The chemical composition, that is crude proteins, fats, carbohydrates, cellulose, ashes, minerals and nucleic acids were determined in two commercially available marine algae: Laminaria japonica and Undaria pinnatifida. The energetic value and energetic share of proteins, fats and carbohydrates were calculated. The results were discussed in terms of importance of marine algae in human diet.

Crude proteins and their amino acid composition, fats, carbohydrates, cellulose, ashes, nucleic acids and minerals were determined in two edible and commercially available brown marine algae (Phaeophyceae), Arame (Eisenia bicyclis) and Hijiki (Hijikia fusiforme). The essential amino acid ratios for five key essential amino acids as well as the amino acid score based on the first limiting amino acid, Lys-Met-Cys score, Lys-Met-Cys-Trp score and Lys-Met-Cys-Trp-Thr score were calculated. The results have shown: rather high contents of proteins, containing all essential amino acids high amino acid ratios which are nearly as high as the value suggested by FAO/WHO/UNU pattern or higher the first limiting amino acid in both analysed algae is tryptophane very low contents of fats and nucleic acids high contents of cellulose and other carbohydrates large quantities of minerals and very low amounts of heavy metals. Keywoods: Arame, Hijiki, chemical composition, protein quality, amino acid scoring Eisenia bicyclis and Hijikia fusiforme, commercially named Arame and Hijiki, respectively, are marine macroalgae classified as brown algae or Phaeophyceae. In Japan and the Far East these marine algae are regulary utilised in human alimentation since ancient times, while in European countries their use is only occasional (LAHAYE, 1991). With the spreading of the so called alternative diet like macrobiotic way of nutrition, the edible marine algae although in small quantities are consumed daily.