Carotenoids In Algae

Properties of Carotenoids

• Carotenoids are similar in structure and function to chlorophyll. They are compounds that are composed of a carbon backbone chain of approximately 40 carbons, more or less depending on the type of carotenoid. Chemically, most carotenoids, such as the allenic variety, display optical isomerism. This property refers to their effect on plane polarized light. Optical isomerism allows carotenoids to screen out all of the light vibrations except for those in one plane, producing polarized light. This unique function is what allows them to gather and store the sun's energy efficiently.

Function of Carotenoids in Algae

• Carotenoids are nutritional elements known as phytonutrients, a designation that is based on their function to gather and store energy from the sun and turn it into food for the plant. Like chlorophyll, the other light-gathering molecule of the plant, they are located inside the cells of plants and algae. In order to fully capture as much light as possible from the entire spectrum, carotenoids are pigmented various colors, such as orange, yellow and red. It is the pigment that gives the various forms of algae their distinct colors, such as green, blue-green, golden brown and red. Algae rely on the sun's light for all of its energy. Without carotenoids and chlorophyll, it would not be able to use the sun as a food source.

Types of Carotenoids found in Algae

• While the list of carotenoids found in algae is long, there are some that are more commonly found than others. The common carotenoids include monocyclic glycosides, dicyclic xanthophylls, 4-keto, allenes, acetates, acetylenic, 8-keto, 5,6-diol and C37-skeletol. The carotenoid peridinin is the quintessential C37-skeletal carotenoid. Carotenoids are typically accompanied by pigments, such as fucoxanthin in brown algae and fire algae, and the other phytonutrient converters, chlorophyll and xanthophyll.

Health Benefits of Carotenoids

• While it has always been known that vegetables are good for you, it is now becoming scientifically understood that phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, are especially beneficial to a healthy body. Carotenoids are antioxidants, nutrients that help detoxify the body, keeping disease and the signs of aging at bay. The volume Carotenoids: Nutrition and Health, is a collection of published journal articles that detail the studies that have been done on this class of molecules and their effect on human health. In particular, research has revealed that carotenoids and other antioxidants, especially those found in algae and fresh vegetables, can lower the risks for heart disease and certain types of cancer. In 2000, an article entitled "Carotenoids and Colon Cancer" by M. L. Slattery was published in the American Journal of Nutrition. The study revealed that incorporating foods rich in carotenoids into your diet can help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. The risk of breast cancer has also been shown to be reduced by a diet rich in natural carotenoids, as was reported in a 2001 study by P. Toniolo et al., entitled "Serum Carotenoids and Breast Cancer," published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Carotenoids work by enhancing the immune system, which protects the body from disease and promotes overall wellness. The health benefits of carotenoids and their heavy concentration in algae has made edible algae a popular superfood.