Dried Green and Purple Lavers (Nori) Contain Substantial Amounts of Biologically Active Vitamin B₁₂ but Less of Dietary Iodine Relative to Other Edible Seaweeds

Abstract

Vitamin B(12) concentrations of dried green (Enteromorpha sp.) and purple (Porphyra sp.) lavers (nori) were determined by both Lactobacillus leichmannii ATCC 7830 microbiological and intrinsic factor chemiluminescence methods. The values determined by using the microbiological method (63.58 +/- 2.90 and 32.26 +/- 1.61 microg/100 g of dry weight) were identical to those found by using the chemiluminescence method (69.20 +/- 2.21 and 25.07 +/- 0.54 microg/100 g of dry weight) in both dried green and purple lavers, respectively. A silica gel 60 thin-layer chromatography of both laver extracts shows that non-coenzyme forms (hydroxo and cyano forms) of vitamin B(12) predominate in both dried lavers. The dried lavers contained lesser amounts of dietary iodine ( approximately 4-6 mg/100 g of dry weight) relative to other seaweeds, suggesting that excessive intake of the dried lavers is unlikely to result in harmful intake of dietary iodine. These results indicate that the dried lavers (nori) are the most excellent source of vitamin B(12) among edible seaweeds, especially for strict vegetarians.

Composition, nutritional aspects and effect on serum parameters of marine algae Ulva rigida

“…These results are similar to those obtained by MacArtain et al 17 Ulva was also found to be a good source of B vitamins, richer than Wakame or Kombu in vitamin B 1 and B 2 . 22 It may also be an essential source of vitamin B 12 , especially for strict vegetarians, 23 who are commonly deficient in this vitamin, although the bioavailability of this vitamin is questionable for some investigators 24 but not for others. 25 However, B 6 and B 3 contents were very low.…”

Characterization and Bioavailability of Vitamin B12-Compounds from Edible Algae.

“…Edible algae are known to be rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber (14). The B12 in various edi ble algae was assayed by IF-based competitive inhibition methods and/or the microbiological method using L. delbrueckii ATCC7830 (14)(15)(16) (Table 1). Although dried green (Enteromorpha sp.)…”

Marine Algae as a Source of Prevention and Relief in Those With Depression and Dementia

“…Dried green and purple laver have been the most popular selections of edible seaweed and also contain high amounts of vitamin B 12 . [33,34] Vitamin B 12 is most commonly found in animal sources and therefore are more difficult to obtain with lower meat consumption. [33] Surveys conducted by NHANES indicated a peak in meat consumption from ages 20-49 and a decrease in meat consumption in older age.…”