Micronutrients & recovery
Microalgae species with robust cell walls (e.g., Porphyridium, Phaeodactylum) exhibit significantly lower in vitro digestibility compared to species with simpler cell structures (e.g., Arthrospira, Chlorella vulgaris), limiting nutrient bioavailability.
If you are choosing a microalgae supplement, look for species known for high digestibility like Arthrospira (Spirulina) or Chlorella vulgaris. Species like Porphyridium or Phaeodactylum may have lower nutrient absorption due to tough cell walls. Processing methods (like breaking cell walls) can mitigate this, but raw biomass digestibility varies significantly by strain.
A. platensis, C. sorokiniana IAM-C212 and C. vulgaris showed the highest digestibility, while T. suecica, P. tricornutum, and P. purpureum were the least digestible, likely because of the presence of robust cell walls or of exopolysaccharides that might have limited the action of digestive enzymes.
Why this rating
Robust in vitro methodology with multiple strains and comparisons, but lacks in vivo human data.
Source
Microalgae of interest as food source: Biochemical composition and digestibility
Alberto Niccolai et al. · Algal Research · 2019
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