binder would interfere with the animal s utilixation of ambient Bjj in a manner that inhibits the development of reproductive viable progen . If correct, this could be interpreted in natural circumstances as either primar or secondar allelochemical activit (or both). It is primar in that the production of a B 2-binder would offer a variet of advantages in terms of... 

Plants and some algae store food in the form of starch. In plants, starch is mainly found in seeds, roots, and tubers as well as in stems, leaves, fruits, and even pollen. Grain seeds, such as corn kernels, contain up to 75% starch. Therefore, it is an important component of the carbohydrates in the diet and a very good source of energy for the body. Starch is found in foods such as cereal, pasta, and potatoes, and cornstarch is used to thicken sauces. Laundry starch is a liquid form of starch used to stiffen the collars and sleeves of shirts. An advantage of using it is that dirt and sweat will stick to the starch instead of the shirt textile fibers, with the result that collar rings are easily washed away with the starch. 

---