Seaweed as an Important Functional Ingredient and Alimentary Raw Material for Enriching the Diet of the Population in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation (Review)

The paper analysed scientific literature on seaweed as an additional source of nutrients and biologically active compounds. The studies demonstratе that brown algae are promising raw materials for human nutrition. Algae contain 7 amino acids essential for adults, as well as monoiodotyrosine and diiodotyrosine, which induce a hormone-like effect of algae proteins on the human body. Brown algae fats are represented by both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, which allows us to assume that algae can become an alternative source of essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, having a positive effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as on the cognitive development of children. It should be emphasized that brown algae are a source of fucosterol, which has hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumour and antidiabetic effects. Algae carbohydrates include polysaccharides unique in their chemical structure and biological activity: alginates, having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties; fucoidans, producing antibacterial, antioxidant and antitumour effects; and laminarins, exerting immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumour and antibacterial effects. Polyphenols contained in algae are not found in terrestrial plants. Algae are a source of iodine and other minerals as well as vitamins. Currently, algae are being used in human diets in a number of countries. However, there are certain problems that require further research, such as the possible side-effects of excessive consumption of seaweed, its daily intake recommendations, and bioavailability of nutrients after seaweed handling and processing. In general, it can be concluded that seaweed may well become an important functional ingredient and alimentary raw material for enriching the diet of the population in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.