Chemical and Mineral Composition of Six Potentially Edible Seaweed Species of Yucatán

Abstract

Chemical composition (ash, protein, fibre, fat. carbohydrates) and mineral content (Na, K, Mg, Ca. Fe. Cu. Cr. Zn. Pb) was detem~ined in six Caribbean seaweed species. Gracilaria cornea. Eircheirma isijiorme, Caulerpa racemosa, Codiuin isthmocladum, Padina gyiiinospora and Sargassum fillpendula from natural populations were evaluated for their nutritional quality in the spring of 1994. Ash was the most important constituent ranging from 39.06-55.93%. Eucheuma isiforrne showed the highest protein content (12.100/), while lowest value was found in Codium isthmocladian (3.50%). Fat content was highest in Codiirni isthmocladunz and Gracilaria cornea. Crude fiber varied from 1.01 to 9.07%. Both rnembers of the Rhodophyta showed high carbohydrate contents. Sargassuni filipendula and Padina gyrnnospora were characterized by a high mineral content, calcium and magnesium were particularly high. Trace metals (Fe, Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn) occurred at high levels in al1 species. The potential use of these species for human consumption or alternative human uses is discussed.