Applications of micro- and macroalgae elements in the food and healthcare industries

Abstract

Algae are a great source of mineral salts, vitamins, proteins and trace metals necessary for human metabolism. Interest of introducing algae into human nutrition in western countries has increased in recent years. Humans can also consume algae indirectly because they are a source of different compounds used in the food industry such as agar, alginate, carrageenan, furcellaran, mannitol, pigments and fatty acids. These compounds are mainly utilized in the pharmaceutical and food industries with immense importance. In recent years, the application of algae extracts plays a major role as fertilizers in the enhancement of plant growth in agriculture industry. This review discusses the micro- and macroalgae applications in the industries for human and animal consumption, besides the use of algae extracts for the production of fertilizers.