Nutritional composition of selected seaweeds

Seaweeds, particularly algae, are rich sources of biochemicals including proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These chemicals play essential roles in human well-being and are present in significant quantities in seaweed. Seaweeds, as primary producers, are capable of sequestering minerals and nutrients from seawater, which serve as precursors for the biosynthesis of complex biomolecules. The diverse chemical profile of seaweeds is likely a result of their unique and challenging environmental niche. This book chapter summarises some of the important chemicals produced by seaweeds that are relevant to human nutrition.