The surplus value of Azorean macroalgae as health-promoting food. Protein, fiber, carbohydrates, lipids and vitamins determination

AICMA 2012 (BIT's 1st Annual International Congress of Marine Algae), World Expo Center, Dalian, China, 20-23 de Setembro.

Seaweeds are traditionally used in animal nutrition supplement and have also been an important human dietary component. In addition to their value as a human food supplement, seaweeds may also contribute as a functional o r health-promoting food to prevent some of the most degenerative diseases ofthe industrial countries. Over the past few decades, the consumption of seaweed products’ has increased in European countries. Currently, approxirnately 15-20 edible algae strains are being commonly marketed for consumption in Europe. In the archipelago of the Azores (Portugal), the consumption o f seaweeds is widespread and accepted as a common practice in some of the islands. Being isolated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and taking into account the low pollution levels of seawater in the region, the Azores Islands have become a very promising location as a natural resource for marine macroalgae with potential for providing new ingredients of so-called functional or health-promoting foods. In the present investigation we evaluate the crude protein and crude fiber content offive selected macroalgae (Chaetomorpha linum and Codium adhaerens, Chlorophyta; Cystoseira humilis, Padina pavonica and Sargassum cymosum, Phaeophyta) collected in the littoral zone o f Sao Miguel Island (Azores). Protein content, determined by Kjeldahl method, varies greatly, from 2.86% to 18.48% of dry weight, in Padina pavonica and Codium adhaerens, respectively. Fiber content, determined by a modified Weende procedure, ranged between 31.02% and 69.10% of dry weight, in Codium adhaerens and Cystoseira humilis, respectively. Characterization and quantification of carbohydrates, lipids and vitamins were also performed in the referred species. The major chemical constituents of all the studied macroalgae revealed a dependence of the seasonal and environmental growth conditions (climate and habitats). Indeed algae can be considered as a magnificent bioreactor that is able to provide different types of compounds at different quantities depending mostly of the environmental conditions.