| Title: | Nutritional quality and safety of the spirulina dietary supplements sold on the Slovenian market |
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| Authors: | ID Masten, Jasmina, IJS (Author)
ID Jagodic Hudobivnik, Marta, IJS (Author)
ID Nečemer, Marijan, IJS (Author)
ID Vogel-Mikuš, Katarina, BF Uni Lj (Author)
ID Arčon, Iztok, UNG (Author)
ID Ogrinc, Nives, IJS (Author) |
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| Files: |
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| Language: | English |
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| Work type: | Not categorized |
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| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
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| Organization: | UNG - University of Nova Gorica
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| Abstract: | The microalgae Spirulina may be a popular dietary supplement rich in essential nutrients
and vitamins, but oversight of the supplement industry, in general, remains limited, and increasing
incidents of adulteration, misbranding, and undeclared ingredients together with misleading claims
create potential risks. In response, this study characterized the elemental, amino acid and fatty acid
content of commercially available Spirulina supplements in Slovenia using EDXRF, ICP-MS and
GC-MS and compared the results with their nutritional declaration. The gathered data confirm that
Spirulina supplements are a good source of calcium (0.15 to 29.5% of RDA), phosphorous (3.36–26.7%
of RDA), potassium (0.5 to 7.69% of RDA) and selenium (0.01 to 38.6% of RDA) when consumed
within recommended amounts. However, although iron contents were relatively high (7.64 to 316%
of RDA), the actual bioavailability of iron was much lower since it was mainly present as the ferric
cation. This study also confirms that pure Spirulina supplements are a good source of essential
and non-essential amino acids, and !-6 but not !-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The presence of
additives resulted in significant variation in nutrient content and, in some instances, lower product
quality. Moreover, a high proportion (86.7%) of inappropriate declarations regarding the elemental
content was observed. Overall, the study conclusions underline the need for a stricter control system
for Spirulina-based supplements. |
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| Keywords: | Spirulina, microalgae, cyanobacteria, elements, toxic elements, amino acids, fatty acids, authenticity, safety, quality |
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| Year of publishing: | 2022 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 849-1 |
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| Numbering: | Vol. 11, no. 6 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/RUNG-7242 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 101750275 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2304-8158 |
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| DOI: | 10.3390/foods11060849 |
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| NUK URN: | URN:SI:UNG:REP:VZFEROBM |
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| Publication date in RUNG: | 24.03.2022 |
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| Views: | 2451 |
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| Downloads: | 0 |
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