Abstract

This research focuses on the nutritional characterization and the presence of bioactive components (i.e., anti-radical properties) in six Chilean red algae. The algae analyzed were Gracilaria chilensis, Gelidium chilensis, Iridaea larga, Gigartina chamissoii, Gigartina skottsbergii and Gigartina radula. The results showed a lipid content that ranged between 0.20 and 1.4%. Gigartina sk., Gigartina. ch and Iridaea l. had the highest ω-6 fatty acid content. Gelidium ch. and Gigartina r. presented the highest content of ω-3 fatty acids (8.05%), followed by Gracilaría ch. (4.33%). The protein contribution varied between 7.57 and 20.26% being Gelidium ch and Gracilaria ch. the algae that presented the highest values. The mineral content varied between 18 and 33%. The total dietary fiber in the algae was close to 60%. The content of β-glucans varied between 3 and 7% on dry basis. α-Tocopherol was determined mostly in Gigartina sk. and Gelidium ch. Complementarily, γ-Tocotrienol was determined mainly in Gracilaria ch., Gigartina r. and Gigartina ch. Small amounts of lutein and β-carotene were determined in Iridaea l. The polyphenol content in the six algae varied between 52 and 2010 mg GAE/100g dry base (0.05 to 2.0%) being Gigartina ch. and Gelidium ch. the algae that presented the best anti-radical activity. All these results corroborate the importance that red algae can have in human health as possible nutritional and functional ingredients for the development of healthy or nutraceutical foods. Research funded by Projects Fondecyt 1180082 and Innova-Corfo 18BPCR-100263.