<i>Ulva lactuca</i> as Alternative Ferromagcalciforte Sustenance

Abstract

Functional foods containing minerals, nutrients, as well as other active ingredients are essential to support physiological functions. The Chlorophyta macroalga Ulva lactuca (“sea lettuce”) is a popular natural food source due to its abundance in intertidal zones across Indonesia. To further examine its efficacy to the human physiology, analysis of proximate composition (carbohydrate, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash, and moisture content), macronutrient (Na, P, Ca, K, and Mg), micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, and Cr), heavy metal (Pb, Hg, and Cd), and fatty acid contents need to be done. Results showed that the highest composition of macromolecules is carbohydrates. Macronutrients and micronutrients with the highest values are Mg and Fe, respectively, with Ca also showing a high concentration. Pb and Hg contents are considered safe, but the Cd content exceeds the safety limit regulated by BPOM 2008. The fatty acids contained include methyl octadecenoate and the unsaturated fatty acid linolelaidic methyl ester. Mg, Ca, and Fe have important roles in the body’s systems, i.e., metabolic processes, growth and development, and enzyme activation. The presence of these elements suggests U. lactuca’s potential in maintaining the body’s physiological functions; however, the relatively high content of Cd must be noted.