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Published on: July 10, 2015
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Nitrate, Nitrite, and Iodine Concentrations in Commercial Edible Algae: An Observational Study
Patricia Casas-Agustench1, Jade M Hayter1, Odelia S B Ng1
1School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 6AB, UK.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Edible algae, especially macroalgae, are rich sources of dietary nitrate and iodine. This study quantified these nutrients in various UK-available algae species, finding macroalgae to be significantly higher in both.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Nutritional Science
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Edible algae are recognized for their nutritional value, including essential minerals like iodine.
- Algae can absorb nitrogen from seawater, potentially accumulating nitrate (NO 3 -) and nitrite (NO 2 -).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze nitrate, nitrite, and iodine concentrations in commercially available edible algae in the UK.
- To compare nutrient levels between macroalgae and microalgae species.
Main Methods:
- Quantified nitrate and nitrite using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- Determined iodine concentration via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Analyzed eighteen macroalgae and five microalgae species.
Main Results:
- Macroalgae exhibited significantly higher nitrate and iodine concentrations compared to microalgae (p < 0.001).
- Nori seaweed showed the highest nitrate, nitrite, and iodine content among macroalgae.
- Dunaliella salina had the highest nitrate and iodine among microalgae, while Spirulina had the highest nitrite.
Conclusions:
- Commercially available edible algae, particularly macroalgae, represent a significant dietary source of nitrate and iodine.
- Species-specific variations in nutrient content are notable.
- Further research into algae's role in human nutrition is warranted.
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