Chemical-bromatological characterization of the red alga Chondracanthus teedei typical of the of sicilian coasts (Maùru)

The present investigation shows the results of the analyses carried out on the red macroalga Chondracanthus tedeei, widespread in a restricted area of eastern Sicily, where it is known by the dialect name of “Màuru”. The data obtained show a chemical composition completely analogous to that highlighted in a previous research, that is, a high carbohydrate content (41.11% DM), a high protein content (37.57% DM), good nutritional value for a good ratio between essential and non-essential amino acids, a prevalence of sodium and potassium among the mineral macroelements, in the optimal ratio of 1.03, and iodine (1395 mg/Kg) among the microelements. The lipid fraction, poorly represented (1.70% DM), shows a composition in fatty acids completely comparable to the red algae belonging to the genus Asparagopsis. In particular, a prevalence of saturated C14 (2.98% DM) and C16 (3.54% DM) and unsaturated C18:2 (6.92% DM) is highlighted; a prevalence of polyunsaturated (48.20% DM) compared to saturated (24.15% DM) and monounsaturated (17.83% DM); saturated fatty acids represent only 37% of the total unsaturated fatty acids. The red alga Chondracanthus teedei present along the coasts of eastern Sicily, has chemical-bromatological characteristics that make it particularly suitable for zootechnical use, representing a food with good nutritional value, from both an energy and protein point of view, and an ingredient with antimethanogenic action. For these reasons, it would be desirable not only to maintain its presence through the improvement of the environmental ecosystem and to increase it through appropriate repopulation interventions, but also to characterize its carbohydrate fraction and bioactive compounds, mainly implicated in the antimethanogenic function.