Algae nutritional value

The principle problem of algae as sources of lipids is their high water (70-90%) and low lipid content. Despite their lipid content (-7%), the fatty acids of marine algae have aroused considerable interest among researchers for their nutritional value to other marine organisms, occurrence of bioactive conjugated fatty acids, and potential medical applications. The annual production of carotenoids from seaweeds is estimated to be approximately 100 million tons, of which fucoxanthin, the main carotenoids from brown seaweed, contributes more than 10% (Matsuno, 2001). 

In recent years, biological activities, nutritional value, and potential health benefits of marine algae have been intensively investigated and reviewed. In spite of extensive studies and reviews on nutritional value and potential health benefits of marine algae for human, there is little available literature that focuses on potential benefits of marine algae for female subject. Therefore, this chapter focuses on biological roles of marine algae and presents an overview of their potential benefits for female health and beauty. 

There are a number of reviews available on the pharmaceuticals and medicinal bioactive compounds derived from marine algae. This chapter focuses specifically on the culinary use, nutritional value of sea lettuces, and emphasizing their associated health promoting effects. Further, it is important to acknowledge that there are gaps in our knowledge of local names for sea lettuces, which some also lack common names in English. Hence, in this chapter, we present several local names for sea lettuces in several coimtries. 

LAING I, CHILD A R and JANKE A (1990) Nutritional value of dried algae diets for larvae of Manila clam (Tapes-philippinarum). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 70,1-12. 

Spitulina has been used for human nutrition for many years due to its high protein content and other nutrition value. In particular, this alga contains linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by humans. Annual production of Spitulina has been estimated to be around 3000 tons (Table 2.8).The latest producer is DIG Corporation (formerly Dainip-pon Ink and Chemicals), which is also the world s first company to produce Spitulina at commercial scales (http //www.dlt-spl.co.jp/business/en/spirulina/).This company has two sites for Spitulina production. One is in Hainan (People s Republic of China) and another one, Earthrise Farms, in California (USA). Aimual production for these two plants is 450 and 350 tons/year, respertively. Other notable producers are Cyanotech in Hawaii (USA) and Myanmar Spirulina Factory in Yangon, Myanmar. Spitulina requires high pH and bicarbonate concentration for growth. This selective requirement makes its commercial produaion easier since other microalgal strains cannot tolerate such harsh environmental conditions. 

Fujiwara-Arasaki, T., Mino, N., and Kuroda, M. (1984). The protein value in human nutrition of edible marine algae in Japan. Hydrobiologia 116, 513-516. 

Alginic acid, which yields n-mannuronic acid upon hydrolysis, is a complex polysaccharide obtainable from seaweed and various other marine plants (Chapter XII). It is used in large amounts as a stabilizer by the food industry. Also, owing to its occurrence in Chlorella, the principal algae of potential value in human nutrition, knowledge of the nutritional effects of this material is of interest. Presumably alginic acid is not utilized by humans. 

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