Seaweed, although unappealing at first glance, is a real treasure trove of nutrients. No wonder they are seen as an opportunity to increase the quality of the daily diet - and thus improve the overall condition of the body. How about incorporating seaweed into your diet as a meal supplement or in capsule form? Check out the properties of algae and choose something for yourself.

What is worth knowing about marine algae?

Marine algae are organisms found mainly in aquatic environments. Many of their species have long been widely used in the daily diet in eastern countries. More recently, they have also become popular in Europe and America. In the 1940s, algae became commercially important due to their use as a thickening and gelling agent in industry ^[1].

Marine algae - taking into account their pigmentation - can be divided into three classes ^{[1, 2]}:

• brown algae (Phaeophyceae) - so-called brown algae;
• red algae (Rhodophyceae) - so-called kelp algae;
• green algae (Chlorophyceae).

Interestingly, environmental factors (e.g. temperature, salinity, sunlight, pH) can influence the chemical composition of marine algae ^[2].

Their fitness-supporting effects cannot be overlooked. As a rich source of structurally diverse biologically active compounds that exhibit a range of body-positive properties ^[1].

Marine algae - properties

The potential health benefits of marine algae are increasingly being explored by researchers. Due to their content of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and polysaccharides, they are indicated to have multiple effects. Studies have shown that they may have the following properties: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immunosuppressive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic ^{[1, 2, 3]}.

Marine algae - what do they help with? What nutrients can we find in them?

Marine algae are an excellent source of many nutrients to help us ensure a balanced diet. These include ^[4]:

• protein

The protein content of marine algae reaches up to 47% of dry weight (depending on the season and species) ^[5]. In addition, it has been shown that algae can have collagen-genic effects by improving skin elasticity and structure ^[6]. It is also believed that most seaweed proteins contain all essential amino acids at levels close to those recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) ^[7].

• fibre

Fibre supports the proper functioning of the digestive system and can regulate cholesterol and glucose levels ^[8].

• carbohydrates

Polysaccharides make up 76% of the algae's dry weight.

• vitamins

Algae contain both water-soluble vitamins (B vitamins, vitamin C) and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D and E), which support the circulatory or nervous system ^{[6, 7]}.

• minerals

Algae are rich in sodium, phosphorus, iodine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and copper, among others. It is interesting to note that the green algae Ulva clathrata in Mexico contains a total mineral content of 49.6% by dry weight. The importance of algae as a valuable food is also evidenced by the fact that most edible seaweeds contain relatively higher levels of sodium and calcium concentrations compared to terrestrial foods (e.g. apples, carrots and potatoes). In addition, iron and copper are present in seaweed in higher concentrations than in meat and spinach ^[7].

• omega-3 fatty acids

These acids have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system (EPA and DHA acid), support proper brain function and help maintain good vision (EPA acid).

• amino acids

Algae are rich in tryptophan and lysine, as well as - in lower concentrations - leucine and isoleucine ^[6]. Amino acids support repair processes in the body and also support hormone management.

• antioxidants (e.g. polyphenols, tocopherols)^[7].

They protect the body from free radicals and slow down the ageing process.

Thanks to their content of valuable ingredients, marine algae have gained recognition as functional foods and are also favoured as a dietary supplement to complement daily meals. The deteriorating quality of food is one of the main reasons for a number of nutrient deficiencies and the development of diseases of civilisation. The use of algae - as a source of protein, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids - therefore carries considerable potential ^[6].

Vegan omega-3s? You'll find them in marine algae

Oily microalgae are considered a promising alternative source of fatty acids. Why should you consider this form of omega-3 supplementation? In addition to being an ideal option for vegetarians and vegans, there is growing attention to the sustainable use of microalgae as a food ^[9].

Don't eat meat? Vegan omega-3 fatty acids are something for you

Looking for a vegan source of omega-3 fatty acids? Reach for Omega-3 VEGAN, 250 mg DHA, which contains highly concentrated oil from the marine algae Schizochytrium sp. This supplement is rich in a plant-based source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which will take care of your heart, proper brain function and good eyesight. There is as much as 250 mg of DHA in one capsule (made from tapioca).

Marine algae - where to buy?

Seaweed-based products are available as a dietary supplement in many places. For example, you can find them in herbal shops, pharmacies and grocery shops - whether in tablet, powder or liquid form. This makes it easy to find the ideal product for you.

[1] Pangestuti R. & Kim S. K. (2011). Neuroprotective effects of marine algae. Marine drugs, 9(5), 803-818. https://doi.org/10.3390/md9050803 
[2] Wang, H. M. D., Li, X. C., Lee, D. J., & Chang, J. S. (2017). Potential biomedical applications of marine algae. Bioresource technology, 244, 1407-1415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2017.05.198 .x;
[3] El Gamal A. A. (2010). Biological importance of marine algae. Saudi pharmaceutical journal, 18(1), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2009.12.001 
[4] I.M. Cox. et. al. (1991). Red blood cell magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome, The Lancet, Volume 337, Issue 8744, Pages 757-760, ISSN 0140-6736. https://doi.org/10.1016/0140-6736(91)91371-Z 
[5] Fan X. et. al. (2014). Marine algae-derived bioactive peptides for human nutrition and health. J Agric Food Chem.; 62(38):9211-22. doi: 10.1021/jf502420h. Epub 2014 Sep 10. PMID: 25179496 
[6] Wani HMud. et. al. (2023). Development of Bioactive Peptides Derived from Red Algae for Dermal Care Applications: Recent Advances. Sustainability; 15(11):8506. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118506 
[7] Menaa F. et. al. (2021). Marine Algae-Derived Bioactive Compounds: A New Wave of Nanodrugs? Marine Drugs; 19(9):484. https://doi.org/10.3390/md19090484 
[8] James W Anderson. et. al. (2009). Health benefits of dietary fiber, Nutrition Reviews, Volume 67, Issue 4, Pages 188–205, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00189.x 
[9] Barta D. G., Coma V., & Vodnar D. C. (2021). Microalgae as sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Biotechnological aspects. Algal Research, 58, 102410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2021.102410