Seaweed extracts as potential functional ingredients in yogurt
abstract
Yogurt was manufactured containing extracts (0.25% and 0.5% (w/w)) prepared from Ascophyllum nodosum
(100% H2O (AN100), 80% ethanol:20% H2O (AN80e)) and Fucus vesiculosus (60% ethanol:40% H2O (FV60e)). Yogurt
composition, shelf-life parameters, stability and bioactivity of seaweed extracts in yogurt was examined over
28 days. Yellowness ‘b*’ was higher (P b 0.05) in yogurts containing FV60e and AN80e. Yogurts containing AN80e
(0.5%) and FV60e (0.5%) had lower (P b 0.05) levels of lipid oxidation. The pH, microbiology and whey separation
in yogurt were unaffected by seaweed extract addition. Yogurt modulus was higher in control yogurts. Control
and AN100 (0.25% and 0.5%) yogurtsweremost accepted by sensory panellists.Antioxidant activity (DPPH) of seaweed
extracts in yogurt was stable as a function of storage time. Yogurt and digestates did not affect the antioxidant
status (CAT, SOD and GSH assays) or protect against H2O2-induced DNA damage in Caco-2 cells.
Industrial relevance: The research work and results presented in this manuscript are of high industrial
importance.
Yogurt and related products are some of the most commonly manufactured and consumed food productsworldwide.
In recent years yogurt and other dairy products have been used as carriers for functional bioactive food ingredients,
or nutraceuticals. Seaweeds contain a range of bioactive compoundswith reported health benefits and
represent a potentially exploitable source of functional ingredients for the dairy industry. Thismanuscript demonstrates
that extracts fromAscophyllumnodosum can be incorporated successfully into a fermented dairy product
such as yogurt.