Abstract:

Nutritional components including amino acids and minerals in Gracilaria lemaneiformis collected from Wenzhou Eastern Sea area were analyzed and compared with other seaweeds such as Laminaria japonica, Porphyra haitanensis, Hizikia fusiformis and Undaria pinnatifida for evaluating their nutritional values. Results indicated that polysaccharides and crude fibers in Gracilaria lemaneiformis reached up to 59.4%. The total protein in Gracilaria lemaneiformis was 18.9%, which was higher than that of other seaweeds. Amino acid compositions of protein in Gracilaria lemaneiformis remained a balance status with the ratios of 36.6% for EAA/TAA and 0.58 for EAA/NEAA. The content of amino acids for flavor development was 51.5% of total amino acid. In addition, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine, leucine, proline, serine and methionine exhibited higher contents and crude fat exhibited a lower level in Gracilaria lemaneiformis. Minerals and vitamins were rich in Gracilaria lemaneiformis, especially for Mg, Fe, Ca, Na and Zn. Moreover, Fe and Zn were higher than other seaweeds. Therefore, Gracilaria lemaneiformis might be the safe and healthy seaweed containing higher dietary fibers and proteins, lower fat and richer minerals.

Key words: Gracilaria lemaneiformis, nutritional value evaluation, analysis, amino acid