Fucoxanthin: Japanese findings

Fucoxanthin is an active carotenoid present in brown algae and in the cited study four edible types were cultivated in deep seawater. Because of the potential commercial implications, the group noted the advantages to deep sea projects: 1) the organisms are free of pathogens and pollution 2) there is an untapped abundance of nutrient rich minerals 3) the low temperature of the depths provide an excellent environment for aquaculture.

Seawater itself has become an industry. It is used for beverages, foods like miso (fermented soybean) tofu (bean curd), cosmetics, and dried fish. It is now a popular standard in the cultivation of seaweed for consumption.

The study points to the fact that not all methods of extracting fucoxanthin from brown algae are effective or efficient. Done incorrectly, there is a significant loss of the carotenoid. The four algae studied were: in Scytosiphon lomentaria (S), Petalonia binghamiae (P), Laminaria religiosa (L), and Undaria pinnatifida. Additionally, younger plants are higher in the pigment than older ones. Commercially dried U. pinnatifida had the same level of Fucoxanthin as when raw. The conclusion that the pigment is stable has extremely important indications for the pharmaceutical, neutroceutical, cosmetic, and other industries; given it may be mixed with organic ingredients, may be stored at ambient temperatures, and the drying process. However, pure fucoxanthin is effected by oxidation. Since the younger plants are higher in content of the component, it impacts harvest timing. Culturing algae for fucoxanthin production may be achieved through farms utilizing seawater: making it a year-round pursuit not seasonally dependant. Young algae may be stored until needed and then raised as needed.

Kelp is commercially viable as a rich source of fucoxanthin. Its growth is favorable to a lot of wave action where the water is stirred well and usually along the coast. The stillness of a bay makes fort unfavorable conditions, and a rare find there. North America's east coast production doesn't quite match the species numbers found in the west coast kelp forests. Fucoxanthin harvesters know kelp grows regularly not much further south than the area off Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and sometimes down to the area around New York's Long Island. Large kelp forests have been identified in cold regions such as Alaska, but also in vast quantities along the California coast.

Kelp has an extraordinary long life time for a marine organism: up to ten years., although growth is highly seasonal and dependant on the weather. The crop is effected by sunlight, nutrients, storms, and water temperature. By June of each year the kelp growth will resemble a land forest with its canopy blocking light. Come the Fall season and the winds on land influence the water and temperature, dropping the nourishment, and growth is impeded. Winter storms cause the plants to break loose from their holdfast and that is what most people see lying upon beaches following severe weather.

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