Rena B. Santizo, Ailene S. Sorcoso, Roseanne Eugenie M. Torre (February 2007)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Seaweeds are known as one of the largest multi-cellular forms of algae living in fresh and salt water especially along marine coastline. In the Philippines, several varieties of seaweeds are edible and tapping of these for food is well practiced. Studies on these seaweeds have been centered on their farming and taxonomic classification. This study may be used to help increase the awareness of the people about the nutritional content of some edible seaweeds in terms of crude protein, carbohydrate and crude fat.
Three edible seaweed species (Gracilaria edulis, Gelidiella acerosa, and Ulva reticulata) collected from Barangay Mag-aba, Pandan, Antique were analyzed for their crude protein content with the use of Kjeltec method, carbohydrate content based on proximate analysis (sum of Nitrogen Free Extract and crude fiber), and crude fat content with the use of Soxtec method.
Results showed that the crude fat values of the species were low and varied from 0.09-0.40% d.w. Carbohydrate values on the other hand were high (65.48-77.90% d.w.). Protein values of the species ranges from 7.6-12.8% d.w.
In terms of crude protein, Gelidiella acerosa had the highest value. Both species, Gracilaria edulis and Ulva reticulata, contained the highest amount of carbohydrate, while the highest crude fat value was found in Ulva reticulata.