What question did this study set out to answer?

To identify key scientific challenges in quantifying the nutritional composition, human bioavailability, functional health benefits, and potential adverse effects of algal foods.

November 21, 2016Journal of Applied PhycologyOpen Access

Algae as nutritional and functional food sources: revisiting our understanding

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

MWMark L. WellsXiamen University PPPhilippe PotinCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique JCJ. S. CraigieDalhousie University

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Review reveals major knowledge gaps in algal nutrient bioavailability in humans, highlighting the need to evaluate processing and microbiome interactions.

Key Points

To identify key scientific challenges in quantifying the nutritional composition, human bioavailability, functional health benefits, and potential adverse effects of algal foods.
Reviewed scientific literature addressing nutritional profiles and functional compounds across diverse macroalgae and microalgae.
Assessed the physiological and environmental drivers of algal food value, including species diversity, harvesting seasons, post-harvest processing, and human digestion.
Nutritional profiles vary substantially across algal species, geographic habitats, harvesting seasons, and industrial processing methods.
Bioavailability of functional algal compounds depends heavily on preparation techniques and individual genetic differences in the gut microbiome.
Clear quantitative evidence linking algal constituents to specific human metabolic outcomes and adverse effects remains insufficient.

Cite This Study

Wells et al. (2016) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69dbca67f7e0c66ced836533 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-016-0974-5

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

Review reveals major knowledge gaps in algal nutrient bioavailability in humans, highlighting the need to evaluate processing and microbiome interactions.

Algae as nutritional and functional food sources: revisiting our understanding

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Algae as nutritional and functional food sources: revisiting our understanding

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider