Chemical composition and nutritional value of different seaweeds from the west Algerian coast

15 pages, 6 tables, 2 figuresAnalysis of proximate composition, lipid fraction (fatty acids and lipid classes), macroelements, and trace elements was carried out on brown (Cystoseira stricta; Cystoseira compressa), red (Corallina elongata), and green (Enteromorpha compressa; Ulva lactuca) seaweeds collected from the west Algerian coast to assess their nutritional value. Protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and ash content (g kg−1 dry alga) was in the ranges 58.5–141.4, 6.4–27.1, 134.0–461.1, and 246.1–764.2, respectively. The lowest caloric value was obtained for C. elongata (827.6 kcal kg−1 dry alga); the remaining values being in the range 2,106–2,479 kcal kg−1 dry alga. C. elongata and C. stricta provided the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content, while a valuable n-6/n-3 ratio of between 0.95 and 4.20 was obtained for all species. α-Tocopherol was present in all seaweeds; the highest level was obtained in U. lactuca. Macroelements K and Na were predominant in C. compressa and C. stricta; while Mg and Ca were most abundant in E. compressa and C. elongata, respectively. In all cases, a healthy Na/K value < 0.7 was observed, and a profitable ion quotient ratio was observed in all cases, except for C. elongata. Estimated daily intake of most minerals from the algae studied is lower than the corresponding recommended daily intakeThanks to Department of Biology, Institute of Exact Sciences and Natural and Life Sciences, University Centre Ahmed Zabana of Relizane (Algeria) for the financial support of the internship of Mrs. Hanane Oucif. This work was supported by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, Spain; project PIE 201370E001)Peer reviewe