Consumption Of Algae Research Articles

Different types of algae beneficial for bone health in animals and in humans – A review

Algae have long been recognized as a valuable source of nutrients and minerals. Recent studies suggest that diverse types of algae may provide benefits for bone health in animals and humans. This review article provides an overview of the several types of algae that have been found to be beneficial for bone health, including red, green, and brown algae and contain varying amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones. In addition to these minerals, algae contain bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and carotenoids, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support bone health. Studies suggest that the consumption of algae or algae-derived supplements may improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in both animals and humans. Algae-based supplements have been found to have other health benefits, including immune system modulation, anti-cancer properties, and antiviral effects. While algae may hold promise as a natural source of bone-boosting nutrients, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind their effects on bone health and to determine optimal dosages for supplementation. Overall, the findings of this review suggest that algae are a promising dietary supplement for promoting bone health in animals and humans.

Mussel Culture Activities Facilitate the Export and Burial of Particulate Organic Carbon

The recent expansion of shellfish mariculture could significantly impact the ocean carbon cycle and its associated biogeochemical processes. To understand the source and fate of particulate organic carbon (POC), a summer cruise was conducted from September 8 to 10, 2022, at a mussel farm on Gouqi Island and its adjacent areas located in the East China Sea. Parameters included in situ temperature and salinity, contents of dissolved oxygen (DO), suspended particulate matter (SPM), POC, and chlorophyll a (Chl a), as well as the stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of organic matter in particle and sediment samples, which were analyzed to facilitate a comparative assessment of the areas inside and outside the mussel farm. The POM was much fresher (POC/Chl a < 150) inside the farm with little impact from sediment resuspension (lower SPM content, 11.6 ± 6.6 mg/L), while a significant influence of sediment resuspension was found outside the farm (SPM > 20 mg/L, POC/Chl a > 150). A two end-member mixing model showed that 82.0 ± 6.0% of POC originated from marine algae within the farm, much higher than that outside the farming area (66.1 ± 7.8%). Moreover, elevated DO saturation but relatively low Chl a concentration within the farm suggested continuous algae consumption following potential high productivity. The averaged δ13C values were similar among suspended POC, sinking POC, and sedimentary organic carbon within the farm, implying the fast export and burial of POC. This is likely due to the filter-feeding habits of mussels, who ingest fresh POC and then pack it as fecal pellets that rapidly settle into the sediment. This study sheds light on the distribution and sources of POM inside and outside the mussel farm on Gouqi Island, enhancing our understanding of the marine carbon cycle on shellfish farms and providing insights into the underlying biogeochemical processes.

Snacks from the sea: a cross-national comparison of consumer acceptance for crackers added with algae

One of the main priorities of current food systems is to develop new and healthy foods to overcome food shortages considering consumer’s expectations. Algae are receiving increasing attention as nutritious and sustainable food, though studies are limited mainly to Arthrospira and Chlorella species and cross-national research is scant. This study aims to investigate European consumers’ liking and perception of crackers added with powders from Arthrospira platensis (green Spirulina), isolated proteins from Arthrospira platensis (blue Spirulina), Palmaria palmata, Saccharina latissima, Lithothamnium calcareum and a control cracker. Belgian, German, Italian, and Swedish participants (n = 413, 18–69 years, 59.8% females) evaluated cracker liking and perceived sensory attributes using the check-all-that-apply (CATA) task. Food neophobia, familiarity towards, and consumption of algae were also collected. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) analyses showed that across all countries, Lithothamnium calcareum, blue Spirulina and the control samples were perceived as similar and were liked more than the other crackers. “Sweet”, “toasted bread”, and “bland” attributes were significant contributors to liking, while “off-flavor”, “fishy flavor”, “umami” and “speckled” contributed negatively. PLSR performed by country provided similar results except for Italians who liked the green Spirulina sample equally as the samples added with Lithothamnium calcareum, blue Spirulina, and the control. These cross-national differences can be ascribed to Italians’ lower food neophobia level. The present results suggest that Lithothamnium calcareum is the most promising algal species to be exploited in food formulations and that the use of isolated proteins from Spirulina (blue Spirulina) significantly reduces off-flavors, consequently improving consumers’ acceptance.

Spirulina platensis: A comprehensive review of its nutritional value, antioxidant activity and functional food potential

BACKGROUND: Spirulina platensis is a well-known photosynthetic prokaryotic alga that has gained recognition in various industries, including food, health, aquaculture and pharmaceuticals. The United Nations acknowledged spirulina as a nutritious food source because of its rich pigments and high protein content. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide an overview of how Spirulina is utilized as both a dietary supplement as well as functional food ingredient in the food industry. METHOD: Spirulina powder can be added to various foods such as bread, cakes and cookies to increase the nutritional value. It is particularly valuable as a dietary supplement in efforts to combat malnutrition in impoverished regions. RESULT: Spirulina platensis is also a source of essential components used in the therapeutic microalgae supplement market. These components include alpha-carotene, astaxanthin, polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as DHA and EPA) and polysaccharides like beta-glucan. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the consumption of spirulina algae can offer both financial benefits and health advantages. Even though there is a large amount of research on the nutritional, environmental and social benefits of spirulina, some natural areas still produce insufficient amounts of the algae. As a result, more and more scientists and researchers throughout the world are pushing for the growth of spirulina farming.

Assessment of Brown Algae (Phaeophyceae) and Sediment Collected from Sanur Coastal Waters Based on Bioaccumulation Factors and Human Health Risks Related to Microplastic Ingestion Exposure

This study aimed to analyze Microplastics (MPs) contamination in brown algae and sediments, and their bioaccumulation factors, and estimate the risk to human health associated with exposure to ingested MPs collected from the water of the Sanur Beach, Bali Province. The samples were collected from three beaches which were determined using a purposive sampling method. The mean number of MPs found in P. australis was the same on all beaches, namely 17 items/seaweed, higher than S. aquifolium on all beaches. Line-shaped MPs were dominantly found in all algae (98.76%). A high percentage of line-shaped MPs was found in sediments at Mertasari and Semawang Beaches, but not at Sindhu Beach. The highest mean size of MPs in algae was found in P. australis at Semawang Beach, and sediments at Mertasari beach. The highest concentrations of MPs were also found in P. australis on the three coasts. The BAF value showed that the absorption of MPs in the sediment to brown algae was still low (<1). Values related to intake of brown algae consumption ranged from 190.58-1429.41 MPs item/week adjusted for calculation recommendations.

Mushrooms and Algae– ‘Microorganisms as source Superfoods’: A Review

Mushrooms and algae have been consumed since ancient times because of their culinary and gastronomic attributes. Both are important dietary sources of bioactive compounds including essential minerals, vitamins, complete profile of amino acids and are valuable source of dietary fibres. They are low in calorie content because of negligible amount of fats and carbohydrates. Beyond the excellent nutrition profile of these superfoods, they also belong to the category of nutraceuticals which provide medicinal benefits along with meeting daily dietary requirements. Bioactive compounds present in them are an interest of research because of anti-cancerous, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and immunomodulatory activities. These microorganisms are easy to grow on varied substrates therefore cost effective and eco-friendly that gives a great advantage over synthetic super foods obtained from animal origin. The current review focusses on the nutritional and medicinal value with importance of mushrooms and algae as a super food. Review also discusses about the toxicity associated with mushrooms along with the current status in trends of production, cultivation and consumption of fungi and algae based foods in different countries and offers thoughts on course.

Implementing the Use of Collision Cross Section Database for Phycotoxin Screening Analysis.

The increased consumption of blue-green algae (BGA)-based dietary supplements has raised concern about their food safety, especially about cyanotoxin presence. The hyphenation of liquid chromatography with ion mobility mass spectrometry represents a relevant tool to screen several compounds in a large variety of food matrices. In this work, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to traveling wave ion mobility spectrometry/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TWIMS-QTOF) was employed to establish the first comprehensive TWIMS-derived collision cross section database (TWCCSN2) for phycotoxins. The database included 20 cyanotoxins and 1 marine toxin. Accurate m/z, retention times, and TWCCSN2 values were obtained for 81 adducts in positive and negative electrospray (ESI+/ESI-) modes. Reproducibility and robustness of the TWCCSN2 measurements were determined to be independent of the matrix. A screening was carried out on 19 commercial BGA dietary supplements of different composition. Cyanotoxins were confidently identified in five samples based on retention time, m/z, and TWCCSN2.

Determination of Multiclass Cyanotoxins in Blue-Green Algae (BGA) Dietary Supplements Using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

In recent years, the consumption of blue-green algae (BGA) dietary supplements is increasing because of their health benefits. However, cyanobacteria can produce cyanotoxins, which present serious health risks. In this work we propose hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) to determine cyanotoxins in BGA dietary supplements. Target toxins, including microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) and microcystin-arginine-arginine (MC-RR), nodularin, anatoxin-a and three non-protein amino acids, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG), were separated using a SeQuant ZIC-HILIC column. Cyanotoxin extraction was based on solid-liquid extraction (SLE) followed by a tandem-solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure using Strata-X and mixed-mode cation-exchange (MCX) cartridges. The method was validated for BGA dietary supplements obtaining quantification limits from 60 to 300 µg·kg-1. Nine different commercial supplements were analyzed, and DAB, AEG, and MCs were found in some samples, highlighting the relevance of monitoring these substances as precaution measures for the safe consumption of these products.

Bioactive Compounds from Brown Algae Alleviate Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Extensive Review.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases. The increasing NAFLD incidences are associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Currently, there are no effective therapeutic options for NAFLD. Thus, there is a need to develop safe, efficient, and economic treatment options for NAFLD. Brown algae, which are edible, contain abundant bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and phlorotannins. They have been shown to ameliorate insulin resistance, as well as hepatic steatosis, and all of these biological functions can potentially alleviate NAFLD. Accumulating reports have shown that increasing dietary consumption of brown algae reduces the risk for NAFLD development. In this review, we summarized the animal experiments and clinical proof of brown algae and their bioactive compounds for NAFLD treatment within the past decade. Our findings show possible avenues for further research into the pathophysiology of NAFLD and brown algae therapy.

Do cage fish farms interfere with the food aspects of the wild species Metynnis lippincottianus (Characiformes, Serrasalmidae)?

We evaluated the differences in the diet and trophic guild of Metynnis lippincottianus under the influence of cage fish farms in the Neotropical reservoir. We collected samples from two areas (cage farm and control) in March and June 2019. Stomach contents were examined, and food items were identified and quantified using the volumetric method. Differences in diet composition were evaluated using PERMANOVA and SIMPER analyses, while trophic niche breadth was determined using PERMDISP. The trophic guild for each area was also determined. Significant differences in diet between cage farm and control areas were observed, due to consumption of pelleted feed, microcrustaceans, Egeria sp., and filamentous algae. In both sampling areas, M. lippincottianus was classified as algivorous. Despite the pelleted feed consumption in the cage farm area, no differences were observed in trophic niche breadth and the trophic guild. In addition, algae and macrophytes still accounted for the majority of this species' diet in both areas, indicating partitioning of resources. This resource partitioning may favor coexistence, but it is worth mentioning that pelleted feed consumption still indicates the influence of cage fish farms on the diet of wild fish.

Methylmercury bioaccumulation in water flea Daphnia carinata by AIEgen

Mercury ion (Hg2+) is a toxic heavy metal ion and Hg2+ is convertible to methylmercury (MeHg) by many aquatic microorganisms, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in aquatic organisms, which can interfere with brain development and function in humans. This study employs a newly developed AIEgen (Aggregation-induced emission fluorogen) to quantify and visualise the process of MeHg bioaccumulation in vivo on the species of water flea Daphnia carinata. Two approaches to MeHg absorption were taken, either by direct incubation in a MeHg solution or by indirect consumption of algae contaminated with MeHg. We analysed the relationship between the ratio of photoluminescence (PL) intensities (I585/I480) and MeHg concentration (CMeHg) and generated a master curve for determining MeHg concentration based on the measurement of PL intensities. Fluorescent image analysis showed the occurrence of MeHg in D. carinata to be mainly in the compound eyes, optic nerve and carapace. This study indicates that MeHg absorption can be quantified and visualised in the body of zooplankton, and the MeHg transfer to zooplankton is more likely through direct exposure than via indirect food intake. The accumulation of MeHg in the eye and the nervous system could be the cause of the high mortality of D. carinata exposed to MeHg in water.

Association of Mushrooms and Algae Consumption with Mortality among Chinese Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Mushrooms and algae are important sources of dietary bioactive compounds, but their associations with mortality remain unclear. We examined the association of mushrooms and algae consumption with subsequent risk of all-cause mortality among older adults. This study included 13,156 older adults aged 65 years and above in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (2008–2018). Consumption of mushrooms and algae at baseline and age of 60 were assessed using a simplified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During 74,976 person-years of follow-up, a total of 8937 death cases were documented. After adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and other dietary factors, participants who consumed mushrooms and algae at least once per week had a lower risk of all-cause mortality than rare consumers (0–1 time per year) (HR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80–0.93). Compared to participants with rare intake at both age 60 and the study baseline (average age of 87), those who maintained regular consumptions over time had the lowest hazard of mortality (HR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76–0.98). Our findings supported the potential beneficial role of long-term consumption of mushrooms and algae in reducing all-cause mortality among older adults. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the health benefit for longevity of specific types of mushrooms and algae.

Algae as Food in Europe: An Overview of Species Diversity and Their Application

Algae have been consumed for millennia in several parts of the world as food, food supplements, and additives, due to their unique organoleptic properties and nutritional and health benefits. Algae are sustainable sources of proteins, minerals, and fiber, with well-balanced essential amino acids, pigments, and fatty acids, among other relevant metabolites for human nutrition. This review covers the historical consumption of algae in Europe, developments in the current European market, challenges when introducing new species to the market, bottlenecks in production technology, consumer acceptance, and legislation. The current algae species that are consumed and commercialized in Europe were investigated, according to their status under the European Union (EU) Novel Food legislation, along with the market perspectives in terms of the current research and development initiatives, while evaluating the interest and potential in the European market. The regular consumption of more than 150 algae species was identified, of which only 20% are approved under the EU Novel Food legislation, which demonstrates that the current legislation is not broad enough and requires an urgent update. Finally, the potential of the European algae market growth was indicated by the analysis of the trends in research, technological advances, and market initiatives to promote algae commercialization and consumption.

Distribution and feeding ecology of sea stars in the Galápagos rocky subtidal zone

Sea stars (class Asteroidea) can play powerful and wide-ranging roles as consumers of algae and other prey in benthic ecosystems worldwide. In the Galápagos rocky subtidal zone, sea stars are abundant and diverse, but their distribution, feeding habits and ecological impacts have received little attention. We compared diets and distributions of the six most abundant sea star species to examine their functional roles. Bi-annual censuses carried out between 2006 and 2014 at two depths (6–8 m, 12–15 m) at 12 sites in Galápagos identified two abundance “hotspots” and revealed higher densities at locations with more heterogeneous benthic topographies. Field surveys showed a high incidence of feeding (35–68% of individuals across species) and distinct diets were evident for each species in terms of food items and dietary breadth, suggesting niche partitioning. Most species can be classified as facultative herbivores, with diets dominated by crustose and turf algae supplemented by a small proportion of sessile invertebrates. The two most abundant species, Pentaceraster cumingi and Nidorellia armata, had the narrowest diets. Field prey selectivity experiments identified P. cumingi as a size-selective predator of small pencil urchins Eucidaris galapagensis. In field caging experiments, N. armata reduced biomass of unbleached crustose coralline algae by 72%. In the context of emerging threats such as disease, ocean acidification and climate change, a deeper understanding of the distinct functional roles of sea stars can inform ecological models and management plans.

Lack of evidence for indirect effects from stonefly predators on primary production under future climate warming scenarios

ABSTRACT Consumptive and non-consumptive interactions of predators and prey can have strong direct and indirect effects on primary producers, such as stream algae. Increasing water temperatures may alter these interactions and thus influence productivity in streams. For each of 3 temperature treatments (‘ambient’, +2°C and +4°C), we measured the amount of algal biomass removed by grazing mayflies from 91 mesocosms after a 24-hour test period under 3 grazing treatments: lethal predators, non-lethal predators, and no predators. At all temperatures, grazers reduced algal biomass (p < 0.01), and the presence of lethal predators effectively dampened mayfly consumption of algae (p < 0.01). However, differences in algal biomass between lethal and non-lethal predator treatments were not significant, indicating that predators had no indirect behaviorally mediated effects on grazer consumption. Grazer removal of algal biomass marginally increased with increasing temperature (p = 0.051). We analyzed video data for changes in grazer foraging and drift behavior. Mayflies increased drift in the presence of lethal predators (p < 0.01) but not non-lethal predators, and no behavioral changes were seen with temperature increases. Mesocosms can help elucidate possible future shifts in trophic interactions due to climate warming. Yet, we found no evidence of indirect stonefly predator effects on grazing mayflies under these warming scenarios.

High-intensity interval training along with spirulina algae consumption and caloric restriction ameliorated the Nrf1/Tfam/Mgmt and ATP5A1 pathway in the heart tissue of obese rats.

Nrf1/Tfam/MGMT and ATP5A1 might be a pivotal network in cardiovascular disease-inducing obesity. Therefore, we evaluated eight weeks of exercise, caloric restriction, and spirulina algae consumption on the heart in obese rats. In this study, obese rats were compared with a healthy group. First, we induced obese rats with a 60%-high-fat diet. Then, after eight weeks, obese rats were randomly divided into eight groups: obese rats without treatment (HFD), obese rats treated with spirulina algae (HFD-SA), obese rats conducted exercise (HFD-EX), obese rats treated with spirulina algae and exercise (HFD-SA+EX), obese rats treated with caloric restriction (HFD-CR), obese rats treated with caloric restriction and exercise (HFD-CR+EX), obese rats treated with spirulina algae and caloric restriction (HFD-SA+CR), and obese rats treated with SA+CR+EX (HFD-SA+CR+EX). Also, the exercise protocol was performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week at an intensity of 80%-110% of maximum running speed. The spirulina algae were consumed by gavage (100mg/kg/day), and caloric restriction used 60% of the food consumed. We found that SA+CR+EX significantly modified the Nrf1/Tfam/MGMT and ATP5A1 network in cardiovascular disease-inducing obesity rats (p<.01). Moreover, we predicted SA could be bound to Tfam and MGMT protein targets. Hence, exercise, caloric restriction, and spirulina algae had a synergistic effect on mitochondrial biogenesis in the heart tissue of obese rats (p<.01). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: According to artificial intelligence and medical biology servers, we discovered that mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress are dominant phenomena in the cardiovascular system. Nrf1/Tfam/MGMT and ATP5A1, as pivotal regulators of oxidative stress, could play an utmost important role in the cardiovascular disease-inducing obesity molecular pathway. Furthermore, several studies have indicated that environmental factors such as the western diet and physical inactivity disrupted the mitochondrial dynamic, which led to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). We predicted the binding power of the Spirulina's small molecules on Tfam and Mgmt proteins based on drug-discovery technology and pharmacokinetic parameters. Considering oxidative stress and mitochondrial machinery related to the action of some molecular pathways, mitochondria-related nuclear-encoded proteins, and ROS, this study evaluated the high-intensity interval training, caloric restriction, and spirulina consumption on heart mitochondrial biogenesis in obese rats. Our data might provide a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease-inducing obesity.

Effects of in vivo exposures to nanoparticles (Al&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;, CuO, TiO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) on the activities of ATPases in the gill and muscle of freshwater mussel (Unio tigridis)

Mussels are effective bioindicator organisms for aquatic environments. Therefore, they were often used to determine the effects of various xenobiotics in the aquatic systems. There is no study to our knowledge on the in vivo effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on the activities of ATPases in freshwater mussels (Unio tigridis). This work demonstrates the effects of Al$_{2}$O$_{3}$, CuO, and TiO$_{2}$ NPs on Na- ATPase, Ca-ATPase, and Mg-ATPase activities in the gill and muscle of mussels following 14-day exposures to different concentrations of NPs (0, 1, 3, 9 mg/L). Mussels were fed with laboratory cultured algae (Chlorella vulgaris) during the exposures. There was no ouabainsensitive ATPase activity in the tissues of U. tigridis. The activities of Na-ATPase and Ca-ATPase in the gill decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while Mg-ATPase activity increased. However, the activities of all ATPases decreased significantly after NP exposures in the muscle. There were more significant alterations in the gill compared to the alterations in the muscle. The order of NP effects was determined as TiO$_{2}$ > CuO > Al$_{2}$O$_{3}$. There was no significant alteration in algae consumption between control and NP-exposed mussels. The present study reporting the first data on the effects of NPs in U. tigridis demonstrated the sensitivity of mussel physiology towards NP exposures, suggesting further studies to understand better the physiological response of mussels.

Dietary composition and fatty acid content of giant salmonflies ( Pteronarcys californica ) in two Rocky Mountain rivers

AbstractMany aquatic invertebrates are declining or facing extinction from stressors that compromise physiology, resource consumption, reproduction, and phenology. However, the influence of these common stressors specifically on consumer–resource interactions for aquatic invertebrate consumers is only beginning to be understood. We conducted a field study to investigate Pteronarcys californica (i.e., the “giant salmonfly”), a large‐bodied insect that is ecologically and culturally significant to rivers throughout the western United States. We sampled gut contents and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of salmonflies to compare resource consumption across river (Madison or Gallatin, Montana), sex (male or female), and habitat (rock or woody debris). We found that allochthonous detritus comprised the majority of salmonfly diets in the Gallatin and Madison Rivers, making up 68% of the gut contents on average, followed by amorphous detritus, diatoms, and filamentous algae. Diets showed little variation across river, sex, or length. Minor differences in diets were detected by habitat type, with a higher proportion of diatoms in the diets of salmonflies collected from rocky habitat compared to woody debris. Fatty acid composition generally supported the results of gut content analysis but highlighted the importance of primary producers. The presence of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) and alpha linolenic acid (18:3n‐3) indicated consumption of diatoms and filamentous green algae, respectively. Our research underscores the importance of a healthy riparian zone that provides allochthonous detritus for invertebrate nutrition as well as the role of algae as an important source of fatty acids.

Contributions of the periphyton to the growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings on different fixation substrates: an ecological approach

Knowing about the ecological aspects involved in the commercial breeding of aquatic organisms becomes an important tool to make aquaculture more productive and less impactful. Thus, periphyton taxon composition and biomass on different substrates and the influence of these on water quality and growth parameters of Nile tilapia fingerlings were examined. An experiment with three treatments (substrates for growth of periphyton: geomembrane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and bamboo) and a control (without substrate), each with five replicates, was conducted in a greenhouse with controlled aeration and temperature. Each mesocosm was populated with ten tilapia fingerlings with an average weight of 2.3 g for 30 days. Water quality parameters were not significantly different among treatments but remained within that established by the environmental legislation. In all treatments, 36 periphyton taxa were observed. The bamboo substrate was the most diverse, which could be attributed to the fact it was a natural substrate. Regarding fish growth, there was a significant difference among the treatments, with the PET treatment having a higher condition factor (kn). The bamboo substrate was good for colonization concerning alga diversity; however, fish in the PET treatment and control exhibited higher performance and algae consumption values, respectively.

East-Greenland traditional nutrition: a reanalysis of the Høygaard et al. nutritional data (1936-1937).

Greenlandic traditional nutrition was unique in the arctic environment. The aim of the present study was to reanalyse the Høygaard et al. data, focusing on two micronutrients object of discussion, i.e. Ca and vitamin C. Høygaard et al. left Copenhagen in August 1936 and stayed in East-Greenland until August 1937. The members of the expedition recorded nutritional intake whilst residing in families. However, the nutritional intake was analysed on a household level. In total, thirty-five adults and fourty-one children participated. Median total energy expenditure in kcal per d was estimated at 2978 and 2627 for male and female adults, respectively, and 1997 for children and adolescents. Median (IQR) energy consumption in kcal per d was 3881 (1568) for male and 2910 (882) for female adults. This was 2442 (857) and 2023 (1122) for male and female children and adolescents. Median (IQR) Ca intake in mg.d-1 was 555 (1110) for male and 484 (883) for female adults. This was 458 (747) and 358 (838) for male and female children and adolescents. Median (IQR) vitamin C intake in mg.d-1 was 79 (77) for male and 59 (56) for female adults. This was 44 (47) and 60 (52) for male and female children and adolescents. In this study, the importance of traditional foods in reaching an acceptable energy balance was emphasised, together with the confirmation of a low Ca intake in East-Greenland traditional dietary pattern, and the important role of algae consumption in Inuit traditional dietary pattern to avoid scurvy.