The Vitamin B and Vitamin C Content of Marine Algae

Abstract

Marine algae are relatively simple, chlorophyllous plants which usually grow either under or partly under water. They are not differentiated into root, stem and leaf, and are repro duced by spores instead of seeds. The large marine algae are often given the common name of seaweeds, and are designated according to color as green, red and brown algae. Chlorophyl gives the characteristic green color to the green algae (Chlorophyceae). The green color of the chlorophyl is almost completely masked by a red pigment in the red algae (Ehodophyceae). A brown pigment is found in the brown algae (Phaeophyceae) in addition to the chlorophyl. The real basis for the division of the algae into these three subclasses is certain differences in their method of reproduc tion, but the colors correspond so closely with these dif ferences in reproduction that it is usually possible to assign an alga to its proper subclass by its color. Marine algae or seaweeds, together with phytoplankton, play the same role in the life and nutrition of the sea that land plants do in terrestrial life, and must therefore be expected to satisfy the nutritional requirements of much of marine life. Although very little seaweed is eaten in America, in many countries, especially in the Orient, algae are consumed in large quantities. A summary of the utilization of edible algae is given in 'Marine Products of Commerce,' (Tressler, `23). Seaweeds contain no starch and the cmplex carbohydrates which are present are not readily hydrolyzed by the human digestive enzymes. The value of marine algae as a food is due mainly to the inorganic salts present and the vitamins. Seaweeds have long been used for the prevention of goiter and for the prevention and cure of scurvy. Very little work has been reported upon the vitamin content of marine algae. Two varieties of Hawaiian edible algae, limu eleele (a species of Enteromorpha) and limu lipoa have been tested (Miller, '27) and found to be poor sources of vitamins B and C. A number of algae were collected in the region of the San Juan Archipelago during June, July and August of two suc cessive years. Some of the species collected are used as food by Indians of the Pacific coast, and many of the species are of the same type and genus as those eaten in various parts of the world. Vitamin B and vitamin C were determined on some of the algae collected.