Conference paper
Evaluation of minerals and vitamins in the Danish cultivated sugar kelp
National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark1
Research Group for Bioactives – Analysis and Application, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark2
Research group for Nano-Bio Science, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark3
Technical University of Denmark4
Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark5
Residual Resource Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark6
Seaweeds are known for their nutraceutical applications, but also the ability to accumulate e.g. very high iodine concentrations and toxic heavy metals. In this study, cultivated Saccharina latissima (sugar kelp) harvested year-round was analysed for minerals (incl. heavy metals) and vitamins (vit A and E) to evaluate the nutritional value, possible risks and harvest time for optimized value and application.
Rope cultivated sugar kelp was sampled both in close proximity to a blue mussel and fish farm (IMTA) and in a reference/control site, both outside Horsens fjord in Denmark, and freeze dried and stored frozen for further analyses. Sugar kelp biomass was sampled (n=3) at 2 m depth in 2013-2014. Surprisingly high concentrations of K and Ca (up to more than 100 and 150 g/kg DW, respectively) were found, along with other trace metals: Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Na, Zn, and Se.
Undesirable elements such as Pb, Hg, and inorganic As were below legislative threshold values for edible seaweed in France and food supplements in EU, whereas Cd concentrations in some seasons were above the French limits. However, a 70 kg person would need an intake of 0.77-2.0 kg DW of sugar kelp to reach the provisional tolerable weekly intake limit set for Cd.
The iodine was found in so high levels (up to 5 g/kg) that this will be the limiting element for intake of sugar kelp. Moreover, the concentrations of total As found from September to March were above the EU regulatory levels for feed ingredients (40 mg/kg DW. Pb and Cd concentrations were below threshold values.
The vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) concentrations (6-25 mg/kg DW) were similar to what is found in broccoli. Generally the year-round variations were due season, and not between the two locations (reference and IMTA), so harvest time is important for optimized use, and may be conflicting with highest yields of sugar kelp.
High concentrations of iodine and total As may be of concern regarding food and feed regulations, respectively.
| Language: | English |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2016 |
| Proceedings: | 22nd International Seaweed Symposium |
| Types: | Conference paper |
| ORCIDs: | Silva Marinho, Goncalo , Holdt, Susan Løvstad , Sloth, Jens Jørgen and Angelidaki, Irini |
