<p>Microalgae offer significant potential for developing functional foods and nutraceuticals due to their exceptional nutritional and health-promoting properties. This study evaluated the nutritional profiles of <i>Chlorella salina</i>,<i> Dunaliella salina</i>, and <i>Arthrospira platensis</i>. Protein analysis revealed high content in <i>A. platensis</i> (65%) and <i>C. salina</i> (61%), surpassing traditional sources like soybeans and pulses, making them viable solutions to protein-energy malnutrition. <i>D. salina</i> exhibited an elevated total ash content (8.2%), contributing to its substantial mineral composition. The nucleic acid levels in <i>A. platensis</i> (1.8%), <i>D. salina</i> (1.7%), and <i>C. salina</i> (1.4%) were within the safe consumption range, emphasizing their role in supporting cellular functions and overall nutritional benefits. <i>C. salina</i> demonstrated a superior carotenoid content (2.3%), highlighting its potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant and nutritional properties. Lipid content was low, with <i>D. salina</i> exhibiting reduced cholesterol levels (0.78%) and high docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 0.9%), contributing to cardiovascular health. Amino acid profiling highlighted elevated essential amino acids, with phenylalanine levels in <i>C. salina</i> (12.3%) and <i>A. platensis</i> (9.2%) exceeding FAO standards for high-quality proteins. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) dominated, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in <i>A. platensis</i> (0.58%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in <i>D. salina</i> (0.9%), with favorable omega-6/omega-3 ratios (4.0–6.4) and balanced PUFA/SFA ratios. Compared to plant-derived oils, <i>D. salina</i> offers higher DHA levels, supporting omega-3 requirements for vegetarians. These attributes, combined with low atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, highlight their potential cardioprotective effects. The findings position microalgae as sustainable, nutrient-dense options for promoting human health, warranting further exploration for food and nutraceutical applications.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Nutritional profiling of Chlorella salina, Dunaliella salina, and Arthrospira platensis as sustainable functional foods for human nutrition

  • Anoop Pulathara Vijay,
  • Kajal Chakraborty,
  • Shilpa Kamalakar Pai

摘要

Microalgae offer significant potential for developing functional foods and nutraceuticals due to their exceptional nutritional and health-promoting properties. This study evaluated the nutritional profiles of Chlorella salina, Dunaliella salina, and Arthrospira platensis. Protein analysis revealed high content in A. platensis (65%) and C. salina (61%), surpassing traditional sources like soybeans and pulses, making them viable solutions to protein-energy malnutrition. D. salina exhibited an elevated total ash content (8.2%), contributing to its substantial mineral composition. The nucleic acid levels in A. platensis (1.8%), D. salina (1.7%), and C. salina (1.4%) were within the safe consumption range, emphasizing their role in supporting cellular functions and overall nutritional benefits. C. salina demonstrated a superior carotenoid content (2.3%), highlighting its potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant and nutritional properties. Lipid content was low, with D. salina exhibiting reduced cholesterol levels (0.78%) and high docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 0.9%), contributing to cardiovascular health. Amino acid profiling highlighted elevated essential amino acids, with phenylalanine levels in C. salina (12.3%) and A. platensis (9.2%) exceeding FAO standards for high-quality proteins. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) dominated, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in A. platensis (0.58%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in D. salina (0.9%), with favorable omega-6/omega-3 ratios (4.0–6.4) and balanced PUFA/SFA ratios. Compared to plant-derived oils, D. salina offers higher DHA levels, supporting omega-3 requirements for vegetarians. These attributes, combined with low atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, highlight their potential cardioprotective effects. The findings position microalgae as sustainable, nutrient-dense options for promoting human health, warranting further exploration for food and nutraceutical applications.

Graphical Abstract