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Nutrient content of tropical edible seaweeds, Eucheuma cottonii, Caulerpa lentillifera and Sargassum polycystum

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Abstract

The proximate composition, vitamin C, α-tocopherol, dietary fibers, minerals, fatty acid and amino acid profiles of three tropical edible seaweeds, Eucheuma cottonii (Rhodophyta), Caulerpa lentillifera (Chlorophyta) and Sargassum polycystum (Phaeophyta) were studied. The seaweeds were high in ash (37.15–46.19%) and dietary fibers (25.05–39.67%) and low in lipid content (0.29–1.11%) on dry weight (DW) basis. These seaweeds contained 12.01–15.53% macro-minerals (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and 7.53–71.53 mg.100 g−1 trace minerals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Se and I). The crude protein content of E. cottonii (9.76% DW) and C. lentillifera (10.41% DW) were higher than that of S. polycystum (5.4% DW), and protein chemical scores are between 20 and 67%. The PUFA content of E. cottonii was 51.55%, C. lentillifera 16.76% and S. polycystum 20.34%. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), accounted for 24.98% of all fatty acids in E. cottonii. These seaweeds have significant vitamin C (∼35 mg.100 g−1) and α-tocopherol (5.85–11.29 mg.100 g−1) contents.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Borneo Marine Research Institute at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and Sabah Fisheries Department for supplying the seaweeds; Noorlilie Angkono and Mohd Azizani Rosli for assistance in mineral and trace element analysis. This study was funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia.

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Correspondence to Suhaila Mohamed.

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Matanjun, P., Mohamed, S., Mustapha, N.M. et al. Nutrient content of tropical edible seaweeds, Eucheuma cottonii, Caulerpa lentillifera and Sargassum polycystum . J Appl Phycol 21, 75–80 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-008-9326-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-008-9326-4

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