Development of a kelp powder (Thallus laminariae) Standard Reference Material

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Kelp is a nutrient-rich seaweed, a good source of iodine and minerals, but also contains arsenic.
• Regulatory compliance for food and dietary supplements (FSMA, DSHEA) requires accurate compositional analysis.
• Existing certified reference materials for seaweed composition, especially for arsenic species and vitamin K1 isomers, are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a Standard Reference Material (SRM) of kelp powder (SRM 3232) for accurate compositional measurements.
• To provide certified and reference values for key nutrients, toxic elements, and specific compounds in kelp.
• To support quality assurance and method validation for kelp-based food and dietary supplements.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of kelp powder for nutritional minerals, arsenic species, vitamin K1 isomers, proximates, and toxic elements.
• Development of certified values for elements (As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Pb, Zn).
• Assignment of reference values for proximates, vitamin K1 isomers, and arsenic species, including arsenosugars.

Main Results:

• SRM 3232 Kelp Powder was developed with certified values for 15 elements.
• First-time assignment of certified value for iodine and reference values for vitamin K1 isomers and arsenic species in a seaweed CRM.
• Reference values were established for proximates.

Conclusions:

• SRM 3232 Kelp Powder addresses a critical need for a certified reference material in seaweed analysis.
• This SRM will enhance the accuracy and reliability of compositional measurements in kelp used for food and dietary supplements.
• It supports regulatory compliance and scientific research related to seaweed's nutritional and toxicological profile.