Microalgae Nutraceuticals

Abstract

Among the new entries in the food supplements sector, an important place must be assigned to nutraceuticals containing microalgae, nowadays accounting for a large and rapidly expanding market. The marketed products are mainly based on three production strains, i.e., Spirulina and Chlorella, followed at a distance by Klamath. It is a composite situation, since two of them are cyanobacteria and the second one is eukaryotic. The reality is that each presents similarities in shape and appearance concerning the marketed form and several utilizations, and peculiarities that need special attention and adequate studies. First, general information is reported about the current scientific knowledge on each microalga, in particular the nutritional value and properties in prevention and wellbeing. Second, original studies are presented concerning the quality control of marketed products. Quality control is a key argument in nutraceuticals validation. Microalgae are particular organisms that need specific approaches to confirm identity and validate properties. The proposed control of quality is based on microscopic analysis of the morphologic characteristics. The final parts of this paper are dedicated to the need for specificity in uses and claims and to considerations about the future of microalgae in food supplements.

Keywords: Chlorella; Klamath; Spirulina; food supplement; microalgae; quality control.

Figure 1

So-called superfoods can now be easily found in supermarkets.

Figure 2

In Spirulina, cells are aggregated into filaments that tend to form spirals. Note the blue-green colour typical of cyanobacteria.

Figure 3

Most Spirulina cells, after their exsiccation and transformation into marketed products, are fragmented, but the original characteristics useful for identification are still evident.

Figure 4

Microphotographs of Klamath power showing fragmented as well as intact cells with resistant cell wall and characteristic form.

Figure 5

The microscopic unicellular Chlorella cells tend to agglomerate also in food supplements.

Figure 6

The soviet cosmonaut Yury Viktorovich Romanenko tested the utilization of Chlorella as an ideal food in long space journeys.

Figure 7

Microscopic characteristics of each microalga, allowing for identification.

Figure 8

Spirulina product showing the presence of Oscillatoria sp. (long linear cells).

Figure 9

Spirulina product showing the presence of Chlorella-like and/or unicellular cyanobacterial cells.