Background: Information on the contents of both vitamin B and folate in edible
seaweeds is limited, of which deficiencies disrupt methionine biosynthesis to
accumulate homocysteine as a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: Both vitamins were determined in commercially available edible seaweed products using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Results: Dried purple laver (Neopyropia yezoensis) products contain higher levels of vitamin
B (approximately 30–60 g/100 g dry weight) and folate
compounds (approximately 880–1300 g/100 g dry weight) than other
seaweed products, such as kombu (Saccharina japonica), hijiki
(Sargassum fusiformis), and wakame (Undaria
pinnatifida). 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was the major folate compound in purple laver products. 5-formyltetrahydrofolate was found at a moderate level, whereas tetrahydrofolate, 5,10-metenyltetrahydrofolate, 10-formyltetrahydrofolate, and folic acid were found to be minor folate compounds.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that
dried purple laver (nori) products are suitable sources of vitamin B and
folate compounds for humans, especially vegetarians.