Seaweed as Micronutrients Ingredient for Food Supplement

Abstract

In some part of Indonesia seaweed has been used as vegetables dish. The most important component of seaweed isiodine and iron. Gracillariasp is one species of seaweed that can be used as a source of the mikronutrients such as iron, iodine and calcium. Iron Deficiency Anemia and Iodine Deficiency Disorder can cause several diseases also known low haemoglobin level and iodine level in the blood. This preparation of Gracillariasp could supplement micronutrients in the diet. This study was to develop appropriate local technology of Gracillariaspcontainedas an ingredient in the making of food supplement for imorovement of micronutrients intake.The experimental study uses optimum formulated comosition from seaweed.Based on the practical in the area (Bali), the formula of seaweed compose of seaweed of Gracillaria with additional of 20 % salty fish extract, 5 % dextrin. The seaweeds contains high of carbohydrate, iodine, calcium and iron but low in protein and lipid. Appropriate technology of dried seaweed supplement could be prepared at home. Theseseaweed supplements could be advocated in rural arealevel or posyandufor combating under nutrition status of the children.The formula of direct seaweed inclusion inthe supplement is preferred due to green colour and acceptable taste compared to dried seaweed. The serving sice of 25 g of this product could be cover children's need about 23 % in iodine, 100 % in iron and 22-35 % in calcium.