Nutritional composition of Meristotheca senegalense (Rhodophyta): A new nutrient source

Macroalgae are used in diverse global regions. Meristotheca senegalense J. Feldmann, a macroalga species found in a Senegalese bay, was the subject of this study focusing on the chemical and mineral composition. The present study was done in order to evaluate the potential of this macroalgal resource for biomass development and contribution to the economy in Senegal. The results of this study showed that M. senegalense J. Feldmann was relatively a good source of nutrients including fiber (6.67 ± 0.7%) and protein (6.37 ± 0.8%). Mineral analysis also showed significant concentrations of magnesium (216.87 ±12.9 mg/100 g), calcium (81.6 ± 17.5 mg/100 g), iodine (31.16 ± 1.5 mg/kg) and iron (28.13 ± 2.15 mg/100 g). However, zinc and copper 3.31 ± 0.26 and 2.43 ± 0.13 mg/100 g respectively were found at relatively low concentrations. Interestingly, the vitamin B12 content was significant with a content of 20 ± 1.0 mg/kg, potentially allowing for the use of the alga as a supplemental. The nutrient concentrations reported for M. senegalense J. Feldmann suggests that its cultivation and harvest can be a source of diversification in the activities of fishermen. In terms of food consumption, the results also showed that the red alga used in this study can be added to human diets as supplementation and might also be F Key words: Meristotheca senegalense, nutrient composition, macroalgae, supplementation, food diversification.