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Marine Macroalgae as Sources of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

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Abstract

Algae from cold water (Canada) and warm water (China) were analysed for the total lipid content, and for their fatty acid (FA) composition and content. The major findings are that fatty acids (FA) from Canadian algae are generally richer in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), with a higher n–3/n–6 FA ratio, and a higher degree of total unsaturation. The C 18:4 FA (stearidonic acid, morotic acid as synonym) was detected in greater amounts in cold water samples. The high levels of total PUFA, and especially of n–3 FA in Canadian algae, suggests possible utilization for nutritional purposes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Science and Drug Technology, School of Pharmacy, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Torino, Italy

    M. L. COLOMBO

  2. Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133, Milano, Italy

    P. RISÈ, F. GIAVARINI, L. DE ANGELIS, C. GALLI & C. L. BOLIS

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  1. M. L. COLOMBO
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  2. P. RISÈ
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  3. F. GIAVARINI
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  4. L. DE ANGELIS
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  5. C. GALLI
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  6. C. L. BOLIS
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Correspondence to M. L. COLOMBO.

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COLOMBO, M.L., RISÈ, P., GIAVARINI, F. et al. Marine Macroalgae as Sources of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 61, 64–69 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-006-0015-7

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