Mineral content of edible marine seaweeds

Mineral content was determined in several brown (Fucus vesiculosus, Laminaria digitata, Undaria pinnatifida) and red (Chondrus crispus, Porphyra tenera) edible marine sea vegetables. Seaweeds contained high proportions of ash (21.1-39.3%) and sulphate (1.3-5.9%). In brown algae, ash content (30.1-39.3%) was higher than in red algae (20.6-21.1%). Atomic absorption spectrophotometry of the ashes indicated that marine seaweeds contained higher amounts of both macrominerals (8.083-17,875 mg/100g; Na, K, Ca, Mg) and trace elements (5.1-15.2 mg/100 g; Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu), than those reported for edible land plants. Edible brown and red seaweeds could be used as a food supplement to help meet the recommended daily intake of some essential minerals and trace elements. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.