Algae Feeding in Humans

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Abstract
Human feeding of algae was studied in volunteers by adding algae as a supplement to the diet in amounts varying from 10 to 500 gm per man per day. Although the bitter, strong, spinach-like flavor predominated in all foods supplemented with algae, the most acceptable preparations were cookies, chocolate cake, gingerbread, and cold milk. Amounts up to 100 gm per man daily were tolerated by all. When larger amounts were added, gastrointestinal symptoms were more prominent. These included nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, flatulence, lower abdominal cramping pains, and bulky hard stools. No other evidence of toxicity was found and the gastrointestinal symptoms disappeared shortly after the algae was discontinued. It was concluded that algae in this form (heat treated, dried algae) can be tolerated as a food supplement but further processing will be necessary if algae it to be useful as a major food source. Methods to improve both acceptability and digestibility are needed.

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