Contact
Rósa Jónsdóttir
Research Group Leader
rosa.jonsdottir@matis.is
Gold in the fists of Ægis / Antioxidants from Icelandic marine sources
The purpose of this project was to screen for anti-corrosive substances from Icelandic seafood such as algae, capelin and sagebrush, to be used as a food additive, target food or as a dietary supplement. Particular attention was paid to the possible use of polyphenols from algae as natural antioxidants to prevent the development of fish products and fish muscle proteins (isolates). This was done by screening for antioxidant activity with several types of antioxidant tests. The most promising antioxidant was chosen to better study its antioxidant properties in food models, i.e. washed cod muscle system, cod protein system and in fish burgers. The results showed, among other things, that polyphenols from the seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) have high antioxidant properties and are promising for use as a dietary supplement or in food to promote greater stability, taste and nutritional value.
The aim of this project was to explore the natural antioxidant activity of marine sources like seaweed, capelin and cod spleen to use as food additives, functional ingredients or nutritional supplements. The potential application of algal polyphenols as novel natural antioxidants to prevent lipid oxidation of fish muscle and fish protein based products was of special interest. This was done by screening for antioxidant activity using different types of antioxidant assays. The most promising antioxidants were selected and their antioxidant properties studied further in fish model systems and fish patties. The results showed that phlorotannins isolated from bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) had very high antioxidant properties and has a potential as nutritional supplements or food additive to enhance oxidative stability, flavor quality and nutritional value.