Marine pigments are ‘valuable source’ of bioactives: Study
The review, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, suggests that natural pigments derived from marine algae could provide a source of bioactive ingredients to be in the production of novel functional foods, and may provide a good approach for the treatment or prevention of chronic diseases.
The authors said that among marine organisms, marine algae “are still identified as an under-exploited plant resource.”
“Recently, much attention has been paid by the consumers toward natural bioactive compounds as functional ingredients in foods, and hence, it can be suggested that, natural pigments are an alternative source for synthetic ingredients that can contribute to consumer’s well-being, by being a part of new functional foods and pharmaceuticals,” said the authors, led by Se-Kwon Kim from Pukyong National University, Republic of Korea.
Marine ingredients
The marine environment has always been known as an important source of ingredients such as omega-3 fish oils, but recently industry has moved towards realizing that the oceans have much more to offer.
Speaking with NutraIngredients at the recent Vitafoods Europe show, Dr Jon Williams, business development manager of Scottish marine ingredients company Aquapharm said that the oceans may be hiding a bounty of untapped natural ingredients that have potential for use in foods and supplements.
“In five to ten years time, I think we will really see a real growth of marine derived ingredients in the food environment,” said Williams.
The authors of the review echoed such views, noting that the wide diversity of marine organisms “is being recognized as rich sources of functional materials, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), polysaccharides, natural pigments, essential minerals, vitamins, enzymes and bioactive peptides.”
Natural potential
The review emphasizes the potential health benefits of natural pigments from marine algae sources, with the researchers noting that the importance of marine algae as sources of functional ingredients “has been well recognized due to their valuable health beneficial effects.”
“Among functional ingredients identified from marine algae, natural pigments have received particular attention … These natural pigments exhibit various beneficial biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-angiogenic and neuroprotective activities,” they said.
“The wide ranges of biological activities associated with marine algae-derived natural pigments have potential to expand its health beneficial value in food,” said Kim and colleagues.
Source: Journal of Functional Foods
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2011.07.001
“Biological activities and health benefit effects of natural pigments derived from marine algae”
Authors: R. Pangestuti, S-K Kim
