Polyunsaturated fatty acid content of kelp tablets and dulse

The interest in consumption of seaweeds as sea vegetables has resulted in substantial sales in Canada of marine algae in the form of kelp tablets. Types of lipid, fatty acids and sterols in these tablets had not been identified. Two forms of kelp tablets (with and without lecithin) and fresh and dri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of the Canadian Dietetic Association Vol. 43; no. 2; pp. 150 - 154
Main Authors Ackman, R.G, Hooper, S.N
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 1982
Subjects
fatty acids
fish oils
food composition
health foods
lipids
oils
polyunsaturated fatty acids
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Summary:The interest in consumption of seaweeds as sea vegetables has resulted in substantial sales in Canada of marine algae in the form of kelp tablets. Types of lipid, fatty acids and sterols in these tablets had not been identified. Two forms of kelp tablets (with and without lecithin) and fresh and dried dulse (edible seaweed) were analyzed for fatty acids and sterols. Lipid extractions were performed by the Bligh and Dyer method. Results showed that the dried seaweeds are poor sources of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids. Recommended daily dosages of these tablets would have a negligible effect on daily intake of fatty acids. In Japan, where seaweed intake is high, lipids and fats from these sources contribute only 0.1% of the total fat intake. Results showed polyunsaturated fats to be 10% or less of the total fatty acids. An increase of eicosapentaenoic acid in the diet would depend upon an increase in fish oils or dietary f fish. Shellfish and crustacea, unlike fish, are not considered major sources of marine fatty acids. (rm)
ISSN:0008-3399